1. Tequila always gets the party started, and Jose Cuervo Platino ($60)—once reserved only for the Cuervo family’s private enjoyment—will have your guests shouting olé in no time. Ramirez Liquor, 736 S. Soto St., Los Angeles, 323-261-2915; josecuervoplatino.com
2 & 7. You can’t have a complete bar without great glassware, so class up your cocktails with Ralph Lauren Home’s statement-making skulland- crossbones decanter ($495) and glasses ($295), crystal martini glasses ($125 each) and cocktail shaker ($195). Ralph Lauren Home, 444 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-281-7200; ralphlaurenhome.com
3. Be prepared for an impromptu celebration with a great bubbly. You can’t go wrong with Bollinger Special Cuvée ($65). There’s a reason this is Mr. Bond’s choice of Champagne. The Wine House, 2311 Cotner Ave., Los Angeles, 310-479- 5609; champagne-bollinger.fr
4. The new ultrapremium Oxley gin ($50) has a bright and intense taste that’s as good sipped alone as it is in a cocktail, making it unlike any other gin on the market. Wally’s, 2107 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, 310-475-0606; oxleygin.com
5. No bar is complete without a cache of after-dinner liqueurs, and Zwack ($24)—a Hungarian herbal liqueur—is a unique choice that will intrigue and impress your date when she comes in for a nightcap. Wally’s, SEE ABOVE; zwack.hu
6. A good whiskey is a must for when you and the boys want to knock back a few. With its oak tones and cinnamon and vanilla flavors, there’s no question why Crown Royal Reserve ($40) is one of America’s top-selling whiskeys. Mel & Rose, 8344 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 323-655- 5557; crownroyal.com
8. Vodka is a bar staple, but try switching it up a bit with Grey Goose La Poire ($45)—the brand’s delicious pear-flavored vodka. The ladies love it paired with soda or tonic. John & Pete’s Fine Wines & Spirits, 621 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-657-3080; greygoose.com
9. For an old-school gin, try Hendrick’s ($27). Its traditional juniper flavors with hints of rose and cucumber are perfect for gin and tonics or classic martinis. K&L Wine Merchants, 1400 Vine St., Hollywood, 323-464-9463; hendricksgin.com
10. There’s nothing like a fine cigar to go with a stiff drink, and Camacho Cigars’ premium Liberty 2009 ($16.25 each) collection is a perfect option. These full-bodied cigars are made with the finest tobacco from Honduras. Tobacco Trader, 13106 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, 310-823-5831; camachocigars.com
