Because a well-stocked bar doesn’t have to blow the budget.
There’s nothing quite so hypnotic as a well-stocked backbar. It makes waiting to get served at the best venues part of the fun as we eagerly scan the dozens (maybe hundreds) of spirits and liqueurs, each bottle with its own eye-catching labels, unique shapes and interesting stories. Flavour is almost secondary – it’s all about possibility and curiosity.
The thing is, though, those magnificent bottles aren’t usually a bartender’s first choice when it comes to mixing drinks. Even the best bars will balance flavour with value so your Martini or Whiskey Sour doesn’t cost $50 a pop. What those professional mixers also know is that some of the most widely available, well-priced spirits make excellent drinks – and we think that’s something to keep in mind for the home bar. Rather than breaking the bank, it means that a few bang-for-buck classic spirits can give us a versatile and very guest-worthy home bar. Here are some of our favourite top-value spirits to get you started.
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1. Vodka: Smirnoff Red Label Vodka
Smirnoff has its 19th century roots in Russia and, while it’s come a long way since then (it’s been American-owned since the 1930s), it definitely stays true to the Russian tradition as an approachable vodka made for all kinds of drinks.
These days, Smirnoff is known for being smooth and soft, thanks to getting filtered a whopping 10 times, as well as being three-times distilled. That makes Smirnoff ideal for adding a subtle edge to cocktails like an Espresso Martini and Bloody Mary, or even starring in a Vodka Martini (we like ours garnished with a lemon twist for a citrusy touch). Versatility, silky smooth flavour and a very generous price point? That says value to us.
2. Tequila: Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila
Although it doesn’t look as flashy as its golden brown reposado and añejo counterparts, silver (also known as blanco) tequila is a proper home-bar staple. We’re talking Margaritas, Palomas, Ranch Water – all the tequila cocktails we love to make at home call for silver tequila. The only trick is finding one that blends character with wallet-friendly pricing, and we reckon we’ve nailed it.
Jose Cuervo has been making tequila in Mexico’s Jalisco since 1795, so this team knows what they’re doing. We love Jose Cuervo Especial Silver because of the mild, slightly peppery, herbaceous flavour that stands out just enough in our mixed drinks. It’s a proper all-rounder and, considering what it costs, Jose Cuervo should be one of the first spirits in a bargain backbar.
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3. Gin: Bombay Sapphire Gin
When we talk about gorgeous bottles calling to us from the backbar, Bombay Sapphire is top of the list. While its very friendly price means it doesn’t have the mystique of some rarer spirits, the sapphire-blue bottle still says quality to us. And, honestly, so does the gin inside.
Bombay Sapphire is a London dry gin, which means that juniper (the classic gin flavouring) is at the front, with other botanicals like licorice, coriander and lemon peel in supporting roles. The combination is complex, dry and surprisingly sophisticated, which is ideal for headlining a Gin and Tonic or Negroni.
4. Bourbon: Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Some spirits don’t have shortcuts. Sure, producers could use lesser ingredients if they really wanted to, but the process can’t be changed – and in the case of bourbon whiskey, that’s by law. See, bourbon whiskey has to spend time in new (unused) charred American oak barrels, be made from at least 51% corn and (in the case of ‘straight’ bourbon whiskey) be aged for at least two years.
All this means that when it comes to Wild Turkey Straight Bourbon, the level of craft goes way beyond the price. You get flavours like caramel, toast, spices and plenty of vanilla, a velvety mouthfeel and the versatility for straight sipping or classic cocktails. Personally, we reckon Wild Turkey is fab with mint, sugar and plenty of crushed ice in a Mint Julep or on show in a classic Old Fashioned.
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5. Rum: Bundaberg Original Underproof Rum
Wherever sugarcane thrives, rum is usually not too far behind. That’s the case across pretty much all of the Caribbean, where rum is essentially the default spirit and a point of national pride, but it’s true of Queensland, too. Our northeastern state produces plenty of rum, but Bundaberg is by far the most iconic – and it’s also a little unique.
The ‘Bundy’ style is a little woody and spicy, with less of the molasses sweetness of many Caribbean rums. This makes Bundaberg Underproof feel a little more serious in mixed drinks than many other entry-level styles, which is why we’re fans of using our UP in drinks like the tropical Mai Tai or for a lighter take on the Dark ‘n’ Stormy.
6. Liqueur: Tia Maria Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
Coffee liqueur is a way to take our favourite caffeinated drink from day to night. And while there are plenty of small-batch, artisanal coffee liqueurs to sip these days, we reckon few come as close to Tia Maria when both value and flavour are our benchmarks. Add in that iconic bottle shape (which has had a slick refresh in recent years) and the addition of vanilla to the formula, and we’re talking about another solid home-bar hero.
Yes, you can (and should) use Tia Maria in your Espresso Martinis (the touch of vanilla is a winner – trust us), but we love it in coffee cocktails like the Whisky Mont Blanc, or subbing in for real coffee to make an extra rich Cold Brew Negroni. Or, heck, just drizzle it over ice cream – it’s all good with us.
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