In this Cocktails with Friends Hotline Edition, Bob Cutler offers one listener (Eric with a "c") guidance on expanding his home bar, suggesting essentials like vermouths, orange liqueurs, Italian red bitters, and Giffard liqueurs, as well as mixers like fresh citrus and syrups. He highlights the importance of choosing personal favorites and including versatile bottles like coffee liqueur for trendy cocktails like espresso martinis. With practical advice to keep the process manageable, Bob emphasizes that building a home bar should be fun and stress-free. .

EPISODE INDEX

• (2:25) Start with vermouths: dry for martinis and sweet for cocktails like Manhattans and Negronis. Buy smaller bottles to prevent spoilage.
• (3:35) Add orange liqueur (e.g., Cointreau, Grand Marnier) for margaritas and other cocktails.
• (3:58) Choose an Italian red bitter, such as Campari or Aperol, for Negronis and spritzes.
• (4:41) Include Giffard liqueurs for unique flavors like strawberry or rhubarb to add flair to classic cocktails.
• (6:13) Personalize the bar with ingredients for a favorite cocktail, such as absinthe for a Sazerac or Amaro Nonino for a paper plane.

KEY TOPICS

• Building a Versatile Home Bar – Essential spirits and liqueurs to create a variety of cocktails.
• Personalization – Adding unique ingredients for favorite or signature drinks.
• Practical Tips – Managing inventory, preventing waste, and experimenting with flavors.

INSIGHTS

• Building a home bar doesn’t require dozens of bottles—focus on versatile spirits, a few quality mixers, and personal favorites to start.
• Buying smaller quantities of ingredients like vermouth prevents spoilage and ensures freshness.
• Tools like fresh citrus and seasonal sweeteners like maple syrup can elevate simple cocktails into memorable drinks.