There’s a certain satisfaction in mixing a great cocktail at home, but stocking your home bar can feel like an expensive undertaking if you don’t know where to start. The good news? Building a functional, well-rounded bar doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With some smart strategies and a little help from cashback tools, you can set yourself up for endless happy hours without overspending.

First, focus on versatility. Start with a few essential spirits that work across multiple cocktails. Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey cover a wide range of drink recipes. You don’t need top-shelf bottles, especially if you’re mixing them into cocktails. Look for reliable mid-range options that balance quality with affordability. Buying standard 750ml bottles often offers the best value per ounce, and you’ll have plenty to experiment with.

Next, consider your mixers. Staples like tonic water, soda water, ginger beer, and citrus juices are the building blocks of countless drinks. Instead of pre-made cocktail mixers, stick to simple ingredients that can flex across recipes. You can even make your own simple syrup at home with just sugar and water—a small step that saves money over time. For more DIY essentials, this guide from The Spruce Eats covers several budget-friendly mixer recipes.

Don’t forget to add some fresh produce to your bar lineup. Lemons, limes, oranges, and herbs like mint or basil elevate simple drinks with brightness and flavor. Shopping seasonally will help keep costs down, and many of these ingredients are used in everyday cooking, too.

Before you head to the store, take a moment to check your cashback apps. Fluz is especially handy for buying gift cards to liquor stores or large retailers. Purchase a gift card through Fluz before you shop, and you’ll earn instant cashback on your bar essentials. Download Fluz to start today.

Apps like Ibotta also frequently feature cashback offers on mixers and party supplies. It’s worth browsing before you fill your cart—you might find savings on juices, sodas, or even garnishes. And if you’re stocking up online, Rakuten can help you earn cash back at major retailers, especially when you’re buying bar tools or glassware.

Speaking of tools, you don’t need a fully stocked bar kit to get started. A basic shaker, jigger, stirring spoon, and strainer will cover most home bartending needs. Look for affordable starter kits or piece together your own over time. Many online retailers offer budget-friendly sets, and with cashback apps like Rakuten, you’ll save even more as you build your collection.

Glassware can also be kept simple. A good set of multipurpose glasses—think short tumblers and taller highball glasses—will serve you well across a variety of drinks. There’s no need to invest in specialty glasses right away unless you want to.

With a few bottles, basic mixers, and the right tools, you’ll have everything you need to start crafting great drinks at home. And as your skills grow, you can gradually expand your collection without financial strain. Using smart shopping strategies and cashback apps, every bottle and tool you add to your bar becomes an investment in affordable, enjoyable evenings for you and your guests.

Building your home bar isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about how wisely you stock it. With thoughtful choices and a little help from cashback savings, you’ll be toasting to good times without overpouring your budget.