By Kimberly Cooper
A new trend in home bars has emerged and we couldn’t be more excited. Bar carts are popping up in homes everywhere, stocked to the im with liquors, wines, glasses, and accessories. A well-stocked bar cart can transform any home into a place for consummate entertaining. There are certain elements that are essential to having a bar cart that is both stocked to the im and stylish.
THE CART
The most important piece for a bar cart is, well, the cart. It should reflect your personal style, so consider whether you are classic, funky, or edgy when searching out your ideal cart. If you’re “green” and into repurposing, finding a cart you love second-hand shouldn’t be hard. An older cart can easily be polished and modernized with a coat of gold paint and a few embellishments. But if you want contemporary construction and the fun of choosing from many designs, then consider buying new. West Elm and Ballard Designs have many options, some classic and others modern. If they aren’t for you, keep your eyes peeled at local retailers where the options are usually unique and extraordinary.
THE LIQUORS
You can’t very well have a bar cart without a full range of liquors to choose from. Stocking up with the basics—vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey—is essential since it allows you to make a wide variety of cocktails with only a few ingredients. Consider, however, catering the cart to your own tastes and needs as well. Not a big gin and tonic drinker? Stock a small bottle for guests. If you are a martini drinker, load your cart with vermouth and bitters. Be sure to also include a selection of red and white wines. They’re an excellent choice for guests, since there is always something for everyone.
THE MIXERS
Most likely, you won’t be using your bar cart for shots. So mixers are essential. Stock up on a few sodas—cola, ginger ale, and lemon-lime—as well as cranberry and orange juice. They provide a great base for a wide range of cocktails. Also include gourmet sodas, such as San Pelligrino’s Limonato or Aranciata, which give a great zing to any cocktail. Fill your cart up with tonic water as well as grenadine, simple syrup, and homemade margarita mix. A cart that is stocked well with mixers will provide endless options.
THE ACCESSORIES
Unless you are planning to drink straight from the bottle, you’ll need to fi ll your cart with accessories. You could easily grab a few glasses from the kitchen and toss them on there, but why not get pretty about it? Many local boutique home retailers have great selections of barware, including highball glasses and old fashioned glasses. Other accoutrements, such as pretty paper straws in various colors, will also add a great look to your cart.
