Marines, Boy Scouts, and bartenders should always be prepared. Stocking a bar should be a matter of personal taste, lifestyle, and finances. But unless having a drink is always going to be a solitary pleasure, the person behind the bar should be prepared for guests. How prepared is up to you.

If Uncle Michael, who always visits at Christmas, only smiles with a glass of Irish whiskey in his hand, buy one bottle. If cognac inspires camaraderie among your friends, make the investment. If beer does the trick, stick to what works. Here are two suggested lists, one for a basic home bar and another that goes beyond basic to complete.