What to put in your bar...

My cousin asked me this question last night, so here is my attempt to answer his query whilst undoubtedly butchering the written English language.

In order to properly answer this question you have to start with what kinda of bar do you want/have. Is it more of a liquor cabinet, or full on designated area? Are you going to be the one enjoying it the most? That is to say that you entertain rarely and you are the primary patron of your private pub? What you have in your bar depends on these certain distinctions.

The Personal Bar: This is your private stockpile of alcohol and assorted spirits, and as such you have a certain amount of freedom from Liquor Snobs and Hooch-Mooches. A Liquor Snob is that guy/girl that is never happy with what you offer them or what your selection might be. If you offer them a beer they only want some imported brew from the outer reaches of a space; that gets delivered via transporter beam every other leap year to random locations on earth and sometimes in anal cavities of wild Buffalo…Don’t get me started on vodka, whiskey or wine with these people either. Next up is the Hooch- Mooch; these people are at the opposite of the spectrum as far as alcohol consumption goes. They would drink milk from a drunken goat teat and try to tell you it tastes like a white Russian. They never bring shit with but they always leave shit faced. A Hooch-Mooch will drain your bar quicker than light beer turns to piss.
Now Your Personal Bar should have the alcohol that you like, not what is trendy or popular at that particular time. Beer is a must have, and I think you should have several different kinds on hand in order for your pallet to not become complacent. Lagers like Corona and Land shark are perfect for hot days or drinking in mass quantities. Heavier Beers like Acme Pale Ale and Dog fish Head are perfect for throwing your taste buds a tasty treat. Dark Beers like Abita Turbodog and Guinness are great during winter and when getting drunk is a slow ride not a race. Make sure you also check your area for local breweries; they often are off the beaten path but are usually worth the trek. I like whiskey so a steady supply of Jameson and ol’ Jack Daniels (in case of emergence pour in glass) is key for me. Vodka is great to have on hand because is a strong smooth shot and plays nicely with other mixes, Kettle One is my choice. Tequila is a tough one, if you like it, then spend the money on good tequila…not Joe Q. Find one that you have never heard of above a $40-50 dollar price range and you should be golden. I also have a taste for Sake, like vodka, it is an amazing shot and great to sip on…try Daishichi Kimoto. Ultimately for building your personal Bar, You have to just do the old fashion buy and try, Or become a Hooch-Mooch for awhile and try everything for free.

The Social Bar: This is a bar that gets a lot of use by friends, family, you, your significant, your roommate…your roommate’s walk of shame dates…Your roommate trying to get with your significant other… pretty much everyone and any scenario. First and only rule: Stock up on cheap booze…hide the good stuff. A couple of well spent bills can get you Rum, Gin, Tequila, Bailey's, Jagermeister, Bourbon, Southern Comfort, Grand Marnier, various Schnapps (sour apple pucker, butterscotch, peppermint, etc. ) Sweet & Dry Vermouth, Whisky, a few reds, a few whites, a blush, a port, sparkling wine add champagne, beer and a bottle of Tylenol for the road. Mix in some music, laughter at someone’s expense and ya got yourself a party chief!