A little "how to" with Brad White of White's Elixirs from Nashville, TN ...

My cocktail mixers are meant to do one thing: help anyone be a Rockstar home bartender and enjoy an amazing drink.

But my mixers are only half (usually--sometimes you may need a little club soda) of the equation. Unless a mocktail is your game, you need some booze!

I’m often asked, what spirit would you recommend for use with your cocktails.

While I have been known to use almost any priced spirit in making my own cocktails at home, when serving several people or planning for a party, stretching your libation budget is critical.

To get you mixing, serving, and cheers-ing, here is a list of high quality, affordable spirits you can use to make delicious classic cocktails. (Note that pricing can vary from one retailer to another.)

White’s Elixirs Old Fashioned Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon ($12.99)