"You're probably thinking that caseload will cost more than the luxury tequila you've been eyeing - that hand-painted, brutalist sculpture with the hole in the center. Well, that does sound pricey, but as a mixologist with a taste for quality and brass tacks, let me assure you that you can stock your bar with all the major liquors (and a couple of workhorses) without staring down a big hole on your bank statement."
"As a bartender experienced in the craft of making cocktails and balancing flavors, I'm well-steeped in the liquor market. Having worked with major players and local legends, I understand the considerations that come with making a liquor purchase, but for this specific list, we're talking affordability. So, having mentioned brass tacks, here's what I mean when I say affordable. To me, affordability sits at the intersection of quality, versatility, and price point."
Stocking a versatile home bar can be affordable by prioritizing quality, versatility, and price. Choosing bottles in the $20–$30 range per 750 ml enables a well-rounded inventory for roughly $250. Most recommended spirits are widely available at local liquor stores, with one or two requiring extra effort to find. A mixologist perspective emphasizes balancing flavor, selecting major liquors plus a couple of reliable workhorses. Bourbon is presented as an essential American whiskey: smooth, sweet, and full-bodied, made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof.
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