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Over the past year or so, I’ve learned a thing or two about you all. One thing I’ve definitely taken note on: you love a good bar cart! (I mean, who wouldn’t?!) When I first moved into my little studio, I shared with you how I styled my bar cart and it has been one of my most popular posts to date! Today, I want to go beyond the pretty bar cart books and florals and talk about what every hostess needs on a fully stocked bar cart, including a go-to recipe that is sure to impress!
What to Keep on Your Bar Cart to Truly Impress with Your Guests
Showcase Variation
A bar cart with variation will be a locked-in crowd-pleaser. That said, if you don’t like every liquor, you don’t need to have everything. I stick with primarily clear spirits on my cart – I know a bottle of whiskey might stay on my bar cart for years, so it’s not worth taking up the space. I keep vodka, gin, white rum, and of course, plenty of wine, on my cart to give my guests options.
STOCK UP ON STAND-OUT FLAVORS
A great way to stand out as a hostess and have the most respected bar cart is to have unique flavor options on-hand. I recently went to a friend’s house that had homemade rosemary simple syrup ready to go – to say I was impressed is an understatement! For those of us who want to simplify the process a bit more, I love having different flavored syrups on hand. Torani, known for their coffeehouse flavors, also offers a very expansive list of favors that can take your cocktails to the next level. From pomegranate to lychee, you can get so creative with your offerings. I keep raspberry, vanilla and peach on my bar cart. (And I don’t shy away from pouring a splash of these into my coffee or tea for a yummy sweet treat, either – its a double-win!). You can find a close-by Torani store here and to the right I have a special saving for you all! I grabbed my first few at my local Mariano’s and had to get more, so went online for an even bigger selection.
TOP WITH FRESH TOUCHES
Not only are herbs amazing to have on-hand for cooking, but they are also the perfect touch for cocktails. If your bar car is in an area with enough light, you can even grow your potted herbs right there on your cart which would also be such a great decor addition. Fresh limes and lemons can also land a spot on your cart, again with the multifunctional taste and decor additions.
PROVIDE A PRETTY PRESENTATION
A well-designed bar cart elevates the necessities, taking your hostessing skills to the next level for the full-package. Read more about my tips for designing a bar cart here.
CREATE A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL
The perfect pairing to a beautifully designed and well-stocked bar cart is amazing cocktail suggestions! Heading into fall, I love cocktails that combine sweet summer flavors with spicy fall notes. Below is a recipe for a equally easy as delicious vanilla peach cocktail.
CREATING A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL:
VANILLA PEACH COCKTAIL
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup soda water or coconut milk if you want a creamier cocktail
- 1 oz (or 2 tbsp) Torani peach syrup
- Splash of vanilla syrup
- Mint to garnish
- Optional: fresh peach
INSTRUCTIONS:
Shake up your ingredients, top with mint or peaches, and you’re done! Easy as that.
There you have it: a few additions to your bar cart and you are SET! Enjoy!
