Today’s bar carts are as much about décor as functionality. With the right tools, you can create one that looks great in your space.
Liquor Lineup
“At-home bar carts are essential to any bartender or someone who likes to entertain friends and family. It’s the equivalent of a kitchen to a chef,” says Katherine Allen, a mixologist/bartender formerly with Harlan Publick in Norwalk, CT. The most common? Bourbon, gin, vodka, rum and tequila, she says. “You can always interchange what is on your bar cart, varying by season, whether you want a more refreshing summery cocktail, like a mojito, ramble, or margarita, or something to warm you up on those cold winter days like an old fashion, manhattan, hot buttered rum, hot toddy, paper plane, classic or mezcal negroni,” suggests Allen.
Bitters, Mixers & More
“An easy and impressive way to add aromatics, interest and depth of flavor to your cocktails is to add bitters,” says Kate Fiore, bar manager at Match in Norwalk, CT. “One should always have angostura and/or peychauds bitters on hand.” Also key are garnishes like cherries, oranges, lemons and limes, as well as syrups and fresh juices. “Playing with infusions is also always something I encourage people to do,” she says. “You can put a vanilla bean in a bottle of vodka and in three days or so, voilà: Vanilla vodka for a delicious after-dinner white Russian.”
- Breuckelen Distilling Project 1: straight bourbon, wheated, bottled in bond, $480 for 750ml, Astor Wines & Spirits, New York, NY
- Aviation American Gin, $31 for 750ml
- Ron Barceló, Imperial ONyz Rum, $40 for 750ml, BevMax, Stamford, CT
- Codigo 1530 Rosa tequila starts at $60 for 750ml
- Absolut Grapefruit vodka, $20 for 750ml, Stew Leonard’s Wines 7 Spirits, Norwalk, CT
- Fever Tree, Aromatic tonic water, $5.99 for 4-pack of 200ml
- Jack Rudy Cocktail Co., Lavender bitters, $12
Choose Your Style
The look of your bar cart can match the style of your home (like mid-century modern or traditional), or simply be a look you love. “It’s fairly easy to put together an at-home bar,” says Allen. “Make it fun with unique glassware and [by] displaying tools.”
- Crate and Barrel Libations antique brass bar cart, $600, Westport, CT
- Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Melrose bar cart, $2,070, Greenwich, CT
- Serena & Lily Monaco bar cart, $498, Westport, CT
- Restoration Hardware, Vintage wallpaper factory bar cart, $1,995, Greenwich, CT
- Asprey The Ritz-Carlton cocktail trolley, $78,740
Complete Your Cart
Complete your bar cart with décor, tools, and extras:
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