Essential Spirits for a Well-Balanced Liquor Cabinet

Liquor – also known as spirits – is a category of alcohol with many different varieties. These various spirits can be enjoyed in various ways, from straight-up shots to exotic cocktails.

Given the popularity of alcoholic beverages, it’s not uncommon for individuals to have a well-stocked liquor cabinet, even if they’re not frequent drinkers. Doing so ensures they always have options available to serve guests in any situation or for any occasion.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at seven essential spirits for a well-balanced liquor cabinet:

Vodka

A versatile liquor that can be used in several different types of cocktails, vodka is an essential spirit for a well-balanced liquor cabinet. Originating in Northwestern Europe, vodka comes in several varieties. In addition to being used in various flavored cocktails, vodka is also used for traditional martinis as well as served neat. In order to guarantee optimum flavor and quality, consider choosing a higher-end vodka label. With that said, you don’t need to go top-shelf; there are several mid-priced vodka labels with a reputation for excellence, including Smirnoff and Skyy.

Whiskey

An amber-colored spirit made from fermented grain, whiskey (also spelled whisky) comes in several varieties. Scotch is a special style of whiskey originating from Scotland, while bourbon is a variation of whiskey made primarily from corn. Generally speaking, whiskey’s aging process determines its flavor profile. With that said, those wondering can fine whiskey age in the bottle should know it can only be aged in a wooden barrel. That means the flavor of a bottle of fine whiskey remains the same regardless of age.

Gin

Renowned for its distinct juniper flavor, gin is a versatile spirit used in a variety of cocktails, including gin and tonic, gin and juice, gin fizzes, and gin martinis. In addition to juniper, modern gin varieties are often flavored with other botanical, herbal, and fruit flavors. The popularity and versatility of gin make it an essential spirit for a well-balanced liquor cabinet.

Rum

A caramel-flavored liquor made from fermented sugarcane molasses, rum is often used for tropical-themed cocktails such as daiquiris, pina coladas, mai tais, and rum punch. Popular brands of rum include Bacardi, Captain Morgan, and Malibu. These labels are affordably priced and available for sale everywhere spirits are sold.

Brandy

Made by distilling wine, brandy is a popular after-dinner digestif. That means it’s commonly consumed after meals in the belief it aids with digestion. While there’s little evidence to support this, brandy remains a widely-consumed liquor in a variety of settings, making it an essential spirit for a well-balanced liquor cabinet. Though most commonly consumed on its own, brandy can also be used in certain cocktails, including the Brandy Alexander and brandy sour.

Tequila

Made from the blue agave plant, tequila is a popular liquor used in a wide variety of cocktails, including margaritas, Palomas, and tequila sunrise. Tequila shots chased with lime is another popular way to consume this fruity and oftentimes spicy spirit. Affordable labels noted for their flavor include Jose Cuervo, Patron, and 1800.

Vermouth

An aromatized fortified wine flavored with various botanicals, including bark, flowers, roots, and seeds, vermouth plays a key role in several popular cocktails. The list of cocktails containing vermouth includes martinis, Manhattans, Negronis, and Rob Roys. Vermouth can also be consumed neat – usually over ice – though many people find the flavor profile a bit overpowering. Given its usage in so many different cocktails, vermouth is an essential spirit for a well-balanced liquor cabinet.

Wine

Though not a spirit, wine is a popular type of liquor for many different occasions, including dinner parties, dinner dates, celebrations, and simple moments of relaxation. With this in mind, consider always having a bottle or two of red and white wines in your liquor cabinet.

Many people – even those who don’t drink very often – find themselves putting together a collection of spirits in order to make them available to houseguests. Commonly referred to as a liquor cabinet, a well-balanced variety of spirits and liquors ensures you and your guests will always have plenty of options available.

Vivien Bell is a freelance writer from Maryland. She enjoys writing about education, family, home living, and pet care.