Post #594374 by Brandomoai on Mon, Jun 20, 2011 1:25 PM

The things I use most are the ingredients needed for my go-to cocktails: Mai Tai, Zombie, Nui Nui, Donga Punch, and TV-style Navy Grog. So, naturally I can't live without:

Orgeat (Giffard, the brand at our local Italian market, and Torani, in order of preference)
Various Orange Liqueurs (I usually have on hand at any given time Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Triple Sec (Meaghers), Orange Curacao (Senior and DeKuyper's "Signature"), and Creole Shrubb)
Pernod (6 drops at a time)
Angostura bitters
Cinnamon Syrup (homemade - often combined with grapefruit to make Don's Mix)
Falernum (Taylor's non-alc, Hanschell's 11%)
Grenadine (Monin)
Vanilla Syrup
Allspice dram (homemade - sometimes combined with vanilla to approximate Don's Spices #2)
I also frequently use:
Peychaud's bitters
Passion Fruit Syrup (Monin)
Cane Syrup (Torani)
Honey Syrup (Monin)
Coffee Syrup (homemade)
Apricot Brandy (Mcguinness)
Cherry Brandy (Bols)
Blue Curacao (Bols)
Licor 43
Coffee Liqueur (Kahlua, Trader Vics Kona)
Galliano
Baileys (particularly in coffee during the holidays)
Ryans Irish Cream (when the Baileys runs out)
I also have on hand but rarely use:
Blood Orange bitters (Stirrings)
Orange Flower water
Agave Nectar
Pistachio syrup (Monin)
Gingerbread syrup (Torani)
Mandarin Orange syrup (Torani)
Peach syrup (Monin)
TV Macadamia Nut Liqueur
Maraschino (Luxardo)
Amaretto (Luxardo)
Agwa
Midori
Tuaca
Vanilla Vodka (Smirnoff)
Creme de Noyaux (Hiram Walker)
Creme de Banane (Bols)
Creme de Cassis (Dijon)
Creme de Menthe (Meaghers)
Strawberry liqueur (Marie Brizard)
Peppermint Schnapps (Phillips)
Dry vermouth (Martini)
Blanco vermouth (Martini)
Peach Grappa (Bottega)
Green Sour Puss (for some reason...)
Butterscotch Schnapps (Phillips)

That's about it. I listed the brands in case someone was curious. Most of them are just what's available up here, not my recommendation. Some of those bottles I have yet to make it through, so I haven't even had a chance to try a different brand. Which brings up another issue: shelf life. For things that don't last long once opened, like Sherry, Sake, or seasonal homemade syrups, I pick up or make on a need-only basis. Like, if I decided I just have to have Fog Cutters this weekend, or if I want to serve Voodoo Priestesses at Halloween. I read somewhere about shelf-life of liqueurs and spirits, but what about store-bought syrups? Most of mine are either Monin or Torani. How long should those things be lasting? Should I throw them away when there's floaties, or should I keep using them to make my lesser friends' drinks?