8 Must-Haves for a Well-Stocked Bar Cart

2022-10-09 12:20:44 By : Mr. Jin Xu

The ultimate guide to creating a top-shelf home bar.

Of all the decor choices that scream, "I've made it," few are more fun than the bar cart. Putting a full array of liquors on display proves that you're able to keep more than just a six-pack and a bottle of the cheapest vodka on hand, and that you've moved past stashing them on top of your dusty kitchen cabinets.

A cart on wheels, like this sleek glass-and-gold leaf number, lends an air of elegance to your space and allows you to bring the party right to your guests when you're entertaining. Plus, it's got plenty of shelving, which means you can use it to store not just the hard stuff, but also other essentials like cocktail shakers, rocks glasses, and bitters. In other words, it's also time to retire that set of shot glasses that got you through your early twenties and elevate your barware collection.

And we've got just the right mix, all of which you can order online—neat—from The Home Depot.

While many a rant has been dedicated to the fact that a certain super spy's preference for shaken drinks would actually ruin his precious martinis, some cocktails—especially those that include juice, dairy or eggs—are best mixed in a shaker. With its black stainless steel and brass design, this three-piece set looks polished and delivers perfectly chilled aperitifs.

Even well whiskey looks debonair in a glass decanter. And this 27-ounce pick—from the appropriately named Gatsby collection—has a distinct art deco look thanks to its square shape and dramatic etching.

We can't explain it, but bourbon and scotch just taste better in crystal glasses with a bit of heft to them. This mouth-blown quartet looks high-style, but is low-maintenance enough to be run through the dishwasher.

Think of this as the elevated version of the keychain tool that served you well in your youth. Small enough to fit in your pocket, the stainless-steel gadget is versatile enough to take the cap off a beer bottle, slice the foil off your wine, and then pop the cork.

A citrus garnish adds visual appeal and a hint of aromatic oil to any beverage. When it comes to slicing one, this tool is far more user-friendly than a basic paring knife. Lightweight and easy to clean, it's made with zinc plating to ensure it outlasts your favorite bottle of tequila.

Here's to faking it until you can make it—a martini, negroni, mojito and any other cocktail, that is. In elegantly smooth stainless steel, this seven-piece set has all you need to transform yourself into an amateur mixologist, namely a shaker tin, mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, pourer, strainer and wooden muddler.

Keep whole oranges, limes and other garnish possibilities within reach with this polished piece. Made from high-quality porcelain, it's ultra-durable with a clean, modern design you'll want to have around for a while.

Raise a glass, then lower it down on one of these contemporary coasters hand-crafted from natural marble. Protecting your furniture and adding visual interest to the inevitable cocktail 'gram? We'll drink to that.