Gin: Tanqueray for a good quality, Tanqueray 10 or Hendricks for top quality

Bourbon: Woodford Reserve is a solid quality choice. Bulleit if you want to make cocktails, but then you will need other things too like bitters and vermouth.

Whiskey: Balvenie 12 year old Doublewood Single Malt is an excellent choice for the discerning drinker. Don't get Johnny Walker Blue Label. If you want a blend, Jameson is fine.

Vodka: Ketel One, or Russian Standard

Wine: Get some Argentinian Malbec like Catena, and for white get some gruener veltliner or albarino.

Everyone will be happy.

Anonymous wrote:I think your family drinks too much. Why does alcohol have to be the focus of the celebration? How about your dad instead?

Oh, shut up.

Knob Creek makes a good bourbon and also makes a rye. Rye is essential for a classic Manhattan. I don't know much about single malt scotch, but someone at the liquor store can help you. For rum, I like Rhum St. James, although it is not always easy to find. A good mixing rum is Mount Gay. There are a lot good vodkas. Stoli is still a good one. Absolut is basically just a good marketing campaign.

Anonymous wrote:I think your family drinks too much. Why does alcohol have to be the focus of the celebration? How about your dad instead?

Anonymous wrote:I think your family drinks too much. Why does alcohol have to be the focus of the celebration? How about your dad instead?

OP didn't say alcohol was the focus of the celebration, she's just asking for advice on a part of the party that she isn't knowledgeable about. I'd do the same - I'm Arab American and grew up conservatively, so now when I host parties, I need to research what alcohol to buy to serve my guests.

I think your family drinks too much. Why does alcohol have to be the focus of the celebration? How about your dad instead?

For scotch get Glenmorangie. 12 yr is staple for a party. You can splurge for 15 or 18 if you want but unless someone is an aficionado I wouldn't bother. Are you going to mix drinks? If not then I would have a couple of bourbon and whiskey choices. Unfortunately most domestic bourbons are just repackaged Jack these days. Johnnie Black is a standby.

I did not realize there were so many different kinds of whiskey.

Keep it simple OP. I am not a drinker myself really, but I often have people over and they love to drink. So I have a pre-made list of wine and liquor for when I host dinner parties or attend dinner parties and need to bring a bottle.

Wines:
- white: dry Riesling
- white: Sauvignon Blanc
- white: Chardonnay
- red: Beaujolais (goes well with steak/red meat)
- red: Merlot
- red: Pinot Noir
- red: Cabernet Sauvignon

As for "brands", just take this list to a reputable wine store (not a convenience store that sells wine or a neighborhood liquor store) and have a sales person help you. The price range you should be looking at is $20-$30. You really don't need to buy $50 since those wines will only really be appreciated by connoisseurs and it sounds like you aren't one, and unless your dad's friends are, don't bother splurging at that level.

Since you're celebrating, you'll also want champagne. Get Dom Pérignon or, if you're really going all out, Krug.

As for the liquors and bitters and juices for your cocktails, ask someone at the liquor store for recommendations. I don't typically mix cocktails for my friends because I don't trust myself, but I do keep good whiskey on hand (Blanton's bourbon, Hendrick's gin, Jack Daniels, Knob Creek rye whiskey, and Johnnie Walker Green Label).

I don't drink too often but as you can tell, my family members and friends are not only serious drinkers, but have nice tastes. So when I have them over or visit them, I'm prepared.

Anonymous wrote:Gin- go local Green Hat Gin

Please, no! Worst expensive gin I've ever had and I really want to support the local economy. Better off with Tanqueray, Beefeater or Plymouth.

You want a mix of pinot noir, merlot, a fruit forward malbec and other sweeter wines like white Reisling. California wines are always excellent, like Blackstone.

Do not get shiraz or zinfandel, disgusting. Just my opinion though.

Gin- go local Green Hat Gin

Congratulations on your father's successful battle with cancer, OP. That is certainly a cause to celebrate.

If you are going to have knowledgeable whiskey drinkers at your party to make up for your ignorance and your dad's abstinence, then your guests will appreciate aged, well balanced grain liquors - and from Kentucky, if it's American whiskey.

Sazerac 18 year is one of the best ryes I've ever had, and if you can find Pappy van Winkle 23 year, then you've found the reigning king of Kentucky bourbons (a close second is Evan Williams 23 year). It's unlikely you'll get a bottle of either though, because there are very few of those made every year. I don't know if it's worth it to spend that much money to quench your guests' thirst anyway. Get Woodford Reserve or Maker's Mark as your bourbon, and Johnnie Walker Blue Label scotch, and Ketel One vodka.

If you are going to make martinis, gin martinis are the best and you can't go wrong with Hendrick's.

Go to the liquor store. Normally the most expensive bottles are the best. I don't know anyone who drinks rye.

Total wine and more could recommend good wines.

Oh and please recommend wines and beers too. Thanks.

I'm not a really big drinker but I have to stock the bar since we're having a party to celebrate my dad going into remission from cancer. I am not married though it'd be useful to have a DH who enjoys his drink and could advise me. I asked my dad for help (though he's not allowed to drink) and he said to keep Jameson and Maker's Mark bourbon. What are the best bourbons, though? And best ryes and scotch and gin and so on. Luckily I have plenty of money to spare for this so expense is no issue. This is a big and happy occasion for us. Please tell me what brands you'd consider an expensive indulgence!