How to Stock a Bar Cart

When it comes to your home bar the options are literally endless. Every time the words endless and booze are used in the same sentence things can get expensive really fast. Here is how we stock our bar cart and the steps we took to build it out.

My best advice when it comes to your home bar is to take your time building out your cocktail station and figure out the purpose you want it to serve. Who does it serve? Is it going to be a statement piece? Is it a place to store all your alcohol?

Curtis and I over the years have collected vintage glassware, stocked up on the alcohol we want to always have on hand, and some fun bitters and liquors. We like to make an assortment of drinks depending on occasion and season, but you can always go very minimal depending on your favourite cocktails. If you love gin and tonics but nothing else, just stock up on 2-3 great gins and some quality tonics to have on hand.

If you are looking for cocktail recipes, check out my section on the blog!

How to Stock a Home Bar

The Cart

Be creative, anything can be used as a bar cart! A table, an actual bar cart, or the corner of a bookshelf. Literally, any flat surface can work. The only rule is that it should not be in direct sunlight. Spirits need to be stored at room temperature. Keeping them cool and away from direct sunlight preserves them longer. As temperatures rise, the alcohol begins to expand and can evaporate more quickly. This changes the flavour profile and quality of the booze.

We found our vintage mid-century modern bar cabinet on Facebook Marketplace. It was something we searched for years, first starting out with our dining hutch to a makeshift bar cabinet Curtis made to this stunning piece we absolutely love.

The Tools

I prefer to use a cocktail mixing glass vs a shaker, Curtis prefers the shaker. As you may have guessed, we have both. And honestly, you can’t go wrong with having both on hand. I find the mixing glass is great for doubling up drinks and looks great on the cabinet.

Mixing Spoon

If you go the mixing glass route you need a spoon. Nothing specific when it comes to spoons. Get a color that matches your bar set. Gold, rose gold, silver, are affordable and you can find them online easily.

Strainer

Another necessity when it comes to the mixing glass route. I like a strainer that has a round handle and some weight to it. As for colour this is another area where you can mix and match with your other tools.

Jigger

These are confusing because they come in all different sizes. Some pour only single sizes others have 2 sizes. They have handles or they don’t, I’d say stick to your budget and buy your preference. You’ll use it almost every time you make a drink, so get one you will like using.

Bottle Opener

Yes, I know this is basic, but we hall have preferences. Why not get your favourite type to add to your tools.

Shot Glasses

We have an assortment. Curtis likes to collect ones from our trips, some fancy Murano glass ones, and winter-themed glasses.

Old Fashion Glass

We use these for a variety of cocktails such as sipping scotch, bourbon, and tequila along with Margaritas and other cocktails.

High Ball Glass

We use these for cocktails that contain a large proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer and are poured over ice like G&T’s, Pimms Cups, or Mojitos.

Coupe Glass

Our go-to for champagne. I like these much better than champagne flutes because it allows for them to breathe better and open up a bit more. You can find some fantastic vintage ones at the thrift store or local flea market. Many big homeware stores now carry them, for a while they were hard to find.

Decanter

These serve two purposes:

1. The first is to remove the sediment from the wine. Sediment impacts the flavor and can be found in older more tannic wines.
2. The second reason is to allow air into the wine which lets it open up and release Hydrogen Sulfide (sulfur scents) after just opening. Note that wine can open up too much, so it’s a fun balancing game to play while enjoying.

Booze

Bourbon/Whiskey

You are looking for a good burn with high proof. The crazy thing with bourbon is that it’s not super expensive compared to other higher-priced boozes out there.

Scotch

There are so many amazing scotches out there. You can’t go wrong with Macallan 12. Not crazy expensive and a smooth delicious scotch. I tend to avoid the more peaty or smokey scotches, they’re just not for me.

Gin

We live in a world now with an abundance of gin choices. From local distilleries to classics from the UK, there is something for everyone and every price point. I always keep Botanist Gin in our bar cabinet and sprinkle in some local gins. I could honestly spend an hour looking at the gin selection at Legacy Liquor in Vancouver!

Tequila

Used to hate it, now I love it. Once I was taught to sip aged tequila like a nice scotch I instantly became a huge fan. I aim to have a variety of sipping tequilas I will enjoy depending on the situation.

Mezcal

Speaking of tequila, we keep at least two bottles of mezcal in our cabinet. I love the smokiness of it and it changes up a tequila drink.

Rum

Rum has become more popular with Tiki drinks making a comeback. If you can, keep a white and a dark rum in stock. There is a difference and it really depends on which drink you make.

Vodka

You can’t really go wrong with Grey Goose or Belvedere. Pretty straightforward here. Our vodka lives in the freezer, not on the bar cart. I also suggest checking out local vodka brands, in Vancouver, we have so many great local distilleries.

Apéritifs

Aperol: My go-to for my spritz, not much more needs to be said here.

Campari: Needed for negronis and bicicletas. Runs a little bitter but perfect in so many cocktails.

Other Mixing Essentials

Sweet Vermouth: Needed for Manhattans, Negronis, Vermouth Spritz’s

Dry Vermouth: Vodka and Gin Martinis

Angostura Bitters: Needed for Old Fashioned, Manhattans, and so many other cocktails.

Mixers

Bundaberg Ginger Beer for Moscow Mules.

Topo Chico or any other sparkling water

Tonic Water (Fever Tree is a good one!)

Bitters

Angostura Bitters – a classic you can even find at your local grocery store

And besides that, just collect which ones you prefer in your drinks. We have winter spiced to even hibiscus for something fun.