# Home bar starter checklist — what you need to make cocktails at home Starting cocktails at home doesn't mean a shelf full of bottles or a separate tool for every drink. This list separates a small core kit that does the job from the extras you can add later, and with a room code you can split the shopping with friends or relatives looking for a gift idea. No sign-up needed. **In short:** To start making cocktails at home you need a shaker, a jigger, a bar spoon, a strainer, a citrus juicer and an ice tray. Begin with white rum, vodka and gin, plus lemons, limes, mint, simple syrup, soda or tonic and a set of highball glasses. A muddler, coupe and rocks glasses, tequila and bitter liqueur can all be bought later. ## What's on the list ### General - Cocktail shaker — Boston or three-piece - Jigger (measuring cup) — 30/60 ml double-sided - Bar spoon — long-handled, for stirring - Strainer — holds back ice and pulp - Ice cube tray — larger cubes melt slower - Citrus juicer — for lemons and limes - Highball glass — for Mojito and long drinks - Muddler — buy later · for mint - Coupe glass — buy later - Rocks glass — buy later ### Drinks - White rum — for Mojito - Vodka — for vodka tonic - Gin — for gin and tonic - Soda water and tonic — small bottles stay fizzier - Tequila — buy later - Bitter liqueur — buy later ### Pantry staples - Simple syrup — 1:1 sugar and water ### Fruit & vegetables - Lemons and limes — fresh, plenty - Fresh mint — 1 bunch ## Tips - Measure every cocktail with a jigger; once the proportions drift, the taste drifts too, and consistency is what makes a home bar reliable. - Start with white rum, vodka and gin: simple drinks like a Mojito come from these bottles; tequila and bitter liqueur can wait. - Use plenty of cold ice; larger cubes melt more slowly and keep the drink from watering down. - Make simple syrup yourself from equal parts sugar and water and keep it in a lidded bottle in the fridge; squeeze lemon and lime juice just before serving. ## Frequently asked questions ### Which bottles should you buy first for a home bar? White rum, vodka and gin are the most versatile trio and cover simple drinks like a Mojito, vodka tonic or gin and tonic. A Margarita needs tequila and orange liqueur and a Negroni needs bitter liqueur and vermouth, so those can wait. ### Can you make cocktails without a jigger? You can, but the proportions will change every time. A small measuring cup keeps a cocktail tasting the same; if you don't have one, a shot glass whose volume you know will do. ### How do you make simple syrup at home? Dissolve equal parts sugar in hot water and let it cool. It keeps for a few weeks in a lidded bottle in the fridge. ### Can I change the list? Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories. ### Do I need an account? No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup. ### How long is the list kept? As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock. ### Can I install it on my phone? Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap. --- [Start a room with this list](https://ortakliste.app/en/list/home-bar-starter-checklist) — 19 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.