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.
How to Stock a Bar Cart for the Holidays
Updated on Jan. 13, 2025
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.
Before you get started, take a peek at our holiday hosting timeline and checklist.
How to Stock a Bar Cart
1. Choose a Bar Station and Location
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:
If you’re repurposing a spare table or counter, set out this wooden hexagon tray or round mirrored tray to distinguish the space.
2. Grab a Few Staple Alcohols
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:
6. Select Glassware
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.
7. Choose a Nonalcoholic Option
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:
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
Celebrate Christmas in July with a Hallmark movie marathon.
Cranberry-Orange SangriaLetting this sangria sit in the fridge overnight improves the fruitiness, making it the perfect make-ahead drink for a holiday party. It's also nice with a splash of brandy. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
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
Craving something savory? These Christmas in July appetizers hit the spot.
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 get-togethers 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, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
This is a great drink to serve after your Christmas in July dinner.
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
Get ready to celebrate—we'll help you plan the perfect Christmas in July party. (Bonus points if you put up some beach Christmas decor, too.)
Brandy SlushBrandy slush is as ubiquitous in Wisconsin as cheese. This frozen drink made with juice concentrates, brandy and tea is perfect for parties and get-togethers any time of year.
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
Champagne PunchThis bubbly champagne punch combines fruit juices, sparkling and sweet wine, and fruit. The pretty ice ring is a flavorful way of keeping the punch cold throughout the festivities.
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 SlushThis easy, refreshing bourbon slush recipe takes care of all your cocktail needs come barbecue season. It's one of our favorite make-ahead drinks, and you'll have enough of it for a crowd.
Cranberry MimosaWe love making cranberry mimosas on a slow Saturday morning or during the holidays.
9. Make It Festive
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
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.
Check out these other easy mixed drinks you should know.
Martini RecipeWhen making a cocktail as naked as a martini, every move counts. Here is how to make a martini recipe like a true bartender.
Have you ever tried a lychee martini? Here's how to make one.
Bloody MaryMake the classic Bloody Mary your own with homemade mix and fun garnishes. Did someone say brunch?
Learn how to make the best ever Bloody Mary.
Mai TaiThe most classic of the tiki cocktails is the Mai Tai, made with both light and dark rums. Its sweet almond notes come from the Orgeat, a milky, mildly sweet syrup traditionally made from almonds and orange flower water. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Check out some other popular rum drinks as well!
GimletFrom the Royal Navy's boats to your kitchen, the gimlet has always been a simple-yet-sophisticated cocktail. Made with gin, lime juice and simple syrup, it's perfect for fancy parties and everyday gatherings.
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 MuleYou do not have to go to a trendy cocktail bar to have a top-notch drink. Start with just three simple ingredients to make this ultra-refreshing cocktail.
Love mules? Try one of these fun variations.
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
Also check out how to use bitters in more than just cocktails.
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
Here's how to take your marg to the next level.
Take a trip to the Big Easy with this sophisticated Sazerac recipe, the official cocktail of New Orleans.
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.
