Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. Over the past few years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me looking for fresh inspiration or a complete beginner eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the blog below, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also offer tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending.
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
What Alcohol Do You Need to Start a Home Bar in Australia
One of the most common questions I get is this:
“What should I actually buy to start making cocktails at home?”
And honestly, it’s where most people get it wrong.
They either:
- Buy way too much
- Buy the wrong bottles
- Or end up with things they use once and never touch again
If you’re building your home bar, you don’t need everything. You just need the right starting point.
This is exactly how I’d build it if I was starting again today.
Start Simple or You Will Waste Money
There’s a temptation to try and recreate a full bar setup straight away.
Don’t.
A good home bar is built over time. You want bottles that work across multiple cocktails, not niche ingredients that only work in one recipe.
If you keep it simple, you’ll:
- Spend less
- Learn faster
- Actually use what you buy
The Three Spirits You Should Start With
If you buy nothing else, start here.
Vodka
Vodka is one of the easiest spirits to work with because it’s clean and neutral.
It mixes well with almost anything and is used in a huge number of cocktails.
You’ll use it for drinks like:
- Espresso Martini
- Vodka Lemon
- Simple mixed drinks
If you’re new, vodka is one of the safest starting points.
Gin
Gin is where things start to get interesting.
It brings flavour, character, and complexity to your drinks. Once you start using gin, you’ll notice the difference straight away.
You’ll use it for:
- Negroni
- Gin and Tonic
- A lot of modern cocktails
If you’re enjoying drinks like a Negroni Sour or anything citrus driven, gin becomes essential.
Whiskey
Whiskey adds depth and warmth to your home bar.
It’s perfect for:
- Old Fashioneds
- Whiskey Sours
- Slower sipping cocktails
Even if you don’t think you’re a whiskey drinker, having one bottle opens up a completely different style of drink.
If You Want to Expand
Once you’ve got those three, then look at adding:
Rum
Tequila
These bring in more tropical and citrus driven cocktails, but they’re not essential on day one.
Where to Buy in Australia
Keep it simple when you’re starting out.
Dan Murphy’s and BWS are your easiest options. They’re accessible, reliable, and usually have a solid range across all price points.
You don’t need premium bottles straight away. Mid range is more than enough when you’re learning.
What About Expensive Bottles
You don’t need them.
This is one of the biggest myths in home bartending.
A well made cocktail using a mid range spirit will always beat a poorly made drink using an expensive one.
Focus on:
- Technique
- Balance
- Fresh ingredients
That’s where the real difference is.
The One Thing Most People Forget
It’s not just about the alcohol.
If you don’t have the right tools, even the best spirits won’t give you good results.
A proper shaker, jigger and strainer will completely change how your drinks turn out.
If you don’t already have one, it’s worth checking out a full shaker kit so you’re not trying to piece everything together.
If you are making cocktails at home, having the right tools makes a huge difference.
Check out our top rated cocktail kits for beginners here
How This Connects to Your Cocktails
Once you’ve got these basics sorted, you’ll start noticing something.
A lot of cocktails use the same core ingredients.
That’s why starting with the right bottles matters. It gives you flexibility straight away without needing a huge collection.
From here, you can start working through recipes and building your confidence.
To ensure that you have everything you need before adding the bells and whistles ensure to read our blog:
How to Build a Home Bar in Australia: Everything You Need to Get Started
Final Thoughts
Starting a home bar doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.
Stick to a few key spirits, learn how they work, and build from there.
The goal isn’t to have everything. It’s to have a setup that actually works and gets used.
Once you’ve got that right, everything else becomes a lot easier.
Thanks for Joining Us Behind the Bar
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation.
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW.
If you’re looking to complete your RSA in any state or territory across Australia, you can find the full details here.