how to stock a bar cart

Having a thoughtfully stocked bar is the key to throwing together a great, easy cocktail in a pinch. Whether it’s been one of those days or friends unexpectedly pop by, keeping a handful of ingredients on hand and a few tools within reach ensure that you’re always prepared for a drink on the fly. A quick run to the grocery store for fresh citrus and a bunch of mint and you’re really in business.

Here’s a look at what’s usually on our bar cart (and in our fridge!) for simple cocktails in a snap.

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LIQUIDS

  • wine (red in fall/winter, sauvignon blanc or rosé in spring/summer)
  • 3 favorite liquors (tequila, vodka, whiskey, gin, etc.)
  • his and hers mix-ins (sam: laphroaig, me: st. germain )
  • ginger syrup (bc yum!)
  • bitters, if whiskey or scotch is on the bar

GLASSES, ETC.

  • decorative multipurpose glasses (I love my moroccan tea cups, even for wine!)
  • old-fashioned glasses
  • shot glasses
  • fun straws
  • coasters (if you use them)
  • + an ice bucket (which we don’t yet have but I’m dying for!)

TOOLS

  • cocktail shaker
  • muddler
  • mixing spoon
  • bottle opener
  • corkscrew
  • wine bottle stoppers

IN THE FRIDGE / FREEZER

  • sparkling fruit juice
  • ginger beer
  • seltzer and/or tonic
  • bag of ice
  • tray of extra-large ice cubes

PICK UP ON THE WAY HOME

  • limes, lemons or an orange
  • mint

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EASY COMBOS

scotch whiskey + laphroaig + lemon + ginger syrup (called a penicillin – sam’s favorite!)

sparkling fruit juice + tequila + lime

vodka + ginger beer + lemon

gin + st. germain + seltzer + mint + lime

whiskey + sugar + water + bitters + orange

GET THE LOOK

cb2 lucite bar cart, $349 // world market moroccan tea glasses set of 6, $36 // anthropologie textured glass cocktail shaker, $42 // furbish studio otomi coster set, $36 // anthropologie chin chin bottle opener, $16 //meri meri rose gold straws, $6 // world market bar cart, $160 // kate spade glitter coasters, $35 // cb2 rose gold ice bucket, $15 // chairish neon pink moroccan tea glasses set of 6, $59 // meri meri silver foil star straws, $6 // cb2 gold mini cocktail shaker, $12

peace, love & neon,

marisa

< photos by christina mulé >