-
-
WORDS by Angus Forrester
-
-
-
-
For those looking to take their hosting capabilities to the next level, there is no better accessory than the bar cart. From fancy soirees to unannounced guests, having a well equipped bar cart on hand will serve you royally through thick and thin.
Building a versatile bar need not be an overly complicated exercise, nor expensive for that matter. The ultimate cart should host a well-rounded cast of characters that can cater for all tastes, something which can be achieved with just five base spirits plus mixers and a few simple tools.
-
As social as the bar cart is, the creation of it can also develop into a rather personal quest. Don’t shy away from leaning into your own preferences to let your character shine through– for example, the avid whiskey drinker might choose to invest in a selection of bourbon, rye and scotches with an accompaniment of tumblers for sipping. After all, you will be the most frequent regular at this particular bar.
Below are the essentials that you’ll need to get started on your own venture.
-
Tools
Cart
The cart itself sets the tone for the entire scene. It’s the single largest investment you’ll need to make and it pays to make it count. Choose well and you’ll have a trusty servant for life. Something like this vintage style brass cart by Soho Home is an elegant yet robust choice that won’t look out of place in the grandest or simplest of occasions.Cocktail shaker (Boston or Cobbler)
There are two main schools of cocktail shakers–Boston and Cobbler.The Boston style two-piece shaker is employed chiefly by professionals because of its ability to hold more liquid and is more efficient (in capable hands) behind a busy bar, like this widely used set from Koriko.
The Cobbler style three-piece shaker is the more popular at-home tool, it requires less skill and encompasses a strainer within the design, unlike the Boston which requires a separate accessory–this copper plated version from Usagi is a particularly fine tool.
Jigger
A necessity for measuring ingredients on the fly, the double-ended Japanese Style jigger provides a useful single and double measurement as well as additional markings for more specific volumes. -
Mixing spoon
A long handled mixing spoon like this Hoffman is ideal for reaching down into long high-ball glasses and pitchers. The spiral structure is a lesser used feature that creates ‘layered’ drinks.Mixing Glass
Not all cocktails need shaking, for those that need mixing you can simply use half of the shaker or elevate your game with a dedicated mixing glass like this one from Yarai.Hawthorne Strainer (if using cobbler)
As mentioned, if you’re going down the Boston shaker route then you’ll need a separate strainer to pour from the shaker into the glass.Cocktail sticks
Not absolutely necessary, but nice to have especially if you’re serving martinis. You won’t go wrong with this simple set.Recipe Books
If you need some cocktail inspiration, try The Essential Cocktail by legendary mixologist Dale Degroff, full of wisdom and insight that will help steer your course. For online resources, Difford’s Guide is well reputed and an inexhaustible source of recipes and information.
-
Liquors
Bourbon – Makers Mark
A good bottle of Bourbon or Rye will have you covered for almost all whiskey based cocktails. This fine ‘wheated bourbon’ specimen from Makers Mark punches well above its weight in terms of quality versus price–a versatile character that works extremely well both sipping and mixed.Gin – Sipsmith, London Dry
Classic gin cocktails use a London dry style gin like this stunning example from London distillers, Sipsmith. Most recognisable names like Tanqueray and Beefeater also fall under this category and are fine choices too. Be aware that flavoured gins like Hendricks behave slightly differently given their enhanced profile, sometimes this can be a great thingRum – Sailor Jerry’s Spiced
Opting for a spiced rum, over white or dark, provides added depth to the classics, such as with a Dark’n’Stormy. Sailor Jerry’s has a distinct presence when mixed with other ingredients given its higher than average ABV. -
Tequila – Patron Silver OR Casamigos Reposado
White tequila has been the more traditionally accepted tequila of choice for cocktails, although the rise in popularity of reposado style tequila is quickly changing the game. We are in the midst of a tequila boom (sales surpassed both rum and bourbon in the US in 2020) meaning that there has never been more choice. Here are two solid options depending on your preference.Vodka – Belvedere
Whilst you might not hear too many bartenders cite vodka as their preferred spirit of choice, it most definitely has a place in any bar cart. Belvedere provides a clean and smooth experience, which sits well in any cocktail.Scotch – Johnny Walker Blue Label
Scotch whisky is not considered a staple in the world of mixed drinks, but it has a fond place in the heart of many. Having a nice bottle on hand won’t ever be a bad idea–treat your guests to a special tipple with a bottle of Blue Label, a firm favourite that will please first-timers and old-hands alike.
