Bar carts can be a fun way to express yourself in a home, but easily overstyled. Here are a few sets of essentials and options within each to make it your own! Shop my favorite bar carts and decor below, enjoy!
You can also check out my cocktail recipes under In the Kitchen on the Blog portion of the site!
Liquor & Mixers
First think about the function and purpose of your bar cart. Are you mixing and serving cocktails here? Or, is it simply to store your beautiful bar-related items? If it is your mixing station, keep the liquor on top – if not, put it on the bottom. Of course there are no rules, so feel free to mix in special bottles.
The Basic Liquors
Its best to keep the basics on hand not only for looks, but to be able to offer guests anything to their liking! Since its liquor, they won’t spoil. Here is a list and some of our favorites:
- Bourbon and/or Whiskey: Woodford Reserve, Bullet, Knob Creek, Hudson
- Scotch: Johnnie Walker
- Vodka: Titos is a classic, Kettle one, Grey Goose, Absolut
- Tequila: Casamigos, Hornitos
- Gin: Tanqueray, Hendricks
- Rum: Barcardi, Cruzan
- Wines/Champagne: We keep our wine in a separate area, but keep a few bottles of Veuve and La Marca Prosecco on the cart.
Mixers
These can be some of the more unique bottles that vary in height to give you layering and depth:
- Vermouth
- Grand Marnier
- Kahlua
- Bitters
- Flavored Liqueurs
- Still and sparkling water
- Club soda
- Fresh juices
- Tonic water
Tools
Not only are bar tools so aesthetically pleasing, but they actually do make mixing and creating a lot easier! Here is a list of some essentials to display:
- Shaker
- Muddler
- Strainer
- Long bar spoon
- Coasters
- Bottle opener
- Cutting board
- Straws
- Stirrer
- Ice bucket
- Juicer
- Corkscrew
Glassware
You can choose to display some favorite glassware, or all depending on your needs! Here are a few:
- Champagne flutes
- Beer stein
- Wine glass
- Cocktail glass
- Mason jar
- Shot glass
- Martini glass
- Decanter
- Mule mug
Decor
This is the fun part! Now that you’ve placed your alcohol and tools, mix in a variety of decorative items to make it your own.
My #1 tip is to add in sentimental pieces like bottles from your travels, monogrammed glasses, favorite games, nods to your college, etc. For example, we have mule mugs from our wedding, monogrammed napkins, monogrammed stirs, our empty bourbon bottle we buried at our wedding, matches from travels, and a beer stein from my college grad year to name a few.
Here are decor items to add to your bar cart:
- Decorative napkins
- Fresh flowers (or faux)
- Cocktail books
- Candles
- Tray (this instantly groups items together and makes it a little more organized. Focus on the shape of your cart and contrast against it when choosing round vs. rectangle).
- Art/photo frame
- Games
- Matchbooks
- Fresh fruit
- Toothpicks
- Wine corks
Shop Bar Carts
Shop Bar Cart Essentials & Decor
