I'm sure you already know, but you'll need all the mixers, bitters, ginger beer etc to complete your set.
But the point of my commenting is local. My bar had been nearly like yours, but when having a party, it felt..... I don't know... stale?
Since half the time I'm also the bartender at parties, and the majority of our extended Filipino family comes from all parts of Chicagoland, I decided to go local.
What that means, to me, is that my vodka is from Black Dog distillery, my rum is from Tailwinds, etc. All of these are available at Binny's.
I am looking to try Koval next and see if it is to my liking.
So your question on how to stock your bar... go and try some of these tasting rooms on the weekends. And as the bartender, I tell a story or two about where the rum, vodka, beer (Werkforce) comes from, and the guests actually like the drink more (or seem to) as you relate a personal connection to it while you are making it.
You have a great selection though, and I'd gladly pull up a chair at your bar anytime.
Cheers!
Edit: Dammit! Thank goodness this site has an edit button
Just after I hit send, literally, it was 2 minutes ago, I got a email that Tailwinds was closing after a 7 years run. We loved this place.
Plainfield has lost a great little shop. This is in a warehouse that has some Plainfield institutions. Tailwinds, Werkforce/Chicago Brew Works, Ten Drops Coffee, and Warehouse 109, which is local unique event space.
We got married 18 months ago at Warehouse 109, had a Tailwinds Rum drink on the menu, and a keg of Werkforce on tap.
Tailwinds, you will be missed
Bill-Aurora