A well-stocked bar is one of the greatest backyard assets you can invest in for outdoor entertaining. Not only does itadd value to your home, but it also makes a fabulous and convenient libation stationfor all of your outdoor parties. Patio bars may range in size and shape, but you can scale them easilyto meet whatever your entertaining needs may be.
The bar
In order to be effective,an outdoor bar must have two things:some sort of refrigeration system, be it standard fridge or a stainless steel cooler, and a dark cabinet or storage space to keep your more potent liquors. If the space you have in mind doesn't meet both of these requirements, that's perfectly OK. A rolling bar cart can be used in lieu of an outdoor barand stored inside whenever it isn't needed.
Glassware:The first element of stocking an outdoor bar is buying the appropriate glassware and mixing gear. While your selection will vary greatly depending on what drinks you plan on making, it's a good idea to start with beer pints, wine glasses, shot glasses and rocks glasses, and then build from there. If you plan on dabbling in more sophisticated drinks, it's a good idea to purchase a set of martini glasses and flutes.
Tools:Next up are the bartending materials. Every good bar begins with a strainer, shaker and stirrer, but we'd also recommend that you purchase a blender for frozen summer drinks. Bottle openers, paring knives, cutting boards and bar spoons should be stored in drawers so that preparing any garnishes is fast and convenient.
Napkins:Lastly, don't forget the napkins. Even the most refined outdoor parties can get messy.
The drinks
Selecting the right alcohol for your outdoor bar can seem incredibly overwhelming at first. To help cut down on unnecessarypurchases, first write down a list of cocktails you'd like to make or know that your guests will enjoy, and buy the liquor usedin those. You can downloadtons of great mixologist apps to help you bartend, so don't worry if you're initially unsure how to make cocktails.
Most drink requests are easily met with vodka, gin, tequila, rum and whiskey. Extra selections to add on later, should you desire them, are bourbon, scotch, tripel sec and vermouth. When in doubt, consider the season in whichyou'll be entertaining. While summer drinks may necessitate purchasing Malibu, you might add Bailey's to your list in the fall. Beer and wine will always be popular regardless of the season, so keeping both on handis a good idea.
Most liquor, wine and beer needs to be kept in a dark area when not in use. Store beer and white wine in your fridge, and keep liquor bottles and red wine tucked away in cabinets.
The extras
No drink is complete without the appropriate garnishes and mixers, so don't forget to stock up on the extras. Revisit your initial list of cocktails and build your shopping list from there once again.
Tonic water and soda arenecessary purchases, along with margarita mix, sweet and sour mix, cranberry juice and lime juice. You will likely need both sugar and salt for glass rims along with lemons, limes and olives to garnish drinks. Consider keeping bitters and a simple syrup on hand as well.
Organizing a great outdoor bar ends in arranging an ample amount of outdoor seatingand perhaps even a firepit for fall gatherings. Cheers!
