Whether it's a chic bar cart or just a side table, the best holiday entertainers have their home bars well-stocked. Follow these tips on how to stock a bar cart for the cheeriest holiday yet.
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Seasoned holiday entertainers have a secret: When guests stop by early or before the host is ready for them, they don’t stress. Why? Their home bar is stocked and ready to go to keep their guest occupied. And the host may also have some make-ahead appetizer recipes on deck.
But if you’re setting up a home bar for the first time, or haven’t topped off your stock in a while, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Figuring out what alcohol to get, what kind of cups to put out and gathering miscellaneous mixers is a lot to add to an already lengthy holiday to-do list. To make things a bit easier, follow our guide on how to stock a bar cart, complete with setup instructions, product recommendations and festive additions.
A home bar means different things to different people. For some, it may mean an actual bar cart that can easily be rolled from room to room. (Wondering where to buy your bar cart? We investigated whether Wayfair or Overstock is better.) It could also be a built-in bar or perhaps a cabinet-turned-home bar. Or maybe it just means a cupboard where the liquor bottles live.
Wherever your home bar may reside, just make sure that it’s out of the way of busy cooks, overly-excited kiddos and dining room chairs to prevent bumps and spills. It’s also great to place a side table or something similar next to smaller home bars so guests have ample space to mix their cocktails. If you don’t already have a dedicated bar space, browse our list of home bars and bar carts in a range of styles:
It’s important to remember that you don’t need to have a selection of liquors rivaling your neighborhood watering hole. Mix-and-match 2-4 bottles of vodka, whiskey, rum, tequila and gin, adjusting the number of bottles to how many guests you’ll have, preferences and your budget. Despite the festive occasion, don’t feel like you need to splurge for a fancy brand or specialty flavored alcohol. Here are some of our go-to spirits:
With a combination of these key base spirits and a couple of mixers (see below), you’ll be able to make most any guest happy. Along with the most common spirits, it’s a good idea to have a bottle or two of both red and white wine for dinner. For specific types and bottles, you can do a food and wine pairing, or just go with tried-and-true picks like Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc and Albert Bichot Bourgogne Pinot Noir. We also have some suggestions for pairing wine with a turkey dinner.
When it comes to beer, keep things simple. Store a 12-pack of light beer in the fridge and encourage beer aficionados to bring a sampling of their favorite beer to the party.
3. Choose Mixers
Basic mixing staples such as tonic water, club soda, cola and lemon-lime soda, fruit juices and ginger ale provide enough options for most. Your personal preference will dictate how many, or few, options you choose to keep on hand.
It’s also good to have a liquor or two on hand for classic cocktails like vermouth for martinis, Cointreau for margaritas and cosmos, Campari for Boulevardiers and Negronis, Amaretto for Amaretto sours and so on.
Don’t forget the citrus! Slice up some lemons and limes to double as mixers and garnishes, along with orange juice or grapefruit juice if you have a cocktail in mind that calls for them.
Then there are the mixers that tend to be used in small amounts: Angostura bitters, simple syrup, grenadine and sour mix. Pick up or make a small batch of these ingredients that are used in a wide range of old-school and custom cocktails.
4. Pick and Prep Garnishes
A cocktail just isn’t a cocktail without a garnish. It’s like wearing a nice dress without jewelry—it looks nicer with it than without. Knowing your go-to concoctions will help you determine your garnishes, but lemons, limes, maraschino cherries, bleu cheese-stuffed olives and/or fresh herbs (mint and basil) are good items to have around. You can really go the extra mile by burning some rosemary on this black walnut board for a smoky addition. Whichever garnish you use, they tend not to stick around as long as liquor does, so make sure to add these to your grocery list when you’re shopping for your next party. If you’re feeling fancy, check out these easy, yet impressive, cocktail garnish ideas.
5. Collect Bar Tools
Now, onto the hardware. A thoughtfully stocked bar includes the tools used to tackle cocktails. Common items include an ice bucket, bar spoon, muddler, jigger, a cocktail shaker or mixing glass and strainer. Most of these tools can be found in a cocktail set, or can be purchased separately. And don’t forget a wine bottle opener, wine chiller and coasters if you have wood tables. These are some of the tools we keep handy:
If you’ll be making a variety of cocktails, it’s nice to have a combination of rocks glasses, coupe or martini glasses and highball glasses. If you don’t already have all of these, don’t fret! A range of shorter and taller glasses, regardless of if they match perfectly or not, is just perfect. Now’s a good time to take inventory of your glassware.
