A bar cart is a versatile piece of furniture that can add both style and functionality to any home. It’s a convenient way to store and display your favorite liquors, glassware, and bar tools, making it easy to mix up a cocktail or entertain guests. But not all bar carts are created equal, and if you want to build a better bar cart, it’s important to get advice from the experts – bartenders.
Here are some tips and tricks from top bartenders on how to build a better bar cart.
Invest in Quality Glassware:
The right glassware can make all the difference in how a cocktail tastes and looks. It’s worth investing in quality glassware that not only looks good but also enhances the drinking experience. According to bartender Adam Robinson, “Glassware is important, as it sets the tone for the drink and can also change the way it tastes. Investing in quality glassware is important to ensure your cocktails look and taste their best.”
When selecting glassware for your bar cart, consider the types of cocktails you like to make and choose glasses that are appropriate for those drinks. For example, if you enjoy sipping whiskey, invest in a few good-quality rocks glasses. If you like to make gin and tonics or other highballs, consider adding some tall Collins glasses to your collection.
Stock up on the Essentials:
To build a better bar cart, you need to have the essentials on hand. This includes a variety of spirits, mixers, bitters, and bar tools. Bartender John McCarthy recommends stocking your bar cart with the following essentials:
Spirits: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey
Mixers: tonic water, soda water, cola, ginger beer, and juices (such as lime, lemon, and grapefruit)
Bitters: aromatic bitters, orange bitters, and other specialty bitters
Bar tools: cocktail shaker, mixing glass, strainer, jigger, muddler, bar spoon, citrus zester, and peeler
By having these essentials on hand, you’ll be able to make a wide range of cocktails and impress your guests with your bartending skills.
Add Personal Touches:
Your bar cart should reflect your personality and style. Adding personal touches to your bar cart can make it feel more inviting and unique. For example, you can add a small vase of fresh flowers, a framed photo, or a piece of art that you love. Bartender Shannon Mustipher suggests adding a few books on mixology or cocktail history to your bar cart for inspiration and education.
Another way to add a personal touch to your bar cart is to display your favorite liquor bottles creatively. You can group bottles by color, shape, or type of liquor. You can also add labels or tags with fun facts about each bottle, such as where it was made or how it’s best enjoyed.
Keep it Simple:
When it comes to building a better bar cart, sometimes less is more. Bartender Nicky Beyries recommends keeping your bar cart simple and uncluttered. “Your bar cart doesn’t need to have every liquor or gadget under the sun. Keep it simple and only stock what you need and use regularly,” she says.
To keep your bar cart organized and easy to navigate, consider using trays or baskets to group similar items together. For example, you can keep all of your bar tools in a small tray and your mixers in a basket. This will not only make it easier to find what you need but also add a touch of organization to your bar cart.
Experiment with New Ingredients:
Building a better bar cart also means being willing to experiment with new ingredients and flavors. Bartender Meaghan Dorman suggests trying out different types of bitters and syrups to add depth and complexity to your cocktails. “Don’t be afraid to try something new! Experimenting with different ingredients and flavors can lead to some amazing cocktails,” she says.
When selecting new ingredients to add to your bar cart, consider your tastes and preferences. If you enjoy spicy cocktails, consider adding a bottle of jalapeno syrup or chili bitters. If you like sweet and fruity cocktails, try adding some flavored syrups or liqueurs.
Consider Storage Options:
When building a better bar cart, it’s important to consider storage options. You want to make sure that your bar cart is not only functional but also easy to maintain and organize. Bartender Natasha David suggests using a mix of open and closed storage options to keep your bar cart looking neat and tidy.
Open storage options, such as shelves and racks, are great for displaying your favorite bottles and glassware. Closed storage options, such as cabinets and drawers, can be used to store less attractive items, such as extra mixers and bitters. Consider using a mix of both open and closed storage options to create a visually appealing and functional bar cart.
Invest in Quality Liquors:
To build a better bar cart, it’s important to invest in quality liquors. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper options, quality liquors can make a big difference in the taste and overall quality of your cocktails. Bartender Joaquín Simó recommends investing in quality spirits and taking the time to learn about each one. “Invest in quality, small-batch spirits that are crafted with care. Learn about each spirit and how it’s made, and you’ll be able to make better cocktails,” he says.
When selecting liquors for your bar cart, consider your tastes and preferences. If you enjoy sipping whiskey, invest in a quality bottle of bourbon or scotch. If you like to make classic cocktails, such as martinis and negronis, consider adding a bottle of quality gin to your collection.
Keep it Stocked and Fresh
To build a better bar cart, it’s important to keep it stocked and fresh. This means regularly checking your inventory and replenishing items as needed. Bartender Kellie Thorn suggests checking your inventory once a week and restocking any items that are running low.
In addition to keeping your bar cart stocked, it’s also important to keep it fresh. This means periodically cleaning and organizing your bar cart to ensure that it looks its best. Consider wiping down your glassware and bottles with a damp cloth, and using organizers to keep everything neat.
Building a better bar cart is all about investing in quality glassware, spirits, mixers, and bar tools, while also adding personal touches and experimenting with new ingredients and flavors. By following these tips and tricks of top bartenders, you can create a functional and stylish bar cart that will impress your guests and make mixing cocktails a breeze. Remember to keep it simple, organized, and always stocked and fresh. Cheers to building a better bar cart!