Our Picks for Stocking a Mountain Cabin Bar

Our Top Picks for Stocking a Mountain Cabin Bar

There’s nothing quite like coming back to a cozy mountain cabin after a day on the slopes and having a great drink waiting for you! Whether you’ve got a place here in the Vail Valley or you’re helping a friend stock theirs, building out a solid cabin bar doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how we’d do it!

Start With the Essentials

Every good cabin bar starts with a handful of versatile spirits that can cover a ton of different drinks. You don’t need fifty bottles, you need the right ones.

Bourbon or Rye Whiskey is a must. It’s perfect for an Old Fashioned by the fire, a Hot Toddy after a cold day outside, or just sipping neat while you watch the snow fall. A solid mid-range bottle will serve you well here, no need to go top-shelf for everyday sipping.

Tequila brings some versatility too, whether you’re making margaritas for a group or just want something different from the usual whiskey routine. Blanco works great for cocktails, while a reposado is nice for sipping.

Vodka is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It mixes with basically everything, which makes it a no-brainer for a cabin where you might have guests with all kinds of different preferences.

Gin rounds things out nicely, especially if anyone in your group likes a classic Gin and Tonic or a Martini. It’s a great option for something a little more refined.

Don’t Skip the Mixers

A cabin bar lives or dies by its mixers! Stock up on tonic water, club soda, ginger beer, and a few juices like orange and cranberry. Bitters are a small investment that go a long way, just a few dashes can totally transform a simple drink. And don’t forget simple syrup, it takes two minutes to make at home (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved) and instantly levels up your cocktail game.

Wine for Every Occasion

You’ll want at least one solid red and one solid white on hand at all times. A bold Cabernet or Malbec is great for cozy dinners, while a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works for lighter meals or just sipping on the porch. If you’re someone who entertains often, grabbing a few bottles of sparkling wine is never a bad call either, there’s always a reason to pop a bottle!

Beer for the Apres-Ski Crowd

No mountain cabin is complete without a solid beer selection. We’d recommend keeping a mix on hand, something light and crisp for casual afternoons, plus a couple of local Colorado craft options for when you want something with more character. Having both IPA and lager options covers pretty much everyone’s preference.

The Tools That Make It All Work

Beyond the bottles themselves, a few simple tools go a long way. A good cocktail shaker, a jigger for measuring, a muddler, and a sturdy bottle opener will cover almost any drink you’d want to make. A small ice bucket and some quality glassware round things out nicely, you don’t need anything fancy, just functional.

Don’t Forget Non-Alcoholic Options

If you’re hosting guests, having a few non-alcoholic options on hand is always a thoughtful touch. Sparkling water, a couple of bottles of NA beer, or even a non-alcoholic spirit for mocktails means everyone has something good to drink, no matter what they’re in the mood for.

Let Us Help You Stock Up

Building out a cabin bar from scratch can feel like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be! Our team at Boone’s loves helping people put together the perfect setup, whether you’re starting fresh or just filling in the gaps. We can deliver anywhere in the Vail Valley, so you don’t even have to leave your cabin to get stocked up.

Stop by, give us a call, or shop online, and let’s get your bar ready for the season!