Build Your Bar
From Scratch
You don't need 40 bottles to have a great home bar. You need the right 6–8. Here's exactly what to buy, in what order, and why — from your first bottle to a fully stocked setup.
Start Smart,
Build Gradually
The biggest mistake in building a home bar is buying too many bottles at once. Start with a strong foundation — three or four bottles that cover the most cocktails — then add from there as you discover what you actually drink.
Pick Your Spirit
Start with what you actually enjoy drinking. Love bourbon? Build a whiskey bar. Prefer tequila? Start there. The best bar is the one you'll actually use — not the one that looks complete on a shelf.
Add a Versatile Second
Gin or vodka as your second bottle covers almost every cocktail recipe. They work with citrus, soda, tonic, and most mixers — making them the most flexible spirits you can own.
Stock Your Mixers
Soda water, tonic, fresh lemons and limes, simple syrup, and bitters. These are cheap and make every cocktail dramatically better. Don't skip the fresh citrus.
Add Depth Over Time
Once your foundation is solid, start adding modifiers: sweet vermouth, Campari, an orange liqueur, a bottle of bubbles. Each new addition opens up dozens more cocktails.
Choose Your Level
Pick the tier that fits where you are right now. You can always build up — and our staff can help you shop any of these lists in one trip.
Starter Bar
Beginner- Bourbon or whiskey
- Vodka or gin
- Angostura bitters
- Simple syrup
- Soda water & tonic
- Fresh lemons & limes
Covers: Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, Gin & Tonic, Vodka Soda, and more. Everything you need for casual nights at home.
Well-Stocked Bar
Most Popular- Bourbon + rye whiskey
- Gin + vodka
- Tequila blanco
- Rum (white or dark)
- Sweet & dry vermouth
- Campari or Aperol
- Orange liqueur (triple sec)
- Bitters (2–3 varieties)
Covers nearly every classic cocktail. Negroni, Manhattan, Margarita, Daiquiri, Aperol Spritz, and dozens more.
Full Bar
Enthusiast- Everything in Well-Stocked
- Mezcal
- Scotch or Irish whiskey
- Cognac or brandy
- Amaro or herbal liqueur
- Champagne or Prosecco
- Flavored spirits & liqueurs
- Oregon craft spirits
A bar that impresses. Every guest can find something they love, and you can explore the full world of cocktails.
What You Actually Need
The bottles matter, but so does how you use them. These six tools cover 95% of cocktail recipes.
Cocktail Shaker
Essential for any shaken drink. A basic three-piece cobbler shaker works fine.
Jigger
Measuring is the difference between a good drink and a great one. Don't eyeball it.
Bar Spoon
For stirred cocktails (Negroni, Manhattan). Also good for layering drinks.
Strainer
A Hawthorne strainer keeps ice out of your finished drink. Pairs with the shaker.
Citrus Juicer
Fresh juice makes a dramatically better cocktail. A simple hand juicer is all you need.
Large Ice Tray
Big ice cubes melt slower and dilute less. Makes any drink look and taste better.
Oregon Craft Spirits — Worth Exploring
If you're building a bar, there's no better place to start than Oregon. Our state has an incredible craft distillery scene — gins, whiskeys, vodkas, and liqueurs made right here in the Pacific Northwest. Come in and let us walk you through what's local and what's worth having on your shelf. It's one of the things we love talking about.
Home Bar FAQ
What bottles do I need to stock a home bar?
Start with bourbon or whiskey, gin or vodka, tequila, and bitters. Add sweet vermouth and Campari when you're ready to expand. These cover the majority of classic cocktails.
How much does it cost to build a home bar?
A starter bar runs $100–$150 with 3–4 bottles and basic mixers. A well-stocked bar is $300–$450. A full enthusiast bar can reach $600–$900+. Start small and build up as you discover what you drink.
What's the first bottle I should buy for a home bar?
Buy what you actually drink. If you enjoy whiskey, start there. If you prefer tequila, begin with a good blanco. The best home bar is the one built around your actual taste — not someone else's checklist. Come in and we'll help you choose.
Can the staff at Clackamas Liquor help me build a home bar?
Absolutely — it's one of our favorite things to help with. Come in or call (503) 656-5186, tell us your budget and what you enjoy drinking, and we'll build a shopping list with you on the floor. Located at 16142 SE 82nd Drive, Clackamas, OR 97015. Open until 10pm Thursday through Saturday.
Come In and We'll Walk the Floor With You
Tell us your budget, what you drink, and how often you entertain. We'll put together the right shopping list so you leave with exactly what you need — nothing more, nothing less.