Start Your Bar Cart

Hello my lovelies! If you are anything like me, you love bringing people together in your home. Whether you're hosting a party or just enjoying a quiet night in with loved ones, a well-stocked bar cart can make all the difference. With the right products and a little bit of creativity, you can transform your bar cart into a stunning accent to your home that will impress your guests and make you feel like a true mixologist.

To start, you'll need a cart itself. Look for something that is both functional and stylish, with plenty of space in both height and width for your bottles, glasses, and accessories. A gold or silver finish can add a touch of glamor to your cart, while a mirrored surface can reflect light and create a sense of depth and dimension. Look for something with a non-porous surface that can be easily cleaned in case of spills. 

Once you have your cart, it's time to start stocking it with all the essentials. Start with your liquor selection, choose a few key bottles that you know you and your guests will enjoy. Plan to have one of each of vodka, tequila, gin, rum, and whiskey. These plus a few liqueurs and basic mixers like simple syrup or bitters will allow you to make most standard cocktails. These can be built up over time as you decide what you enjoy. Don't forget to include some non-alcoholic options as well, such as sparkling water or juice.

If you don’t already have dedicated cocktail barware, this is the time to invest. Look for glasses that are both functional and stylish, keep a variety of shapes and sizes on hand to suit different drinks. List out the most common drinks you might make and what kind of glasses you will need for them. Lowball and highball glasses are a good start for basic cocktails; martini or coupe glasses allow for a range of sophisticated drinks and desserts, while champagne flutes are good to keep if you enjoy morning mimosas. 

Now it's time to add some accessories to your bar cart. A cocktail shaker, jigger, and strainer are all essential tools for mixing drinks, and you can also add in some fun and decorative items like cocktail picks, stirrers, and coasters. Keep a bottle opener on hand for beer or hard cider fans. A decanter can also be a great addition, allowing you to serve your delicious mixes in style.

Finally, the perfect way to establish yourself as a top tier host is to create a signature cocktail! Choose a recipe that you love and that you know will be a hit with your guests, and keep those ingredients on hand for get-togethers. This makes it easy to plan what groceries you need and gives your guests something to look forward to and get excited about (aside from your sparkling company, of course). Mix and pour with pride at your next gathering! Cheers!