Things to Add to the Basket Rimming sugars or salts are a festive addition, particularly for sweet drinks and margaritas. Garnishes like olives, maraschino cherries, and uncut citrus fruits. Cocktail picks are great because something has to skewer those olives and other garnishes.

Lemon-lime soda, though a little sweet, is a good beginner's introduction to whiskey drinks and works well in fruity punches. Grapefruit soda mixes perfectly with tequila and a pinch of salt. Orange juice works with gin, vodka and rum — freshly-squeezed adds another layer of texture and flavor.

Two Good Rums Are Better Than One A well-stocked bar has at least two bottles of rum. You can spend as little or as much as you like, though rum tends to be one of the more affordable liquors. A light rum will be your workhorse for most cocktails, from the Daiquiri to the Mojito.