How to Take Your Bar Cart Up a Notch Without Breaking the Bank

The bar cart can be a key element to successful entertaining. By adding a few simple, inexpensive touches, you can tie all the elements together and create a station perfect for the occasion.

By: Sam Henderson

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Photo By: Sam Henderson

Bottle It Up

Gather an assortment of clear glass bottles and fill them with essential liquors for mixing such as gin, vodka, rum, tequila and whiskey. Make coordinating tags for each of the bottles. This will create a consistent look and allow you to fill the bottles with the best quality liquor you can afford.

Add a Variety of Flavor

Fill small, clear bottles with simple syrup and a variety of fresh herbs to infuse them. Choose herbs that will add a distinct flavor to custom cocktails such as rosemary, thyme and mint. Fill bottles with tight seals with seltzer water and club soda.

Ribbon Markers

Make it easy for guests to identify their glass by adding ribbons to the stems. Choose ribbons that are varied but still coordinate with the overall look of the cart for each type of glass.

Rim Candy

Create a space for special salts, sugars, or crushed candies to rim glasses. Choose candies that correlate such as peppermints or cinnamon disks.

Garnish With Citrus

Use citrus for garnish and decoration. Place fresh citrus on a tiered stand or in tall cylindrical vases for colorful impact.

Use Unique Vessels

Choose something quirky to add character and show your style. Use it on its own or as a vessel to hold bar tools or straws.

Custom Coasters

Create one of a kind coasters for the occasion. Purchase blank coasters or use the back of coasters that coordinate with your theme. Add the names of your guests to the coasters or a special message.

Release the Flavors

Invest in a simple pestle and mortar for muddling fresh herbs or fruit for drinks.

Prep at Least One Cocktail

Create at least one signature drink or punch that can be easily poured by guests. This can be prepared well in advance and takes the guess work out of the equation for guests.

Add a Little Bling

Embellish your cart with decorations that coordinate with the occasion. Floral sprays or ribbon or garland and a few ornaments create an unexpected touch.

Don't Forget the Tools

Remember to fill your cart with the essentials for entertaining with cocktails. Add bottles of wine for wine drinkers, a bucket for ice, napkins, and tools such as wine openers, strainers and a cocktail shaker. Tuck other garnishes in open spaces such as olives and bar onions.