Starting a home bar doesn’t have to mean dropping hundreds of dollars on rare bottles or niche gear.

In fact, you can build a well-rounded bar cart - with enough flexibility to make dozens of classic cocktails - for less than $150. All it takes is a smart shopping list, a few quality ingredients, and the right mindset.

This guide is designed for beginners: no jargon, no snobbery, and no wasted money on things you won’t use. Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Choose Your Core Spirits ($80-$100 Total)

You don’t need one of everything. Just choose 3 versatile base spirits to start. Here are the best bang-for-your-buck options:

• Vodka (1 bottle - $15-$20)
  Great for Martinis, Moscow Mules, Bloody Marys, and easy infusions.

• Light or Silver Rum (1 bottle - $15-$20)
  Essential for Daiquiris, Mojitos, and summer punches.

• Bourbon (1 bottle - $20-$30)
  Perfect for Old Fashioneds, Whiskey Sours, and sipping neat.

Optional swaps:

• Prefer gin over vodka? Go with a solid London Dry.

• Want tequila? Grab a 100% agave blanco instead of bourbon or rum.

Pro Tip: Choose mid-shelf brands with great value, like Evan Williams (bourbon), El Jimador (tequila), or Plantation 3 Stars (rum).

Step 2: Add Just a Few Mixers ($15-$25 Total)

These staples multiply your cocktail options without taking up fridge space:

• Angostura Bitters ($8-$10)
  A must-have for classics like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan.

• Simple Syrup or Sugar Cubes ($1-$3)
  Make your own simple syrup or keep cubes on hand for easy mixing.

• Lime and Lemon Juice ($4-$6)
  Fresh is best, but bottled works fine in a pinch.

• Club Soda or Tonic Water ($2-$6)
  These stretch your spirits into refreshing highballs.

Step 3: A Few Tools Go a Long Way ($15-$25 Total)

Skip the flashy gadgets. You only need these three to get started:

• Cocktail Shaker ($10-$15)
  Boston or cobbler style—it’s personal preference.

• Jigger ($5-$8)
  For accurate measuring. Get one with both 1 oz and 2 oz sides.

• Bar Spoon or Stir Stick ($2-$5)
  Stirred drinks taste better with the right tool.

Bonus Tip: You can use a mesh strainer from your kitchen instead of a fancy Hawthorne strainer at first.

The $150 Starter Bar Shopping List

What Can You Actually Make With This?

Tons! With this starter bar, you’ll be able to make:

• Vodka Soda

• Daiquiri

• Whiskey Sour

• Mojito

• Old Fashioned

• Rum & Tonic

• Bourbon Smash

• Classic Gimlet (if you swap gin in)

• And many more…

With just a few fresh ingredients (like mint, oranges, or ginger beer), your options expand even more.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a rolling bar cart or shelves of rare spirits to start making great drinks at home.

With under $150, you can build a bar that’s simple, satisfying, and social. Start small, learn the basics, and upgrade over time as your taste and skills grow.

Looking for recipes that use only these ingredients? Check out our beginner cocktail list here.