Revamping your bar cart for summer.

Summer is the perfect time to revamp your bar cart—after all, ‘tis the season for refreshing cocktails and long evenings gathering outdoors.

If you’re looking to replenish your bar cart or even build one out from scratch, I’m here to help. As a seasoned entertainer, I’m excited to guide you through my comprehensive bar cart guide. 

First things first, you’ll want to stock up on liquors of various kinds. I like to keep the following on my cart at all times and advise buying the best quality that you can afford of each. I am sharing my favorite brands too.

• Vodka (Titos)

• Bourbon (Old Forester)

• Tequila (Los Arango Blanco)

• Gin (Hendrick’s)

• St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

• Cointreau Orange Liqueur

• Campari Liqueur

• Dry Vermouth (Dolin)

• Sweet Vermouth (Punt e Mes)

Arrange all of your bottles on a fun tray so that they look stylish, not cluttered. The various bottle heights and colors will make for an eye-catching display. I love branding and I am often drawn to great label designs and bottle shapes; I won’t judge if you buy a bottle just for the aesthetic! 

It’s also important to keep mixers on hand when entertaining. These don’t need to live on your cart at all times, of course, as many will need to be kept refrigerated. However, if I have guests on the way for a get together, I’ll set the following out on my cart: 

• Tonic Water (Betty Buzz)

• Club Soda (Fever Tree)

• Fresh squeezed juices

• Plain water

• Sparkling water (Canada Dry)

• Simple syrup

• Spritzers (High Noon or Ramona)

• Bitters, variety of flavors

Keeping plain and sparkling water on hand is always a must—guests will want to stay hydrated! Spritzers are fun for non-drinkers to sip on, you can always jazz them up further with lemon or lime, which brings me to the next step….

Don’t forget to go all in with your garnishes. I like to offer the below: 

• Boozy Cherries 

• Olives

• Lemons

• Limes

• Grapefruit

• Oranges 

• Fresh cut herbs (rosemary, thyme and basil)

• Kosher salt (Williams Sonoma)

Garnishes make even the simplest of cocktails feel that much more festive, like you’re sitting at a fancy downtown bar or dining at your favorite restaurant. Plus, they always add that photo-worthy factor, which your guests will appreciate. 

If you’re not fully stocked up on bar tools, use the weeks before your party to scout out the below:

• Ice Bucket

• Cocktail Pitcher

• Citrus press or wooden reamer

• Muddler

• Cocktail Shaker

• Paring knife

• Garnish tool

• Hawthorne Strainer

• Jigger, Japanese Style

• Stir Sticks

• Garnish Picks (stainless)

• Linen napkins 

Keep in mind that you can visit vintage.thrift stores, estate sales, big box stores, local boutiques, and more in search of these items. Part of the fun is mixing and matching finds from all of the above to create a cart that is well-curated and reflects your personality. As for linen napkins, I’ve found great quality options available in bulk on Amazon—who would’ve thought? 

Go the extra mile when hosting by creating signature cocktails, the way couples do at weddings, that guests can enjoy. Print and frame recipes for self service option—it will allow you to keep busy mingling rather than having to play bartender all evening. Happy hosting!