Housebound Happy Hour: Bar Cart Essentials

A few years ago B got me a bar cart for Christmas. I was so excited–it’s super cute and fits into our apartment perfectly. But I was stuck on what I really needed to build out an at-home bar setup. I knew that some things were helpful–base liquors like whiskey and gin and others–but I wasn’t sure what other things were important if I really wanted to make drinks at home.

Over the past few years I’ve gotten a better idea about what a stocked bar cart looks like (though I am by no means an expert), so I’ve put together this list in case you’re also stuck. Or in case you are looking to step up your cocktail game and want to participate in Housebound Happy Hour with me. I have some of these things on our bar cart and some of them are still on my wish/shopping list so please don’t think you absolutely have to have all these things to have a functioning bar cart.

Base Liquors

Whiskey (technically this gets broken down into bourbon, rye, and scotch, but I’ll leave the specifics to your preferences)
Gin
Rum (again, there are different types of rum but you do you)
Tequila
Vodka (I never buy this because I don’t like it but it is indeed a base in many cocktails so I might eventually add some to my cart)
Mezcal (haven’t added it to my cart yet, but I love this liquor so I’m definitely going to have to–it’s like tequila but smokier)

Liqueurs

Triple Sec (or other orange liqueur)

Vermouth (you should probably have both dry–white–and sweet–red–versions, and you should keep them in the fridge)

Amaretto

Campari

Aperol

NOTE: there are a million different types of liqueurs, these are just the basics that I tend to use most or see suggested in recipes the most

Add Ins and Mixers

There’s probably a better or more official name for this category but whatever, you get it.

Grenadine

Bitters

Simple syrup (you can make this–it’s equal parts sugar and water and you can make it with any type of sugar or honey)

Mint leaves

Citrus–lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit

Ginger beer

Soda water (I use my sodastream for this)

Tonic water

Tools

Cocktail shaker and strainer

Shot glass/measuring cup in ounces

Long spoon for stirring

Various cocktail glasses (each cocktail technically has a specific glass it’s ~supposed~ to go into, but let’s be honest and just admit that we don’t have these. I will note that cocktails are not great to drink in regular water glasses though, so try for something smaller.)

Hopefully this helps you build out your at-home bar situation so you can join in on the Housebound Happy Hour fun with me!

xoxo,

Base Liquors

Liqueurs

Add Ins and Mixers

Tools

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