When the temperature climbs and the days get longer, you know what it means — it’s Patio Season! Whether you’re on the roof of your favorite pub, or the backyard deck, there’s no greater pleasure than basking in the sun with a deliciously cool beverage in your hand. It’s an adult pleasure second to none.

But you can’t always hang out at the pub, so you need to set up your bar at home. You’re probably asking yourself which popular alcoholic beverages you should stock up on for the season. That’s a good question. Liquor types abound, and if you’re playing host, you need to make sure you have the ingredients for everyone’s favorite cocktail. You don’t want anything that will sit on the shelf gathering dust.

So, what to buy? We’ve made a list of the most popular liquor brands in the United States. We’ve got everything you need to host the best parties in the neighborhood, from the classic standbys to new takes on old favorites. Don’t be shy. We’ll keep an eye out for our invitation. 

1. Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey Gift Set 750ml

Jack Daniel’s is the world's best-selling whiskey. Jack’s is made from the finest corn, rye, and barley, mixed with iron-free water before mellowing through 10’ of burnt sugar charcoal. Finally, it’s matured in white oak barrels for a distinctive flavor that’s the pride of Tennessee Whiskey.

$24.99

2. Tito's Handmade Vodka 750 ml (80 Proof)

Tito’s Handmade Vodka is batch-distilled in Austin, Texas, using old-fashioned copper pot stills. This spirit is made from corn, and each sip of Tito’s goes down smooth. It has a subtle sweetness and an impeccably clean finish. Discover how great craft vodka can be straight up or mixed into a classic Caesar cocktail.

$25.99

3. Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila 750 ml (80 Proof)

Handcrafted tequila from Mexico doesn’t get better than this. Warm oak, vanilla, and roasted agave flavors lead to a lingering finish that’s the hallmark of this luxurious tequila. It’s recognized as one of the top 10 liquors by connoisseurs worldwide. Serve neat or on the rocks for a simple, classic drink.

$174.99

4. Captain Morgan Spiced Rum 750 ml (70 Proof)

Step outside the ordinary and into the Caribbean with the exotic mixed flavors of spice, fruit, vanilla, and rich Captain Morgan Rum. This spirit is perfectly balanced, starting out strong with rich spiciness that mellows to a smooth finish. It’s the perfect mixer for fruit juice, cola, or a classic Hurricane.

$20.19

5. Absolut Vodka 750 ml (80 Proof)

One of the most recognizable alcohol brands, Absolut Vodka, is made from all-natural ingredients with no added sugar. Its rich, full-bodied flavor is known for a clean, pure grain flavor with added hints of fruit. Blend it with ripe melon, citrus juice, and a twist of lime for a light, refreshing summertime cocktail.

$21.99

6. Patron Anejo 375 ml

Deep gold color with scents of tropical fruits, caramel, cedar, and herbs sets Patron tequila apart from all the rest. At the first sip of this popular spirit, there’s a surge of fruit and spice balanced with rich, silky deep-wood components for a delicious and deep finish. Serve it on the rocks or over ice.

$35.99

7. Bacardi Superior White Rum 750 ml (80 Proof)

This is the ideal summer spirit. Subtle flavors of citrus, vanilla, and herbs combine in charred American oak barrels for at least a year to create Bacardi’s Superior White Rum. It’s a delicate spirit that adds just the right amount of pepper and spice to create a light-bodied spirit that crafts the perfect Cuba Libre.

$17.99

8. Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch 750 ml (80 Proof)

Thanks to a blend of forty or more whiskies, Black Label Scotch Whisky is one of the best liquors to drink straight. It combines rich malt and smoky peat with hints of fruit and cedar, then balances the mix with the addition of dark chocolate and sweet vanilla notes. Sip this dark liquor neat.

$41.99

9. Fireball Hot Cinnamon Blended Whisky 750 ml (66 proof)

What do you get when you blend smooth Canadian whisky with a bold shot of sweet cinnamon? You get a glass of one of the most popular liquor brands ever conceived: Fireball Whisky. Serve it chilled to beat the heat, or mix it into a refreshingly fruity sangria.

$19.99

10. Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey 750 ml (80 Proof)

After seven generations of distilling mastery, you know Jim Beam is good Kentucky bourbon. An enticing aroma of citrus and spice perfectly complements the flavors of caramel and vanilla. Mix it with lemonade, or cranberry juice, or drink it straight. There’s only one Jim Beam.

$19.99

11. Grey Goose Vodka 750 ml (80 Proof)

Take a slow sip of this premium vodka brand and relish the soft and gentle sweetness that envelops your senses before slowly moving towards a warm, spicy finish. Grey Goose is the ideal vodka to sip on its own or as part of a delicious, indulgent Cosmopolitan.

