Iconic Liquors Every Home Bar Needs

There was a point in my life when a bar stool was practically attached to my behind. And when you spend that much time in bars, you also spend a whole lot of money at bars. But hey, I was young, having fun, and a several-times-a-week bar tab over $100 was just a way of life. Now, aside from the fact that I have hermit-like tendencies and crowded places severely annoy me, I just cannot fathom spending $18 on a craft cocktail made with unicorn tears and organic, small-batch anything.

The solution? Stock your home bar at a fraction of the cost and make all the ridiculously complicated cocktails you want. Or just stick to the tried and true basics. Either way, a well-stocked liquor cabinet will save you tons of money in the long run. Here are the iconic bottles every home bar should have (not including the unicorn tears, which I'm sorry to say is actually a thing).

You know the jar of neon red maraschino cherries that's been in the back of your fridge for seven years? Luxardo Maraschino is nothing like that. (As a matter of fact, just go ahead and throw that jar away.) It's made from ripe Marasca cherries, a sour variety, and they impart a subtle bitter almond flavor and floral notes into the liqueur. If you're expecting a sugary sweet taste, you won't find it here.

Since you need to replace those cherries, do yourself a favor and get the real deal. Luxardo also makes the original Maraschino cherries, and they're a game-changer.

Another Italian classic, Frangelico is known for both its distinct bottle and flavor. The bottle, which is shaped like a monk's habit, is a nod to the Christian monks who helped shape this liqueur 300 years ago. Along with its iconic hazelnut flavor, you'll also get hints of coffee, cocoa, and vanilla, which makes it a welcome addition to your cup of joe or hot chocolate.

Not to be confused with Cointreau, Grand Marnier is also a French orange liqueur, but with one notable difference: it is brandy-based. This blend of cognac and exotic oranges is often enjoyed on the rocks or neat to savor its flavor, but it's also what turns a regular ol' margarita into a Cadillac margarita.

Galliano is an Italian herbal liqueur made with a staggering 30 Mediterranean herbs, spices, and plant extracts (the exact recipe is top secret). This sweet botanical blend gives off notes of vanilla and anise, and is what makes the classic Harvey Wallbanger cocktail sing. Try one yourself by combining 6 parts orange juice, 3 parts vodka, and 1 part Galliano.

Aperol is sometimes compared to Campari for its herbal, fruity flavor, but this orange-scented aperitif is far less potent (only 11 percent alcohol) than its similarly-hued cousin. For those who prefer less bitter and more sweet, Aperol is for you. And once you try a classic Aperol spritz, there's no turning back: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 dash soda.

This is not the hallucinogenic absinthe you read about of times past, though it is 68 percent alcohol (yes, that's 138 proof!), so hallucinations might not be off the table depending on how much you drink. Proceed with caution.

Pernod claims to be the original absinthe, and is known for it's licorice-like anise flavor. It's typically served with water and a sugar cube, which turns the clear liquid opalescent.  

If you're going to make the classic Pimm's cup, you're going to need Pimm's No. 1. This gin-based liqueur is full of botanical notes, thanks to herbs and citrus, and it pairs wonderfully with sparkling lemonade and tons of fruit (use cucumber, strawberries, and oranges, as desired) that make up the eponymous cocktail. Bonus: You'll get a serving of fruit during happy hour.

If you're only pulling out the Irish whiskey for its yearly appearance at St. Patrick's Day parties, you're doing it wrong. Any well-stocked bar should have a good Irish whiskey, and it doesn't get much better than Jameson Original. It's triple distilled, aged for a minimum of four years, and has floral, spicy, and sweet notes. Pass the ice, please. 

If you're a lover of gins with a bold juniper flavor, Tanqueray is the bottle for you. This gin features four botanicals — juniper, coriander, angelica root, and licorice — to deliver that iconic taste that makes a good dry martini so memorable. 

Though vodkas like Grey Goose and Belvedere typically get all the glory, they don't always come through in the taste tests. Go for a vodka like Ketel One instead, which though typically less expensive, is known for its smoothness and doesn't have that harsh cheap vodka vibe.