Post #251975 by Chip and Andy on Fri, Sep 1, 2006 1:13 PM

The lime/juice/ingedient/brand X debate is one that consumes many threads here on TC.....

Maybe this can sum it up, specifically regarding the home-bar:

1 - If you are stocking a home-bar and are making cocktails for few (one) people, there is absolutly no doubt that you should be aquiring the best ingredients available and that you can afford. It is, afterall, your cocktail at your bar for yourself and friends so why wouldn't you use the best. I want to emphasize that you are looking for the best you can afford. There is no point in spending 'too much' on a bottle of something and then feeling that it is 'too special' to pour on an average night. Get the lesser brand and enjoy it every night. You will be much happier in the long run.

2 - If you are having a party and plan on making large quantities of drinks (or are just really thirsty) you will need to move down the quality scale a bit and probably for financial reasons. You are probably not going to want to pour $30+ rums into cokes for the drunken masses. During said party, you can always grab a few 'select' people and invite them to enjoy a special cocktail during which you can make a small presentation of making a drink using 'the good stuff.'

3 - Keep in mind that TC is an amazing resource for ingredients, techniques, ideas and recipes. But! The ohana that make up this little gang cover most of the time zones. What I have in abundance her in Florida may be very scarce where you are and vice-versa. And just because someone said that something is to-die-for doesn't mean you are going to like it. Drink what you like and like what you drink, its that simple.

I will get off of my rum box now. Everyone can go back to your regular drinking now. Move along, there is nothing left to see........