... have an adequately stocked bar on hand.

There is something romantic about watching Don Draper sip whiskey from his low ball glass.  Of course, if you haven't had the pleasure of watching Mad Men, perhaps Jack Donaghy has struck that chord with you.

I have no doubt that in each of their homes (their fantasy TV homes that is) you will find an immaculately stocked bar.  Full of crystal and fancy stirring spoons.  While we don't all have the funds, or drinking habits, to allow for the full set-up, we should still have the basics.  The upfront investment will be significant, but it will pay dividends when the girlfriend's father stops by and you can offer him that gin and tonic with a confident wink.

You could go ahead and shell out a few hundy up front, or accumulate this stuff over a bit of time.  However, you should be able to accommodate most people's taste with this simple set up.

SPIRITS

Vodka

Gin

Rum

Tequila

Whiskey (Bourbon or Scotch preferably) 

ADDITIONAL SPIRITS

Vermouth (Sweet and Dry if possible)

Coffee Liqueur

ADDITIONAL BEVERAGES

Bottle of Red Wine

Bottle of White Wine

6 pack of Beer

MIXERS

Tonic 

Soda Water

Coke (Diet & Regular)

Ginger Ale

Juice (Orange/Cranberry/Tomato)

GARNISHES

Lemon

Lime

Olives

Cherries

GLASSWARE/TOOLS

Cocktail Shaker

Lowball Glasses (4)

Highball Glasses (4)

Wine Glasses (at least 4)

So, here is the deal.  This probably looks like a lot, but you more than likely have a lot of it sitting around anyway.  With the stuff above you will be able to throw together all the basics.  And the fact is, that is basically all it takes to look like a hero.