Wondering what the 7 Spirits in a bar are? The short answer: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whisky, brandy, and vermouth — the backbone of Bartending. These essentials power nearly every classic cocktail. Keep reading to learn why they matter and how each one shapes your drinks.

The Essential Answer: The Six Base Spirits and the Flexible Seventh

The idea of the “7 spirits” usually refers to six universally recognised base spirits and a seventh category that varies depending on who you ask.
These form the backbone of most cocktail menus, both at home and behind a professional bar. 

Bartender combining spirits during cocktail preparation.

The Core Six: The Foundation of Classic Mixology

Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Whisky, and Brandy

These six spirits appear in nearly every bar because they are used in a huge range of cocktails.
Their flavours, strengths, and styles give mixologists what they need to build both simple and complex drinks.
Each one offers its own character and plays a crucial role in classic recipes.

Why These Six Form the Base of Over 90% of Cocktails

The majority of well-known cocktails begin with one of these six spirits.
From a Gin & Tonic to a Rum Daiquiri, these spirits shape the structure of mixology.
Knowing them well helps bartenders and enthusiasts understand cocktail balance and technique.

Defining the Ambiguous “Seventh Spirit”

The Most Common Interpretation: Liqueurs or Cordials

Many bartenders consider liqueurs to be the seventh essential category.
These add sweetness, depth, and flavour to countless drinks, making them indispensable in cocktail creation.
Triple sec, coffee liqueur, and other cordials all fall under this flexible seventh spirit.

Alternative Seventh Spirits: Mezcal or Vermouth

Others consider mezcal, or a fortified wine like vermouth, to be the seventh.
Vermouth is essential in classics such as the Negroni and Martini, while mezcal brings smoky complexity to modern cocktails.
The choice often depends on the style of drinks a bar prioritises.

A Deep Dive into the Six Base Liquors

Understanding the base spirits involves looking at both the clear, lighter spirits and the darker, aged varieties.
Each plays a different role in flavour, balance, and cocktail structure.

The Clear/White Spirits and Their Role in Cocktails

Vodka: The Versatile, Neutral Spirit

Vodka’s neutral profile makes it ideal for cocktails where balance and subtlety matter.
Its clarity helps it fit effortlessly into drinks like the Cosmopolitan or Bloody Mary.

Gin: The Botanical, Juniper-Led Spirit

Gin’s distinctive juniper and botanical notes give cocktails a bright, complex edge.
London Dry gin and newer styles each offer different flavour experiences, perfect for drinks such as the Negroni or a classic G&T.

Tequila: The Agave-Based Spirit

Tequila brings crisp, earthy flavours thanks to its agave base.
Blanco tequila works beautifully in vibrant cocktails, while Reposado offers a smoother, lightly aged finish.

Rum: The Sugarcane or Molasses Spirit

Rum ranges from light and crisp to dark and richly spiced.
This variety makes it suitable for tropical cocktails, refreshing serves, or deeper, warming drinks.

The Brown/Aged Spirits

Whisky/Whisky: Grain Distillate Aged in Barrels

Whisky gains its flavour from grain type and years of ageing in oak barrels.
Whether it's the smoky depth of Scotch or the warm sweetness of bourbon, whisky adds complexity to cocktails and neat serves alike.

Brandy: Distilled Fruit or Wine

Brandy is made from fruit, often grapes, and includes premium styles like Cognac and Armagnac.
Its smooth, fruity profile makes it perfect for classic cocktails such as the Sidecar.

Supporting Spirits and Modifiers for a Complete Bar

While the base spirits do much of the heavy lifting, modifiers add balance, depth, and structure.
Without these, many iconic cocktails wouldn’t be possible.

Key Modifiers and the Liqueur Category

Essential Orange Liqueurs (Triple Sec, Cointreau)

Orange liqueurs provide bright, citrus sweetness.
They are essential in drinks like the Margarita, Cosmopolitan, and Sidecar.

The Importance of Vermouth (Sweet and Dry Fortified Wines)

Vermouth adds aromatic complexity, whether used in a dry Martini or a rich Manhattan.
Both sweet and dry styles are staples in well-rounded bars.

Bitters: The “Salt and Pepper” of Bartending

Bitters bring intensity through concentrated herbal or citrus notes.
A few drops can transform a drink, adding balance in the same way seasoning enhances food.

Other Popular Liqueurs (Amaretto, Coffee Liqueur)

Additional liqueurs broaden the cocktail menu and create space for creativity.
Amaretto, coffee liqueur, and other flavoured spirits help round out a complete bar setup.