Top Liquors Every Murfreesboro Home Bar Shouldn’t Be Without

There’s a certain kind of pride that comes with having your own home bar. It doesn’t have to be fancy — no one’s expecting you to look like a downtown speakeasy — but even a few carefully chosen bottles can turn an ordinary evening into something memorable. It’s that moment when a friend drops by unexpectedly and you can say, "I’ve got just the drink for you." Or when you’ve had one of those weeks, and the quiet ritual of pouring something you enjoy feels like pressing the reset button.But if you’ve ever stood in front of the shelves at a liquor store, you know the feeling: way too many choices. Do you grab the flashy bottle with the gold label? Do you stock up on three kinds of vodka, or is one enough? And how do you make sure you’re covering the classics without spending a fortune?The truth is, you don’t need a dozen different bottles to get started. You just need the right ones. A smart mix of go-to staples and one or two personal touches can cover almost any occasion — casual get-togethers, family celebrations, or those evenings when it’s just you, your glass, and a little background music.And here in Murfreesboro, you don’t have to drive far to find them. Local shops like Super Nine Wine & Spirits carry everything from everyday favourites to a few gems that surprise you. That’s one of the perks of shopping local: you can ask questions, get real recommendations, and maybe even discover something you wouldn’t have picked up on your own.So, let’s talk about the bottles that every home bar in Murfreesboro should have. These aren’t just drinks — they’re the backbone of your bar.1. Bourbon – A Southern EssentialLet’s start with bourbon. Around here, it’s not just another whiskey — it’s part of our culture. Smooth, a little sweet, and full of depth, bourbon is versatile enough to sip straight or mix into a cocktail without losing its character.Think about an Old Fashioned after dinner, or a bourbon and cola at a cookout. Even a simple glass poured over ice has a way of slowing down the evening. If you only bought one bottle for your bar, bourbon would be the safest choice.Pro tip: keep two on hand if you can — one solid, affordable bourbon for cocktails and one "special" bottle that you only pull out when the mood feels right.2. Vodka – The WorkhorseVodka may not get people waxing poetic, but it earns its place. Because it’s clean and neutral, vodka adapts to almost anything: screwdrivers, vodka tonics, Bloody Marys, you name it.It’s also the bottle you’ll thank yourself for having when someone says, "I don’t really drink whiskey." Chances are, they’ll be happy with something vodka-based.And let’s be honest — in a Tennessee summer, few things hit the spot like a vodka lemonade poured over a tall glass of ice.3. Gin – For When You Want FlavorWhere vodka is plain, gin has personality. Its mix of botanicals — juniper, citrus, herbs — makes it the spirit of choice for cocktails that need a little complexity.The gin and tonic is a classic for a reason, but gin can do more. Try a Tom Collins on a hot day or a martini when you’re feeling a little old-school.If you’ve had a bad gin experience before, don’t write it off entirely. Not all gins taste the same. Some are heavy on the pine notes, while others lean citrusy and bright. Find one that matches your taste, and it might surprise you.4. Tequila – Beyond the Shot GlassFor a lot of people, tequila brings back memories of lime wedges and rough mornings. But good tequila is in a whole different league. A crisp blanco makes the perfect margarita, while a smooth reposado is something you can sip neat.Next time you’re hosting taco night or firing up the grill, mix up a round of palomas — tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime. They’re refreshing, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit.5. Rum – The Spirit of VersatilityRum has a reputation for tropical drinks, but it’s more than just beach cocktails. A light rum is great for mojitos or daiquiris, while dark rum brings richness to a simple rum and Coke or a hot buttered rum in winter.If you want your bar to feel complete, having at least one light rum and one dark rum is a smart move. You’ll be covered whether you’re mixing something light and summery or something warmer for a cool evening.6. Scotch or Irish Whiskey – For the CuriousA home bar with a bottle of scotch or Irish whiskey has a bit of sophistication. They’re not bottles you’ll reach for every day, but when you want to sit and savor, they’re perfect.Scotch tends to be smoky and bold, while Irish whiskey is smoother and easier for beginners. Both work as a slow-sipping reward after a long week or a thoughtful nightcap with good company.7. Brandy or Cognac – A Touch of ClassBrandy and cognac aren’t everyday spirits, but they do make a bar feel complete. They’re the kinds of bottles you pull out for the holidays, a dinner party, or a night when you want something that feels a little more refined.Pour it neat into a small glass, take your time, and you’ll see why it’s been a favorite for centuries.8. Liqueurs and Aperitifs – The Unsung HeroesEvery bar needs a few extras to round out the collection. Vermouth (both sweet and dry) is essential if you want to make martinis or Manhattans. An orange liqueur like triple sec or Cointreau is a must for margaritas and sidecars.From there, it depends on your taste. Coffee liqueur for espresso martinis? Amaretto for a sweet after-dinner drink? These bottles don’t take up much space, but they open the door to dozens of cocktails.9. Tennessee Whiskey – A Local StapleOf course, no Murfreesboro bar is complete without Tennessee whiskey. It’s smooth, approachable, and rooted in the history of this state.Out-of-town guests will always be curious about it, and locals already know it holds its own against anything from Kentucky. Keeping a bottle handy isn’t just tradition — it’s part of what makes your bar feel connected to where you live.10. A Signature Bottle – Make It PersonalEvery home bar needs one bottle that’s yours. Maybe it’s a small-batch bourbon you discovered on a road trip, a rum from a vacation, or a bottle of mezcal because you love its smoky kick.This is the bottle you pull out to share a story, not just a drink. It’s what makes your bar feel personal instead of generic.A Few Extra Tips• Don’t feel pressured to buy everything at once. Start with three or four bottles and build from there.• Keep simple mixers on hand — soda, tonic, citrus, and bitters will go a long way.• Good glassware doesn’t have to be expensive, but it makes a difference.• Ice matters more than people think. A solid cube makes a drink feel like it came from a proper bar.Why Shopping Local HelpsThe nice thing about living in Murfreesboro is that you don’t have to search far. Shops like k, whether you’re starting fresh or just topping off your collection.And honestly, there’s something reassuring about asking for advice in person instead of guessing online. You might walk in planning to grab one bottle and walk out with a new favourite you never expected.Final ThoughtsStocking a home bar isn’t about showing off. It’s about having the right bottles for the right moments. A good bourbon, a clean vodka, a refreshing gin, a couple of versatile rums, a tequila that actually tastes good, and a few extras for variety — that’s all it takes to cover most situations.Add in Tennessee whiskey to keep it local, plus one personal bottle that says something about you, and you’ve got a bar that feels complete without being overwhelming.At the end of the day, the best home bar is the one that fits your style. Start simple, enjoy the process, and let your collection grow with you.

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