For wine, consider basic stemmed glasses suitable for white or red wine rather than two separate sets. If you’re planning on keeping wine glasses on the dinner table, just give your guests a heads up to use the glass at their seats.
There is nothing worse than attending a party and feeling left out because you’re refraining from alcohol. Be sure there are 1-2 non-alcoholic options at your home bar like soda, tea, juice blends, sparkling water and lemonade.
Or, consider offering a nonalcoholic version of your signature cocktail, garnished just as nicely. Just be sure to label which ones are which. Here are a whole bunch of mocktail ideas and non-alcoholic spirits to get you started.
8. Offer a Signature Cocktail
It’s completely optional, but having a signature cocktail eliminates the pressure of needing to play bartender. Guests can even make their own drinks and have fun with garnishes! Here are some festive cocktails that are sure to please:
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Frozen Brandy Old-Fashioneds
Both sides of my family are Midwestern, so our strong brandy tradition is evident in the slush we make for the holidays and in the Wisconsin old-fashioned cocktails we enjoy year-round. I decided to combine those recipes into something completely new. This goes very quickly at gatherings! —Stephanie Vaughan, Madison, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
This drink pairs perfectly with Christmas in July cookies.
Tropical Candy Cane FreezeWhen winter gets stormy, I try to imagine a tropical beach. This creamy beverage is frosty cold, but it warms me as if I’m in paradise. —Jennifer Stowell, Montezuma, Iowa
Santa’s Orange-Kissed CocktailRefreshing but not overly sweet, this drink is a festive choice for Christmas get-togethers. Serve it during cocktail hour, at dinner or even for brunch in place of mimosas. —Claire Beattie, Toronto, Ontario
Sparkling Apple Pie on the RocksThis is the perfect fall cocktail. Apple cider mixed with a cinnamon caramel apple simple syrup and topped with bubbly—it's the best holiday drink ever! —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Rubies on IceGinger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this beverage is tantalizing. If you're looking for a nonalcoholic option, you can easily leave out the vodka for a delicious and festive drink! —Tara Deshpande, New York, New York
Whiskey-Brandy SlushIt may be cold outside, but we like to serve this icy citrus drink for Christmas gatherings at our house. It is fantastic for parties and large gatherings, and it keeps well in the freezer. —Joan Shoebottom, Lexington, Michigan
Cranberry BourbonThe subtle tang of cranberry and the warm winter spices make this bourbon just right for holiday toasts—neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Apple Amaretto SoursAn amaretto sour has always been one of my favorite cocktails. This version has a special touch that makes it perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season. —Amber Forbes, Roper, North Carolina
Sparkling Cider SangriaAdding orange and cranberry juices transforms apple cider into a pretty holiday drink. This quick and easy alcohol-free beverage is absolutely delicious. A friend shared the recipe with me years ago, and I made a few changes. It's a huge hit at holiday brunches! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Cranberry SparklerThe flavors of this refreshing cran-raspberry cocktail are great any time of year. In winter, the cranberry makes it a good fit for holiday parties; on a warm summer's night, the raspberry comes to the fore. It's a favorite for our girls' night! —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Brandy SlushThis slush with a hint of citrus keeps you cool on hot summer days. Even if you're not a tea lover, you'll likely find the mix of flavors pleasing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate Candy Cane MartinisA peppermint martini is perfect for a fun Christmastime gathering of friends. Crushed candy canes on the rim add festive flair. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Pear & Ginger SparklerI created this twist on a Bellini when a friend gave me some Asian pears she grew in her backyard. If you like ginger and want more of a kick, try substituting ginger liqueur for the vodka. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
Cranberry-Orange Vodka SlushYears ago, my mother made a rosy and refreshing party drink I’ve never forgotten. The sparkle comes from fruit juices, vodka and lemon-lime soda. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa
Pumpkin Pie ShotsGrown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they're a great party starter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Holiday MimosaAdd a splash of color to your brunch table with this rosy holiday mimosa. It has a fantastic sweet-tart taste. —Jessie Sarrazin, Livingston, Montana
Apricot Brandy SlushWhile spending the summer in New Mexico, we tasted this refreshing golden color tea beverage enhanced with something borrowed from the cocktail world: apricot brandy.—Shirley Miller, Williamsport, PA
