Yeah, I think liquor-wise, if you want to learn about mixing, getting a vodka, a bourbon, a rum, and a gin is a good way to start. I don't know what brands you have available over there but I would start with standards-- my favorite vodkas are ones you probably can't get, but I'd recommend seeing if you can get Grey Goose, and if not, look for Ketel One (it's smoother than Absolut or Stolichnaya but cheaper than Grey Goose). They're both European so you shouldn't have a problem finding them. Bourbon, get Maker's Mark. There are several other quality bourbons and ones I like better but Maker's is the standard. If you can't find Maker's, look for Jim Beam. Same deal, it is not the creme de la creme of bourbons but it is very consistent and you'll likely be able to get it. For gin, I recommend starting with Tanqueray, which is a little more citrusy than some other English Dry gins, which makes it solid in both a gin & tonic and a martini. And for rum, I would recommend Botran. Bacardi is okay, but like Cuervo, I know Bacardi gives many people headaches. If you can't find Botran, Barbancourt is a nice mid-range rum. Both come in both white and gold varieties.

A good way to start is to buy the little taster bottles and taste several of them straight, without anything in them, and then mixed with a little club soda or gingerale. This will give you an idea of what flavors are in the alcohol and whether it is something you might like mixed in a cocktail-- of course, in a cocktail, it will just be one ingredient, but it is sort of the same as tasting, say, a kind of vegetable and knowing if you would like it in a casserole.

I'm going to do a piece on the kinds of things you will want to have to mix as well. Depending on what liquors you like, you will want different fruits, herbs, sodas, juices, and sweeteners!