How to Stock a Bar Cart

Bar Cart Basics

Summer party season is fast approaching, and it’s time to make sure your bar cart is stocked and ready for action. And while it may not always be easy to know what to include, we can offer tips on alcohol, mixers, glassware and more, all to make sure your summer cocktails please any party.

Stocking Your Bar Cart

When stocking your bar cart, it’s good to have all the basics covered. Have plenty of classic spirits that mix easily on hand, such as vodka, rum, bourbon, gin and tequila. It’s also good to have premade mixers like club soda and tonic water available for cocktails. Oranges, lemons, limes and other fruit come in handy for garnish and flavor. And don’t forget the ice – you’ll need plenty for your guests.

Bar Cart Tools and Glassware

Stocking your bar cart isn’t just about the drinks. You’ll need a mixing glass, barspoon, jigger, peeler, bottle opener and strainer for making those tasty cocktails. The proper glassware is also a nice touch for party guests. Coupes, flutes, rocks glasses, highballs and other fun glassware styles are a classy way to keep it fun for the crowd.

Bar Cart Party Ideas

The best part about a bar cart is you can tailor it to fit your party needs. Throwing a beach bash? Pick your favorite tropical beverage ingredients and hang 10 with tubular tastes. Hosting a 40s theme party? Plan on plenty of dry martinis and champagne cocktails.

A patio or porch is a great option for summer hosting, and your backyard is of course perfect for a summertime cookout too. Picnicking at your local park or pool may also be an option – check online for information before you make your plans. And of course, make sure your space has enough room for the number of guests you plan to have.

Don’t forget to create the perfect summer vibes! Decorations, music and lighting will start the party with great energy, keeping the fun going until after dark. Serve up a variety of finger foods and have a well-stocked cooler with drinks for all ages to enjoy. You can even pre-mix a batch of a signature cocktail, like Watermelon and Strawberry Blended Batch Cocktails or Raspberry-Rum Piña Colada Punch if you know you’ll be serving up spirits to your crowd.

It’s also fun to decorate the bar cart itself to go along with your theme. Streamers, multicolored garland and even potted plants can turn your cart into a fashion-forward party accessory.

Cocktail Recipes

Ready to mix up a beverage or two? Refresh your guests with a Blueberry Vodka Lemonade or Strawberry Kombucha Cocktail Recipe, perfect for warm weather. Maybe a Blackberry Bourbon Cocktail or Frozen Mango Margarita works with your party theme. You can even mix up a Tropical Fruit Cocktail or Cherry Lime Vodka Slush.

Mocktail Recipes

Enjoy a summer beverage without the alcohol with these mocktail recipes. Hibiscus and Pineapple Batch Mocktails are perfect for a warm summer day, or try something bubbly with our Sparkling Pineapple Rosemary Mocktails. Experiment with even more seasonal fruit by making this Jalapeno Watermelon Mocktail or this Pineapple Mango Tango Recipe.

More Summer Inspiration

For more recipes, check out even more of our best cocktails. And for all things summer, see more summer party tips and visit our summer shop.