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The six things that start a home bar

The cheapest honest start. Two spirits, two fresh things, sugar and soda — enough for real drinks on the first night rather than a shelf you are still building in a month.

Total cocktails possible

5 cocktails

from these 6 things, with nothing else on the shelf · 3 of 7 styles · 8 more are one ingredient away

Build my own shelf

The list

  1. Gin

    Start here if you like drinks sharp and aromatic. It carries more of these recipes than any other spirit.

    Unlocks here: Southside, Gimlet

  2. White rum

    The other half of the pair. Between gin and white rum you cover most of what a beginner wants to make.

    Unlocks here: Daiquiri, Mojito

  3. Limes

    The one fresh thing you cannot fake. Bottled lime juice makes a different, worse drink.

    Unlocks here: Daiquiri, Southside, Mojito, Gimlet, Virgin Mojito

  4. Sugar syrup

    Made, not bought. Sugar and hot water in equal parts — it is the sweet half of every sour here.

    Unlocks here: Daiquiri, Southside, Mojito, Gimlet, Virgin Mojito

  5. Fresh mint

    A supermarket bunch, and it turns two of these into three. Press it, do not shred it.

    Unlocks here: Southside, Mojito, Virgin Mojito

  6. Soda water

    Lengthens anything and costs almost nothing. It is also what makes the alcohol-free option work.

    Unlocks here: Mojito, Virgin Mojito

What is deliberately not here

A shortlist is only honest if it says what it left out and what that costs. These figures are worked out from the recipes, not guessed.

Who chose this

Charlie Tyler — Editor, Drinki
Compiled and checked against every recipe on the site.

Drinki’s own pick. Nobody has paid for a place on this list, no brand or bartender has endorsed it, and no specific products are recommended here.

Counts last checked .

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