A well stocked bar will let you make any mixed drink recipes your guests could ask for. The key to keeping your bar well-stocked is to have the right type of liquor on hand for your guests. Every bar should have a basic set of ten liquors (and other alcoholic beverages) to keep things flowing smoothly in any party:

1. Gin. This famous liquor is the basis for gin martini recipes and the gin and tonic. A must-have for any bar.

2. Vodka. Because traditional vodka has very little taste, it’s often added to mixed drink recipes where the fruit juice or flavorings need to shine. Among variant martini recipes, vodka makes a great cosmopolitan martini.

3. Rum. Essential to the mojito, rum is one of the world’s oldest liquors and a staple of every well stocked bar.

4. Whiskey. This comes in many types, including bourbon, scotch, rye, and Irish crème. Be sure to have scotch and/or bourbon on hand, and additional varieties as space and budget permit.

5. Wine. Red or white, wine adds a fruity, sophisticated splash to mixed drink recipes and cocktails.

6. Champagne/Sparkling Wine. Champagne’s bubbly texture adds an extra pop to mixed drink recipes.

7. Tequila. A truly unique taste, tequila is Mexico’s essential liquor.

8. Brandy. Derived from fruit, brandy lends a sophisticated edge to mixed drinks.

9. Beer. When all else fails, beer makes the crowds happy and can be used in a number of recipes, like the boilermaker.

10. Liqueurs. These intense flavorings are essential to adding depth and variety to your basic set of liquors and alcoholic beverages.