How to stock an outdoor bar?

Whether you have a small postage-sized patio, expansive deck, or rolling lawn, setting up a stylish outdoor bar is easier than you think. First, take a good look at your space. Pick a spot that is covered by a big tree or in a corner under an awning or trellis. You can also pick up an inexpensive outdoor canopy from a home improvement store to give you and your guests cover from the sun and summer rain. 

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Bars come in all shapes and sizes. Choose a lighter, rolling cart if it needs to be put away between gatherings. (We’re loving brightly colored retro bar carts.) Or go with a larger more permanent fixture if it’s protected. Checkout big box stores like Costco or BJ’s for stand-alone pieces, which are inexpensive and easy to transport. Seating is key, and can range from fun folding chairs to teak or wicker outdoor chairs and loveseats. Pillows and cushions add a pop of color and also double as extra seating when you have unexpected guests. Lanterns and twinkle lights strung in trees, across patio banisters, and overhead on a canopy or trellis all set the night aglow.

Stocking the Bar
Buckets, galvanized or plastic, are great filled with ice for soft drinks, wine, and beer. Keep spirits to the basics- vodka, rum, tequila, and gin. Stock a variety of mixers, seltzer, and juices that will keep. Topical fruit nectars like mango, passionfruit, and guava, mixed with a spirit and topped with seltzer, can be an instant hit. Trying mixing abig signature cocktail , set it out in a dispenser and it becomes a self-serve bar. This allows you to mixone big cocktail instead of many so you can mingle and enjoy the party. I’ve included a few of my summer favorites below. The more colorful, the better.

Be sure to have plenty of glasses (good quality plastic) on hand, stock up on bargains from stores like Homegoods and Target. Mix and match for an eclectic look, and have some bowls and small platters on hand as well for snacks and lite bites. Other bar essentials include: ice bucket and tongs, cocktail shaker, fun napkins, bottle openers, and bar towels. Don’t forget a trash receptacle, recycling bin, and bug spray.

Music is a must so don’t forget to create your perfect playlist.

Most importantly, mix a cocktail, chill and enjoy. 

A version of this story originally appeared on iVillage.

Glass Name Description  Use Rocks glass A short tumbler used for neat pours, the wide-brimmed rocks glass has a thick base to aid in the mashing of non-liquid ingredients. old fashioned, Negroni Highball Tall, thin and often referred to as a Collins glass, the highball is ideal for serving mixed drinks with a generous amount of ice. gin and tonic, mojito Wine glass  Opt for stemless wine glasses to lessen the chance of spills—their versatility makes it so you can use them for other cocktails as well. wine, spritzer  Coupe A stemmed glass that features a shallow, broad-bowl, a coupe glass is used for cocktails that are shaken or stirred and served without ice. cosmopolitan, daiquiri  Nick and Nora The petite bell-shaped Nick and Nora glass has a curved rim to keep liquids from spilling. vermouth, aperitif Flute A flute's tall, narrow conical shape slows carbonation and showcases the beverage's effervescence. Champagne, Prosecco, bellini Beer glass Known as a pint, the beer glass has a cylindrical shape that gets wider towards the mouth.  beer

Pass on This Glass

Not every cocktail glass belongs in an outdoor bar—experts advise passing on the V-shaped martini glass. "It's difficult to walk around with and makes for easy spilling," says Maldonado. "If martinis are on the drink menu, serve them in a coupe or rocks glass." 

Offer the Right Beer, Wine, and Spirits

"Choose liquors that are versatile—ones you can drink alone or that work well with a variety of mixers," says Huerta. "Be sure to pay attention to the alcohol by volume (ABV) as some proofs can be higher than you'd expect." Here are our experts' suggestions:

Whiskey

Given its versatility and wide range of flavors, whiskey is a great choice for summer drinks and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a classic cocktail like an old fashioned or Manhattan.

Vodka

A neutral white spirit, vodka is synonymous with freshness and serves as a base for a wide array of cocktails including the Cape Cod or cosmopolitan.

Gin

With its diverse floral and botanical profiles, gin can be found in summer cocktails such as Tom Collins and bees knees.

Tequila

A distilled Mexican spirit made from the agave plant, tequila is the star ingredient in cocktails like the margarita and paloma.

