We're setting up a bar cart for summertime entertaining and everyone is invited! 🙂 This setup is summer-inspired with beautiful fresh hydrangeas, fresh-cut citrus and light alcohol options. It's an easy but classy way to entertain this summer.
Consider Adding Fresh Flowers
I love setting up a bar cart based on the season. Consider adding fresh cut flowers for a pop of color and freshness. Hydrangeas are my favorite flowers during the summer months. They are classy and stay pretty full while not breaking the bank. Neutral colors are best.
Choose 2-3 Lighter Liquors
I chose to use lighter-colored liquors such as tequila blanco, vodka, and limoncello. They can easily be served with one or two mixers like club soda and freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice. More importantly, they are popular choices for summer cocktails.
Add Bar Cart Necessities
A proper bar cart should include at least a jigger, cocktail shaker, ice bucket, and cocktail napkins. These are necessary for mixing or shaking up most drinks. I love this jigger since it's double-sided. Also, this glass cocktail shaker is small enough to not take up too much space and ideal for individual servings.
Citrus Garnishes
Fresh limes and lemons are a must especially in the summertime. To my freshly cut lemon and lime wedges, I added sliced jalapenos for a kick of heat in any drink and sugar cubes for sweetness.
Consider adding a muddler to muddle up the citrus or jalapenos. Adding a bunch of fresh mint leaves could be a nice addition as well.
Glasses & Mix-ins
On the second shelf, I added Cointreau and agave for margaritas. Who doesn't love a freshly shaken marg? I did not include Tajín or salt for the rim but that would be an extra special bar cart addition that you can add if you like.
Guests can make themselves a margarita, vodka club with lemon, ranch water, and other light cocktails. I did not include simple syrup but did add the agave instead.
Make sure to add a few cocktail glasses such as lowball and highball glasses, as well as wine glasses.
The Mixers
On the second shelf, I also added a few bubbly mixers which are delicious and perfect for summer. Sparkling lemonade and cucumber-flavored sparkling water are two of my favorite mixers because they are refreshing and pair well with vodka or tequila.
Other Bar Cart Tips
Make sure your bar cart is not overly crowded. You want guests to have room to put down their drink without knocking over anything.
Add a tea towel to the side for any spills, because there will be spills. Consider adding a small wastebasket nearby so guests can dispose of any trash.
Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!