Cranberry-Jalapeno MartiniI describe this cocktail as slightly tart, a little sassy and completely delicious. I make a big batch when I'm hosting a party because it tends to disappear quickly. Garnish with fresh mint and cranberries for an extra-special touch. —Kelli Haetinger, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Bubbly Champagne PunchThis champagne punch, served at my wedding, continues to this day to be the elegant drink we serve at special events. —Anita Geoghagan, Woodstock, Georgia
Blackberry Brandy SlushWe wanted a fun twist on a slushy made with tea and fruit juice, so we used blackberry brandy. The deep red color makes it very merry. —Lindsey Spinler, Sobieski, Wisconsin
Butterscotch MartinisThe rich flavors of butterscotch and chocolate pair up for a nightcap that will satisfy any sweet tooth. —Clara M. Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio
Bourbon SlushAt our holiday parties, Bourbon Slush is definitely a favorite. Have fun experimenting with different teas when you make it. We like black tea, green tea and orange spice. —Darcene Sigler, Louisville, Ohio
Cranberry Orange MimosasMimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice. —Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois
Your home bar will see the most action at party time, so let’s help it shine. If there ever were a time to display those fun extras like stir sticks, cute beverage napkins, embossed coasters and toothpicks with flair…well, now is it. (Psst: Hit post-holiday sales to get these at bargain prices, then show them off the following year.) In the meantime, these are the items we’re going to add to our bar this holiday:
Follow these prompts and next time guests come over, you’ll be calm, collected and ready for fun.
10 Classic Cocktails to Learn by Heart
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Brandy Old-Fashioned SweetThe concept of an old-fashioned dates back to the early 1800s and includes whiskey, bitters, cherry juice, sugar and water. This old-fashioned recipe, which is extremely popular in Wisconsin, uses brandy in place of whiskey and lemon-lime soda instead of water for a milder cocktail. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen. If you want more recipes, learn how to make this classic old-fashioned cocktail.
MartiniMartinis recipes can be made with either vodka or gin. Our taste panel's preference was for the gin, but try them both and decide for yourself. Be warned, this is a strong and serious drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Bloody MaryHorseradish makes this the best Bloody Mary recipe we've tasted. Without the horseradish, you'll have a more traditional Bloody Mary, and without the alcohol, you'll have a Virgin Mary. Serve with a stalk of celery, dill pickle spear or olives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mai TaiThis party favorite has been around for quite some time. It's not overly fruity and features a good blend of sweet and sour. For a splash of color, garnish with strawberries and lime.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
GimletFor the light drinker, suggest a Gimlet. The blend of slightly sweet and tart flavors is appealing, but not overwhelming.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Simple yet refreshing, it's no wonder the Gimlet has stood the test of time.
This combination of lime juice and gin (or vodka if you prefer) is the perfect elixir on balmy days.[/rms_recipe]
These vintage drinks deserve a comeback.
Moscow MuleHere's an old-time cocktail that was popular in the 1940s and '50s. A Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug with plenty of ice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Refreshing MojitoThe great mint flavor of mojitos helps balance the spiciness of Cuban food. My recipe calls for apple rum and a purchased mix.—Eric Brill, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Fresh Lime MargaritasThis basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
White Chocolate Brandy AlexanderThis brandied white cocoa is a wonderful drink to warm up with after coming in from the cold. Whipped topping and chocolate shavings make special finishing touches. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
On the sweeter side of classic cocktails, you'll find the Brandy Alexander.
Part brandy, part creme de cacao and part cream, this libation makes a smooth, tasty after dinner drink.[/rms_recipe]
Next, check out these 15 types of cocktail glasses that serious mixologists recommend.
Aimee is a Southern food blogger, cookbook author, food columnist and award-winning cookie creator. If you need her, you will most likely find her sipping sweet tea on the front porch alongside her husband Brian and their gaggle of ridiculously spoiled Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
As Editor, Caroline writes and edits all things food-related and helps produce videos for Taste of Home. When she’s not at her desk, you can probably find Caroline cooking up a feast, planning her next trip abroad or daydreaming about her golden retriever, Mac.
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Updated: Feb. 22, 2023
