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Liquor
Your liquor stock really depends on what you plan to serve. Assuming that you will want to make the most common cocktails, this is a basic list. The liquor store would love to see you coming if you were to completely stock your bar. We suggest that you start with some basics and add to your stock as you experiment with different drinks. Brands are your choice and they depend on your taste and budget.

Bourbon 
Brandy 
Canadian Whiskey 
Gin 
Rum 
Scotch 
Tequila 
Vodka 
Whiskey
Amaretto 
Bailey's 
Creme de Cocoa 
Dark or Spiced Rum 
Grand Marnier 
Kahlua 
Peach Schnapps 
Dry Vermouth 
Sweet Vermouth 
Triple Sec 
Cordials (Galliano, Frangelico, Grand Marnier, Sambuca) 
Domestic or Imported Beer 
One 750-ml bottle of sparkling wine or champagne 
One 750-ml bottle of white wine 
Two 750-ml bottles of red wine

Mixers
Stocking mixers is like stocking your alcohol. It really depends on what you plan to serve. The list below will prepare you for most any cocktail. 

Ginger ale 
Lemon-lime soda 
Cola or diet-cola 
Tonic water 
Seltzer water or club soda 
Tomato juice 
Orange juice 
Pineapple juice 
Cranberry juice 
Grapefruit juice 
Lime juice 
Lemon juice 
Creme of Coconut
Sour mix can be powdered, bottled or in concentrate form.
Pina Colada mix can be made yourself with pineapple juice and a cream of coconut, such as Coco Lopez. Fresh juice is always preferred to concentrate.

Garnishes 
Use fresh fruit for your garnishes. Again, it depends on what you plan to make, but this will prepare you for most cocktails. You can use your imagination and add fresh fruits, candies, sprinkles, or even tiny umbrellas to give your own touch to your concoctions. 

Lemon and Lime wedges 
Oranges 
Celery 
Olives 
Maraschino Cherries
Cocktail Onions 
Whipped Cream 
Coarse Salt 
Super-fine sugar 
Powdered Chocolate 
Nutmeg and Cinnamon
Angostura bitters 
Worcestershire sauce 
Tabasco sauce

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Here's How:
1. Place some ice cubes in the container 
2. Add the cocktail ingredients 
3. Place lid on the shaker 
4. Use both hands. Put one on top of the shaker, and the other on the bottom. 
5. Shake hard for at least six counts. 
6. Strain the drink into the glass, leaving all ice behind.

Making Simple Syrup 
Here's an easy recipe for simple syrup used in many cocktails. 
Difficulty Level: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes 

Here's How: 
1. Put one cup of water in a small saucepan 
2. Add two cups of sugar 
3. Heat to a boil while stirring 
4. Reduce heat and continue to stir until the sugar dissolves 
5. Cool to room temperature 
6. Find a clean container that will hold at least a cup and a half 
7. Using a funnel, pour liquid into container 
8. Seal and store in refrigerator indefinitely 
9. Use whenever a recipe calls for simple sugar or simple syrup 
Tips: 
1. Combine with Bitters and swirl around empty glass first when preparing an Old Fashioned
2. To make larger quantities use the ratio of 2:1 for sugar and water

Here's an easy way to muddle ingredients for cocktails
such as an Old Fashioned or a Mint Julep. 
Difficulty Level: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes 

Here's How: 
1. Place ingredients into an old fashioned glass, small bowl or mixing glass 
2. If using the glass, wrap a towel around it, in case it breaks 
3. Using a wooden muddler or back of a spoon, crush ingredients against the sides and bottom 
4. Mix all ingredients well 
5. Prepare your cocktail 

Tips: 
1. A mortar and pestle may be used when making a lot of drinks 
2. Always use the freshest ingredients
3. Wood will not scratch your glass