So, you’ve purchased a bar cart. Whether it’s a sleek minimalist trolley or a vintage-inspired centerpiece, you’ve made an excellent choice for stepping up your home entertaining.
Now comes the big question: what accessories do you need for a bar cart to make it [1] functional and impressive?
An empty cart is just a piece of useless furniture. A well-stocked one is an invitation to create, celebrate, and share delicious drinks. To get you started, we’ve built the ultimate bar cart essentials checklist. These are the ten must-have items that form the foundation of any great home bar, turning your stylish cart into a high-performance cocktail station.
The Foundation: Start with the Right Surface
Before you buy a single shaker or glass, you need to protect your investment. Spills, condensation rings, and scratches can quickly ruin the surface of your new bar cart. That’s why the first and most important item on your list isn’t barware but the surface you’ll be working on.
1. A High-Quality Bar Mat
Think of a bar mat as the stage for your cocktail creations. It’s the single most indispensable accessory for protecting your cart, preventing messes, and providing a stable, professional-grade workspace. A good bar mat anchors your entire setup.
When choosing a bar mat, material matters just as much as function or appearance. Look for one constructed from heavy-duty, non-toxic rubber that’s built to resist wear and spills over years of daily use.
The best mats feature a textured surface and deep grooves that stabilize your glassware and absorb spills, keeping sticky liquids from running all over your cart and floor. This functional, non-slip performance is key to mixing drinks cleanly and safely. When the party’s over, your chosen bar mat should be effortless to maintain, requiring only a quick rinse or a cycle in the dishwasher.
From minimal borders to bold prints, the right bar mat design can also add a layer of style that ties your whole setup together.
The Tools of the Trade: Essential Barware
With your surface protected, it’s time to gather the tools. These are the workhorses of your bar cart, allowing you to measure, mix, and pour with precision.
2. Cocktail Shaker
A shaker is non-negotiable for any cocktail that includes juice, dairy, or egg whites. You have two main options:
- Cobbler Shaker: A three-piece shaker with a built-in strainer. It’s simple for beginners to use.
- Boston Shaker: A two-piece set (a metal tin and a mixing glass) favored by professionals for its superior seal and speed.
3. Jigger
Consistency is the secret to the perfect cocktail. A jigger is a small, double-sided measuring tool that ensures you pour the perfect amount of spirit every time. Most jiggers feature 1-oz and 2-oz measures, often with interior markings for smaller pours.
4. Bar Spoon
This is more than just a long spoon. Its twisted handle is designed for smoothly stirring cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Negroni without over-agitating them. It’s also useful for layering drinks and retrieving garnishes from jars.
5. Strainer
If you opt for a Boston shaker, you’ll need a separate strainer. A Hawthorne strainer is the most versatile, designed to fit snugly over your shaker tin and hold back ice and muddled ingredients as you pour.
Glassware for Every Occasion
Serving a drink in the right glass isn’t just about aesthetics; it enhances the drinking experience by directing aromas and maintaining temperature. Start with these three versatile types.
6. Rocks Glasses (Old Fashioned)
With a wide brim and a thick, heavy base, these short tumblers are perfect for sipping spirits neat, on the rocks, or for classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Negroni.
7. Highball or Collins Glasses
These tall, slender glasses are essential for mixed drinks served with a lot of non-alcoholic mixer, like a Gin and Tonic, Tom Collins, or Mojito. They keep your drink cold and carbonated.
8. Coupe or Martini Glasses
For cocktails served “up” (chilled without ice), a stemmed glass is a must. The elegant, curved coupe is a fantastic all-rounder, perfect for Daiquiris, Manhattans, and of course, Champagne.
The Finishing Touches
These final items complete your bar cart essentials, adding convenience and a professional flair to your cocktail service.
9. Ice Bucket and Tongs
Walking back and forth to the freezer is inefficient and messy. A stylish, insulated ice bucket keeps a ready supply of ice close at hand, and tongs provide a hygienic way to serve it.
10. Cutting Board and Paring Knife
Fresh garnishes are the mark of a well-made cocktail. A small cutting board and a sharp paring knife are essential for slicing citrus wheels, twists, and wedges to add that final, aromatic touch to your creations.
Your Bar Cart Is Ready to Impress
With this checklist, you have everything you need to transform your bar cart from a piece of decor into the heart of your home entertaining area. By starting with a foundational, high-quality bar mat and building out your collection with essential tools and glassware, you’ll be ready to mix any drink with confidence and style. Cheers!
