We’ve reached the best time of year, with more long weekends, vacations, backyard hangouts and barbecues. And if you’ve remembered to clean the pool, brush off the grill, mow the lawn, and are still wondering what’s next, you have forgotten one of the holy grails, the summer bar cart.

You are one step ahead if you have followed our guide for building the perfect at-home bar cart for the holidays to a tee. But now, it’s time to add the key parts that complement every summer cocktail.

Of course, you can find the full guide of the basics you need here.

Stocking Up on Essentials

Let’s get down to business—the backbone of any respectable bar cart setup. At Angry Otter, we know that versatility is critical; when hosting, there are a lot of preferences to please. But you don’t want to have to buy something different for everyone. So here are the basics you need to stock up on.

• Spirits: Consider spirits as the heart and soul of your bar cart. Start with a quality vodka for clean and crisp drinks, perfect for those balmy summer evenings. Gin brings botanical freshness, which is ideal for classic G&Ts or inventive cocktails with a twist. Tequila adds a vibrant kick, perfect for margaritas transporting you to a beachside paradise. And don’t forget rum; whether you prefer light and fruity or rich and spiced, it’s the cornerstone of tropical cocktails that scream summer vibes. Choose one of each, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles of flavours within each category. It’s from doing so that you’ll find your signature summer sipper.
• Mixers: No cocktail is complete without the right mixer. Summer cocktails especially love to use fun tropical fruity flavours. Don’t be afraid to rely on the in-season flavours or to make your own juices.
• Garnishes: Presentation is everything. From fresh fruits for that added sweetness, to the herbs like mint and basil for the aromatic touch, they will elevate your cocktail from ordinary to Instagram-worthy.

Seasonal Flavours and Ingredients

Summer is the time for vibrant colours and fresh flavours, so while we’re on the topic of finding what’s in season, don’t forget about all the creative ways to infuse our cocktails with seasonal flair.

• Fresh Fruits: Embrace the bounty of summer fruits like juicy berries, refreshing watermelon, and tangy citrus fruits. These add natural sweetness and colour to your drinks. For a tropical twist, try muddling berries into a mojito or garnishing a margarita with a slice of ripe mango.
• Herbs: Elevate your cocktails with the aromatic essence of fresh herbs. Mint is a classic choice for muddling into mojitos or garnishing a refreshing gin and tonic. Basil adds a fragrant note to fruity cocktails, while rosemary lends a hint of earthiness to drinks like a citrusy gin fizz.
• Specialty Syrups: Improve your mixology skills with homemade or artisanal syrups infused with summer flavours. Think lavender syrup for a floral gin cocktail, ginger syrup for a spicy margarita, or hibiscus syrup for a vibrant rum punch. These syrups add depth of flavour and allow you to customize your cocktails to suit your palate.

Want to make your own specialty syrups? Add in whatever your heart desires to our Simple Syrup recipe here. 

Popular Summer Cocktail Recipes

Now that we've covered all the basics, it's time we got to the important stuff. How do you stock the cart so that your guests can find what they want? Consider the basic summer cocktails and then add some fun, versatile ingredients that they can use to spice up their drinks.

• Classic Mojito: Start by providing basics like lime and mint to enhance the rum. However, when thinking of summer flavours like strawberry or watermelon, by adding these juices, guests can get creative with the variation and create an entirely new drink.
• Gin and Tonic: This cocktail is a canvas for endless variations. It's all about shaking up your game and trying something new. Consider different flavoured tonic waters and get creative. How about a cucumber-infused gin with elderflower tonic for a floral twist? Or a classic London dry gin with a splash of citrus tonic and a slice of grapefruit for a zesty kick?
• Margarita Madness: Do you like yours frozen or on the rocks? Spicy or with a salted rim? Lucky for you and your guests, we have put together a list of all our favourite variations (find the full list here). Consider some of these to spice up the traditional tequila cocktail, which uses common ingredients.
• Fruity Sprtizer: Combine sparkling wine or prosecco with your favourite fruit juice—peach, mango, or passionfruit—for a light, bubbly spritzer that screams summer sophistication. Garnish with fresh fruit slices or herbs for an extra flourish.

Are you throwing a party and want to have a theme for your cart? Consider a DIY Spritz bar! Follow our guide for building one here.

Tips for Hosting

Using a bar cart is about creating a memorable experience for your guests while being convenient for you. Thus, organization and preparation are crucial. Grouping similar items, prewashing and cutting garnishes helps everyone assemble a drink quicker and lets you see what you’re running low on. Keeping a well-stocked cart makes sure the fun never ends.

Personalizing your setup to match your and your guests’ preferences is the most important thing. Add a few things to spark creativity, but make sure you have a good assortment of the basics to keep everyone pleased with the selection. This includes balancing spirits and mixers well and a few fun garnishes to spice things up.

As we get into summer, don’t overlook a crucial aspect: the summer bar cart. From classic Mojitos to Gin and Tonics, there’s a drink ready to be created for every occasion.; Embrace the seasonal flavours and put your mixology game to the test to find your new signature summer sipper.

Don’t forget to follow Angry Otter Liquor on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for inspiration on cocktail ideas and new spirits to add to your cart. Visit us in-store to explore our aisles and find spirits and accessories to ensure your gatherings are extraordinary.

Cheers to creating unforgettable moments and enjoying the refreshing seasonal flavours of summer. Here’s to good times and great drinks!