Rum

Long associated with tropical and refreshing flavors, rum cocktails include the mojito and dark and stormy.

Vermouth

With a low alcohol content, this fortified wine can be enjoyed on the rocks or in drinks such as negronis and boulevardiers.

• Try: Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambery, Carpano Antica Vermouth 

Liqueurs

Derived from fruits, herbs or nuts, liqueurs add flavor to cocktails.

• Try: Aperol, Campari, and Baileys (for creamy concoctions and coffee-based drinks)

Wine

Both red and white wine are essential, plus a sparkling option. Think light summer whites like chardonnay and sauvignon blanc along with a cabernet sauvignon or pinot noir for red. Either a Champagne or Prosecco will do.

• Try: Justin Sauvignon Blanc, Martha's Chard, Ettore Chardonnay Pure, ColleMassari Cabernet Sauvignon, Williams Selgem Pinot Noir, Faire La Fete Brut, Cipriani Proscecco Brut

Beer

Opt for kegs if you expect a large crowd otherwise consider cans as they maintain their temperature better than glass. Include a light beer, IPA, pale ale and craft beer.

Try: Pilsner Urquell, Corona, Hitachino Nest Classic Ale, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and Stillwater Artisanal Ales Extra Dry

Don't Forget the Mocktails

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Keep in mind not everyone drinks alcohol—which is not a problem, as there are plenty of alcohol-free options available, from wines to beers to spirits. Ritual Zero Proof and Free Spirits make non-boozy dupes of whiskey, tequila, and gin, Fre and Giesen offer alcohol-free wines, De Soi and Tost make spirit-free Champagnes, Figlia, Wilfred and Wilderton offer boozeless aperitifs and Suntory All-Free beers are calorie and alcohol-free. The Bellini Cipriani Non-Alcoholic Beverage and Phoney Negroni Non-Alcoholic Cocktail feature the qualities of the original cocktails sans the alcohol. 

"You can stock regular old soft drinks, but why not also include spritzers like Betera Ginger-Orange Zero Proof Cocktail or sparkling juices and waters like Izze Sparkling Juice Drink and La Croix? Then encourage guests to pretty them up with the garnishes from bar," says Jacobs.

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Make the Most of Your Mixers 

Mixer options are endless, but experts agree it's best to stick with a few staples to limit the decision-making on the part of your guests. These are Huerta's picks:

• Club soda: Club soda, water that's been injected with carbon dioxide, allows the natural flavors of a spirit to shine through in drinks like Tom Collins and mojitos.
• Tonic water: Tonic water is a carbonated water containing minerals and quinine (a compound that gives it a bitter taste), adding depth to cocktails such as a gin and tonic. 
• Coca-Cola: This carbonated soft drink adds a touch of sweetness and effervescence to cocktails including rum and coke and vodka and coke. 
• Fruit juices: Natural juices such as lemon, lime, orange, pineapple, grapefruit, and cranberry enhance a cocktail's overall taste, including in a Cosmopolitan or sea breeze. 
• Ginger ale and ginger beer: Ginger ale and beer can be enjoyed as alcohol substitutes or used to add a zesty twist to a dark and stormy or Moscow mule. 
• Simple syrup: Simple syrup is a sweetening element used in cocktails such as a mojito or margarita. 

Gather the Garnishes

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A garnish should complement and enhance the flavors of a cocktail while adding to its visual appeal. According to Maldonado, a self-serve bar should include the following:

• Slices of lemons, limes, and strawberries,
• Grapefruit wedges,
• Fruit peels/twists
• Basil, mint, and rosemary herbs
• Sugar
• Kosher salt
• Castelvetrano olives
• Brandied cherries

"Sliced cucumbers, edible flowers, and berries can also add a colorful touch to summer cocktails," Maldonado says. If you have potted herbs at home, place them near your bar, says Jacobs: "If you buy herbs from the store, arrange them in bouquets, trim the bottoms, then place them in a vase with water just like you would with flowers to keep them fresh during the party."

