Gin, rum, whiskey or vodka: which spirit to choose for cocktails
Quick answer: vodka is a neutral base for any syrup or juice (a Mule, a Dirty Shirley); gin brings herbal and berry notes, classic in a Gin & Tonic or Negroni; rum is slightly sweet, for tropical cocktails (Mojito, Mai Tai); whiskey is rich and warm, for sours and cocktails built on apple or vanilla.
Vodka is the most beginner-friendly base: it doesn't compete with the flavour of a syrup or juice, so it's hard to get the pairing wrong. It works well with virtually any BrandBar flavour, from citrus to berry syrups.
Gin splits into classic (London Dry, juniper-forward) and modern (citrus or floral notes) — the former suits a Negroni or Martini better, the latter light summer cocktails. Light rum suits refreshing mixes, dark rum suits rich tropical cocktails and hot drinks.
Whiskey shines best in Sour-style cocktails (with lemon juice and syrup) or with warm syrups — vanilla, apple, cinnamon. If you're not sure where to start a home bar, vodka and light rum forgive the most proportion mistakes.