Having a home bar has its little luxuries too, such as convenience during socializing. The right mix of spirits, along with mixers along proper glassware, can turn your house into a party hub.  

At My Town Liquor, we have served the Local Liquor Community with a wide selection of spirits, wines, and liqueurs since 2001. This September, we are preparing for cooler evenings and Football by refreshing the home bar. If you’re looking for quality, you are looking at the highest-rated liquor store in Lakeland.  

This guide is to help you settle the essentials for your home bar, covering mixers, seasonal recommendations, and glassware.  

Step 1: Start with the Core Spirits  

A selection of versatile spirits is the base of every home bar and is crucial in a bar during its initial stages. Such spirits and mixers are a must in order to satiate all types of customers.

1. Gin is another mixer

From gin-and-tonics to martinis and Negronis, gin is essential. Whether you sip or mix, a good bottle of gin is a bottle that won’t go to waste. In Lakeland, or rather in search of a premium selection, My Town Liquor offers a selection of classic London Dry and handpicked small-batch gins.

Pro tip: to find gin in Lakeland, FL, select a botanical gin for cocktails and a lighter, crisper option for refreshing drinks.

2. Whiskey – for the people

There’s no finishing a bar without a bottle or two of whiskey. There’s no finishing a bar without a bottle or two of whiskey. Bourbon, rye, or Scotch – neat, in a Manhattan, or an Old Fashioned, there’s versatility for each. September is the perfect time to enjoy warm and rich whiskeys that complement the evening’s chill with a delicious grilled meal.

3. Vodka – The Neutral Spirit  

A home bar’s most versatile spirit is vodka. It can be mixed with soda, juice, or even coffee liqueur. Good vodka can make a hefty difference with the martinis, Moscow Mules, or Bloody Marys prepared for the weekend brunch.  

4. Brandy – The Sophisticated Choice  

Brandy is a spirit that can easily be overlooked. It’s ideal for after-dinner drinks, meant to be paired with dessert, or in seasonal cocktails like mulled wine. My Town Liquor in Lakeland, FL, is your local brandy expert with reasonably priced smooth and premium selections that will enhance your spirit collection.  

Step 2: Add Seasonal Flavors  

September is the time to start the transition into fall, and that means a change in the spirits or liqueurs added to drinks.  

• Apple Brandy or Calvados – Suitable for fall cocktails.  
• Spiced Rum – For the ultimate warming drinks, like hot buttered rum.  
• Amaretto or Coffee Liqueur – To add extra sweetness and warmth for the chilly fall nights.  
• Seasonal liqueurs also bring a sense of decor to a home bar, making it more festive.  

Step 3: Stock Essential Mixers  

Good spirits should never go unaccompanied. Here is a list of essential mixers that should be available:  

• Tonic Water – For the classic gin and tonic.  
• Club Soda & Ginger Beer – A side for highballs and Moscow Mules.
• Soda & Citrus Juices – Necessary for mixing cocktails with whiskey or rum.
• Vermouth (Sweet & Dry) – Must have for martinis, Manhattans, and Negronis.
• Keeping fresh lemons and limes in your kitchen is extremely helpful, as they provide the needed acidity and balance for most cocktails.

Step 4: Don’t Forget The Instruments & Glassware

A stocked bar is more than merely bottles. You will need the appropriate equipment to mix and serve like a pro:

• Cocktail Shaker – Needed for margaritas, daiquiris, and many more cocktails.
• Strainer, Jigger, and Bar Spoon – Used to mix and measure precisely.
• Ice Bucket & Tongs – Help for serving in style.
• Bar Equipment: At the very least, ensure you have rocks glasses, highballs, and wine glasses.
• Quality glassware uplifts the overall appearance of the drinks as well as the drinking experience.

Step 5: Add your own twist

Home bars should portray the personality of the owner. If you enjoy tequila, include a premium bottle from the best tequila store in Lakeland. If you like wine, include some whites and reds that go well with your favorite dishes. As much as it is important to prepare the drinks with the right accompaniments and garnishes, it is equally important to prepare the drink display and food display combination well. Placing the drinks set and garnishes on colored napkins garnished with laced skewers and the accompaniments on the set colored plates will add to the display. Some bar snacks can include skewers, grilled shrimps, highball ribs, snacks with vodka tonics, and grilled vegetables, with nuts or olives to keep the garnishing simple.   

Creative Pairings

The time for barbecues is upon us, and with it, the coming new ways to bear new ideas with my creative users. Here are ways to have fun, which can help users feel a little extra special, below.   

• With a Gin and Turkey or with Gin and Citrus Spritzers, grilled shrimp skewers.  
• With Gin and Turkey or with Whiskey Highballs, smoky BBQ ribs.   
• With Gin and Turkey or with Brandy Cocktails, charcuterie boards.   
• With Gin and Turkey or with Vodka Tonics, grilled vegetable platters.   
• These drinks and food combinations will perk up the food and the meat, and we are sure fans will love it.   

Why Choose My Town Liquor  

We at My Town Liquor have been proud for the past 20 years of offering top-quality spirits to the people of Lakeland and the surrounding area. It is no problem, as and when it is time to find craft gin and check our stock on bourbon or a new taste of brandy, we have quite the range for our customers and high-quality tips to assist.   

Just a short ride from 2332 Griffin Road, and you will get to us. It is quite an easy stop; however, we love you to stay and feel welcomed, as we do with our customers. My Town Liquor is the one-stop for all spirits, and if you have been in Lakeland or nearby, we set you up for the perfect moment of appreciation.

Concluding Remarks

There is no need to feel stressed about the home bar setup for September. Start with the basics such as gin, whiskey, vodka, and brandy. After that, add mixers, tools, and other seasonal options. After that, home hosting will become work-free, and you will be able to enjoy expertly made cocktails from the comfort of home.

If you happen to be in Lakeland, feel free to visit My Town Liquor, and we will help you find the right selection. It doesn’t matter if you want to buy gin in Lakeland, need to refill whiskey, or want to try the brandy from the most reputable brandy store in Lakeland, FL. We are waiting for you.