Prolong the Life of Your Ice

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Ice plays a crucial role in a bar especially at an outdoor event where warm drinks are a big no, says Maldonado, Here, her tips to ensuring your ice lasts as long as the party:

• Use insulated coolers, such as the YETI Tank 85 Ice Bucket, which can hold up to 100 pounds of ice, and the Igloo Party Bucket Cooler, which has an elevated base to keep drinks cool and off the ground.
• When making ice cubes, use purified or filtered water to enhance the flavors of your drinks rather than dilute or alter them.
• Sprinkle a coat of salt between the layers of ice as salt lowers the freezing point of water and will keep your ice colder for longer.
• Consider larger ice cube molds. The bigger the ice cube, the longer it will last.
• Pre-chill drinks to reduce the amount of ice you'll need to keep them cool.
• Most importantly, keep your ice holder out of the sun.

Need an impromptu idea for an ice bucket? Consider a large clay terra-cotta plant holder which has natural cooling properties. It also doesn't hurt to have a small ice machine on hand. "I've seen many a party grind to a halt because the host runs out of bagged ice and no one wants to drive to get more," says Jacobs.

Put Out a Pitcher Drink 

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Pitcher drinks can be made ahead of time, providing an alternative for guests who may not have the experience or desire to mix their own libations. With a big-batch option, there's no risk of under-mixing—plus you can serve several iterations, allowing guests to choose their preferred beverage. Owens shares her go-to recipe, starring rosé, below. "The great thing about this refreshing pitcher drink is that it keeps for up to three days in the fridge," says Owens. 

Pink Sangria With Rosé Wine

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle rosé wine
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar 
• 1 cup strawberries 
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 blood orange, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint
• 2 cups of club soda 

Instructions: 

1. Add the sliced strawberries, raspberries, orange slices, and mint to a pitcher.
2. Pour in the wine, vodka, lemon juice, and sugar, stir to combine.
3. Refrigerate for a few hours to allow the fruit to infuse. Before serving, add in the club soda and serve over ice.
   

Feature Easy Cocktails

The simpler the how-to, the easier it will be for your guests to create their own drinks, says Jacobs. Ahead, some easy, breezy summer drink recipes from our collection:

Don't Overlook Ready-to-Drink Options

From pre-mixed canned cocktails to boxed wines to alcohol-infused ice pops, ready-to-drink options take the guesswork out of measuring ingredients, resulting in a consistent drink experience.

A few favorites: Cutwater Spirits offers an assortment of spirits from Long Island iced tea to pineapple margarita to tequila paloma, Ramona has Italian spritzes featuring flavors like Meyer lemon, blood orange, and grapefruit, Black Box and Bota Box sell a variety of wines in a box from chardonnay and pinot grigio to cabernet sauvignon, and FrutaPOP has alcohol-infused popsicles with no added sugars, syrups, or dyes. 

Decorate With Intention

Style your bar with artwork or flowers from around the yard, including daisies, hydrangeas, or succulents (which won't wilt under the sun), but be mindful of scale so you're not crowding the area. "I like to create a bar vibe based on the party's theme," says Young. "For example, if it's a beachy affair, I'll incorporate palm leaves, monstera, and natural woven hurricanes and fill glass canisters with fresh fruit for a punch of color."

Display the names of your signature cocktails on a chalkboard or print out recipes, pop them in photo frames, and place them on top of the bar to inspire guests. In lieu of paper cocktail napkins, step it up with eco-friendly embroidered linen napkins. Lanterns can add a warm glow and a magical ambiance to any evening. "You can also use tea lights or candles if your bar is sheltered," says Maldonado.

Have a Bar Rain Plan

As with any outdoor bar, make sure your indoor bar is accessible to guests if the weather doesn't cooperate. "Place it in a central location where guests can easily grab their drinks and provide comfortable seating options to encourage them to relax while enjoying their beverages," says Young. "Ensure your set-up provides access to all the storage you'll need for bottles, glasses, and tools."

If your bar space is limited, consider placing beer and wine outside. Spills may be more problematic indoors—if possible, set up your bar on tile or purchase an inexpensive indoor/outdoor rug to protect your floors. "Use existing furniture to your advantage—you may already have the perfect console table, kitchen island, or sideboard that can function as a bar. And make sure the area is well-lit to help guests find what they need," Maldonado says.

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