-
Mixers & Liqueurs
Campari
The ubiquitous bitter-sweet liqueur is a staple for aperitivo cocktails. They say that a newly opened bottle won’t last the hour in any respectable bar in Milan, who’s to say this won’t be the case on a particularly raucous occasion at home?Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth
The grandfather of sweet vermouths–created by Antonio Benedetto Carpano, who in the late eighteenth century invented the unique formula for Vermouth that has paved the way for the landscape ever sinceNoilly Prat Dry Vermouth
If you plan to make a martini, you’ll most certainly want to stock a bottle of this dry style vermouth. Note, most martini’s are stirred, not shaken.Cointreau
Based on the announcement that the Margarita is the most popular cocktail in the world, you better have a bottle of orange liqueur around for this drink alone–Cointreau is the most widely used instance. -
St Germain
Perhaps not an essential component, but this majestic elderflower liqueur is a very useful ingredient to have on hand for softer cocktails like the Hugo or a French 77, for guests who prefer to keep their drinks lighter or equally suited for summertime.Angostura Aromatic Bitters
Think of bitters as a flavour enhancer, the small bottles come with tops especially designed for adding ‘dashes’ to your drinks. There are plenty of bitters on the market to choose from, but you should start with classic angostura–most famously used in the Old Fashioned.Simple Syrup
Commonly used in the world of cocktails to add a touch of sweetness–pre-make a batch ahead of your occasion with this very easy recipe. Flavoured syrups are also simple to make, try adding sage to the cooling mixture for a herbal infusion.Soda & Tonic water
You’ll definitely want to keep plenty of these around, if not on your cart then in the fridge. The addition of a soda top is widely used in many cocktails, or if all else fails, you can rely on these for a simple spirit and mixer beverage. Fevertree have risen to the top of many bartenders fridges for these soft mixers.
-
Garnish
The devil is in the detail, which once you’ve mastered a few simple tricks your drinks will look infinitely slicker.
Lemons, Limes, Oranges
Whether you’re using the juice itself, a wedge or twist, having ample citrus fruits stocked is crucial for the final flourish. You can use a standard peeler, which you most likely have one of these in the kitchen drawer already, in which case you’re good to go.Note–a twist is more than just a garnish, the purpose of the twist is to release a perfumed spray from the skin, which adds a final flavour profile to the drink as well as sitting pleasantly on the nose for that first sip. They don’t need to be fancy twists, in fact sometimes a roughly peeled shape exudes more sprezzatura.
-
Luxardo Maraschino cherries
These preserved, sweetened cherries aren’t an essential bar ingredient, but if you’re looking for extra points they do look the part when balanced on a cocktail stick, where advised.Ice–lots of it
You’ll be surprised how much ice you can go through in an evening of cocktails, it’s better to have too much than too little. Having an ice bucket close by can be a stylish touch, as can these moulds to help form the perfectly shaped cubes.
-
Glassware
Certain drinks are served traditionally in particular glasses, but really there is no need to be precious about this at home. Serve drinks up in whatever feels comfortable or you have handy, it is worth investing in a few basic glasses to get going though.
Highball
A great all-rounder suited for long drinks.Tumbler/Rocks
Another versatile glass that can be used for negronis, old-fashioned and margaritas alike. This set of four Roebling Cut Crystal glasses will have you sipping in style. -
Martini Glass
An iconic shape that fits the typical image people have in mind when picturing a cocktail evening.Coupe
The original champagne coupe, before it was displaced by the flute, is a stylish option to have on hand for champagne-based or shaken drinks.Nick & Nora
Maybe not essential, but these attractive glasses add a splash of variety and intrigue to your collection. Somewhere between a couple and martini glass, these are a slick alternative to serve martinis and similar stirred libations.
A fully stocked bar cart doesn’t have to happen overnight, you can gradually build your collection in line with your enthusiasm and depths of your pocket. As many who embark on this journey find, the quest for a perfect cart is a constantly evolving mission that will keep you entertained for as long as you let it.
