Fall is officially here and now is the time to get your bar stocked prior to the holiday season and all of the at-home entertaining it brings. Below, I’m walking you through my recipe for the perfect home bar setup. Consult this post, then head to the liquor store to replenish anything from your stash that seems to be running low. Your guests will be amazed when they come over and are treated to a restaurant-worthy drinks spread! 

Stock up on Fall Flavors

Although I love a spritz and clear liquor cocktails, my heart is with warm toned spirits when autumn rolls around. Some of my favorites to purchase include bourbon, rye whiskey, spiced and aged rum, and brandy. Use the above to whip up some festive fall cocktails such as the classic hot toddy, a delish bourbon sangria, and more. Batch prepping drinks like these prior to a large get together make hosting a breeze. 

Try Some Liqueurs 

Bring a new flavor profile to your bar with the addition of some liqueurs. Recently I went to a wine tasting highlighting the wines of Sicily and was greeted with an amaro, an Italian herbal liqueur full of complex, bittersweet notes. 

Bring on the Bitters 

Bitters are a fun extra that will please your guests and take their drinks to the next level. Grab some chocolate for espresso martinis, orange for old fashioneds or manhattans, and cherry for more complex flavors in fall cocktails. 

Don’t Forget Non-Alcoholic Drinks 

With many people choosing to abstain from alcohol for a variety of reasons, non-alc beverages are more important than ever. (Of course, some of these options can double as mixers for cocktails if you so desire, but they’re also enjoyable to consume on their own). For a fall gathering, I suggest purchasing some  apple cider, ginger beer, cranberry juice, club soda, tonic water, and even a couple of syrups (try maple and honey). Guests of all ages will be able to customize their own mocktails while still enjoying the flavors of the season. 

Grab Some Garnishes

Garnishes are essential for cocktails and mocktails alike. Staples include fresh oranges, limes, and lemons, but to get in the fall spirit, try seasonal additions like cinnamon sticks, whole star anise, and whole cloves (I recommend storing them in Weck jars). Fresh herbs such as rosemary sprigs and thyme are perfect for topping off any drink, as are apple slices and fresh cranberries. You’re well on your way to some photo-worthy bevvies! 

Corral All of Your Tools

Whether you’ll be playing bartender for most of the evening or will be allowing guests to mix their own drinks, you’re going to want to ensure you have all of the tools any cocktail aficionado could want on hand. My mixology set covers the basics and makes for a great gift, too. I also love to collect vintage barware. Whenever I get the opportunity to go vintage shopping I will pick up a few pieces to add to my collection. Pieces to keep an eye out for (whether you’re shopping secondhand or shopping online) include: 

Ice Buckets

Bottle Openers

Corkscrews

Bar Knives

Cutting Boards

Cocktail Picks 

Coasters

Cocktail Napkins 

Serving Trays

Snack Bowls

Any cocktail drinker will tell you that the right glass really takes a drink to the next level. I’ve put together a round up of some of my favorite glasses for beverages of all kinds in order to make your shopping easier.

Cheers to the fall celebrations that await us!