ANATOMY OF AN

AWESOME BAR CART

 

FIRST, LET'S START WITH THE BAR CART BASICS

 

TOOLS

Blender
Shaker
Jigger
Ice Bucket
Strainer
Juicer
Muddler
Bottle Opener
Corkscrew

GLASSWARE

Highball
Lowball
Champagne
White Wine
Red Wine
Cordial
Shot
Martini
Pilsner

BOOZE + MIXERS

Vodka
Gin
Bourbon (or Whiskey)
Vermouth
Champagne
Bitters
Club Soda
Triple Sec
Add your favorites

 

NOW, LET’S TRICK IT OUT

 
Picture frame graphic

GET PERSONAL Aside from actually housing the liquor, the best thing about a bar cart is that it’s a reflection of you. If you’re a DIYer, locate some reclaimed wood and build it yourself. If upcycling is your thing, show a vintage cart some love and make it your own. If you don’t want to build anything, no shame in that game either… just purchase a bar cart that speaks to you.

ORGANIZE & EDIT Unless you’re being featured on an episode of MTV’s Cribs, there’s a limit to how much your bar cart can reasonably hold, so edit it down to the essentials. Employ hanging glass racks to maximize space and organize your cart by zones, keeping it neat, tidy, and ready for action. Think about what you’ll actually use most often, since you can always add to your display for a big party.

Wine glasses graphic
Potted plant graphic

GO FRESH With the ability to liven up any space, flowers are an easy way to create a sense of intention and permanence to your set-up. Not into flowers? A bowl of fresh fruit or martini olives will do the trick.

Books graphic

LITERATURE Add a little gravitas to your bar cart with bartending guides and recipe books recommended by the pros.

GLASSES WITH CLASS Whether it’s your Nana’s cut crystal, a cool glassware set you received as a wedding gift, or the loot from your thrift store treasure hunt, now’s the time to break out fun and interesting glassware in the styles mentioned above.

Cocktails graphic
Wine bottle graphic

HIGH-QUALITY (OR HIGH STYLE) BOTTLES
If you can’t make it happen with color-coordinated bottles of your favorite liquors, stock up on gorgeous (and relatively inexpensive) decanters to house your offerings.

LOCAL (OR GLOBAL) FLAIR Showcase your hometown pride — or your extensive travels — with utility items for the cart. Coasters from the tiny pub you loved in Killarney, or ginger beer from the brewery down the street will surely stir up memories — and conversation — as you mix a drink.

Airplane and beer mug graphic
Star graphic

FINISHING TOUCHES Step back and take a look at your masterpiece; what’s missing? A piece of art on the wall to tie it all together? Sassy napkins to give your guests a chuckle? Ice? Remember to infuse your personality into your cart, keep it stocked with liquor, and happy hour is pretty much guaranteed.

Synchrony HOME™ logo

Already a Synchrony HOME™ cardholder? Log in to learn about the offers available right now. If you’re not a cardholder, learn more about the benefits and find a retail location near you.

Disclaimer: We include links to another website in this article for your convenience. We do not endorse any content on these sites.

All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement.

This content is subject to change without notice and offered for informational use only. You are urged to consult with your individual business, financial, legal, tax and/or other advisors with respect to any information presented. Synchrony and any of its affiliates (collectively, “Synchrony”) make no representations or warranties regarding this content and accept no liability for any loss or harm arising from the use of the information provided. Your receipt of this material constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions.

© Synchrony Bank.