$35.99

12. Jagermeister Liqueur 750 ml (70 Proof)

Take a walk on the wild side. Jagermeister is a closely guarded secret blend of 56 botanicals aged in German oak casks for a year or longer. A balance of sweet and bitter, it blends citrus, spice, and a touch of heat to keep things interesting. Mix it with cold ginger beer as a Teutonic take on a Moscow Mule.

$19.99

13. Hennessy Vs Cognac 750 ml (80 proof)

Let’s get fancy and enjoy the finer things in life with world-class Hennessy Cognac. Its intense, full-bodied flavor captures notes of toasted almonds, fresh grapes, and citrus zest. Sip this exceptional liquor straight up, or mix it into your classiest cocktail.

$49.99

14. Jameson Irish Whiskey 750 ml (80 proof)

When looking for a silky smooth whiskey, turn to Jameson Original. This liquor is versatile thanks to the balance of light floral fragrances with rich vanilla and spice. Jameson is perfect for drinking straight up, yet it has enough complexity to blend with any whiskey cocktail. Try it in your next Whiskey Sour.

$31.99

FAQ

What is a neat drink?

Let’s set the scene. Our hero sighs as they take a seat at a bar. It has been a roller coaster of a day. They were nearly killed twice! The bartender ambles over and asks, “What’ll it be?” Our hero sighs again, “Single Malt! Neat!” and magically, a glass with amber liquid appears in their hand. Unfortunately, the camera cuts away before we can see exactly what our protagonist’s drinking.

What does it mean to order a drink “neat”?

A drink is served neat when a liquor, usually 2 ounces, is poured into a glass and served at room temperature. That’s it. No ice. No lime twists. No soda. Whiskey, Scotch, and brandy are typically served this way, but that’s changing. Craft vodka and tequila añejo have earned their keep in a tumbler glass. Sound intriguing? We suggest sampling premium alcohol like Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch, Hennessy VS Cognac, Tito's Handmade Vodka, or Don Julio 1942 Añejo Tequila for your first neat drinking experience. Cheers!

What liquor gets you the drunkest?

Lots of factors contribute to you getting drunk. Body chemistry, weight, metabolism, and how much you’ve eaten can all affect the time it takes you to feel a buzz. 

In terms of alcohol, some liquors will get you there quicker than others. Take these points into consideration.

Alcohol by volume (ABV): This is a bit of a no-brainer, but the more alcohol contained in a spirit, the faster it’ll get you drunk. Liquors with the most alcohol include absinthe, rum, and vodka, with ABVs ranging from 36 to 95%. Gins and whiskeys sit between 36 to 50% ABV, with liqueurs like Sambuca or Baileys Irish Cream ranging from 15 to 20%. Wine and beers are the beverages with the least amount of alcohol ranging from 4 to 14%. You can still get drunk on lower alcohol beverages; you just have to drink more.

Carbonation: A fizzy bevy won’t only tickle your nose; it’ll get you feeling bubbly. The carbonation found in Champagne or a gin and tonic can speed up getting drunk. The carbonation in these drinks increases pressure inside your stomach, speeding alcohol absorption through the stomach’s lining and into your bloodstream.

Depending on how good a time you’re looking for, you can easily tailor your drink order to either keep you feeling slightly buzzed all night or have you dancing on the ceiling within a couple of glasses. It’s up to you.

What are the most popular cocktails?

Want your next party to be a success? It’s probably a good idea to learn how to mix and stock up on the ingredients to make these top 10 summer cocktails.

1. Cosmopolitan: Cointreau, vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice

2. Mojito: white rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice

3. Margarita: lime juice, tequila, and triple sec

4. Long Island Iced Tea: gin, tequila, vodka, white rum, and triple sec blended with lemon juice and cola

5. Sangria: red or white wine, citrus juice, brandy, and berries for garnish mixed in a punch bowl with ice

6. Bloody Mary: tomato juice and vodka

7. Zombie: bitters, rum, and simple syrup topped with ice, mint, and orange slices

8. Bellini: peach puree, prosecco, lemon juice, and sugar

9. Screwdriver: vodka and orange juice

10. Cuba Libre: cola and rum

Not sure how to blend these classic cocktails? We’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow instructions for the more complicated drinks on our list.

If you don’t have time to pour everyone’s beverage, you can always buy pre-mixed drinks. Check out our favorite canned cocktails that’ll get you out from behind the bar to mingle with your guests in no time.