How to set up a self-serve bar for easy outdoor entertaining
martha Stewart | colleen sullivan | july 5, 2023
You love throwing al fresco parties, but hate spending the night playing bartender. Here's how to stock a home bar so guests can help themselves—and so you can join in on the fun.
[Excerpt]
Nothing kills the vibe of a party faster than watching a frazzled host running around replenishing guests' drinks all night long. If you don't have the desire or budget to hire a bartender for your next gathering, consider creating a bar where people can help themselves. The key is doing the work in advance so once the party gets underway, guests can make their own drinks—and you can chill and enjoy their company. Ahead, experts share all you need to know when it comes to creating the perfect self-serve bar.
The easiest way to impress guests with no stress is to prep ahead of time. "Preparing garnishes in advance eliminates the need for knives in a self-serve bar, which could be hazardous in a setting where people are drinking alcohol," says Roxy Owens, the founder of Society Social. "To maximize space and keep the bar aesthetically pleasing, leave out one bottle of each spirit and store a backup underneath the table skirt or on the bottom shelf of your bar cart."
Designating spots for essentials will make navigating your bar easier on your guests. Use trays to create zones for glassware, bottles, and bar tools; then style smaller items like garnishes, stirrers, and straws in decorative bowls or baskets. Place a trash bin nearby to keep the area neat. "When it comes to organizing, think of the flow and steps required to make a drink and place bar items in that order—like an assembly line starting with glasses and liquor on the left and finishing with garnishes and cocktail napkins on the right," says Meg Young, founder and creative director of Cailini Coastal.
Label bottles or carafes with neck tags and make sure white wine, beer, and sodas are pre-chilled. Keep in mind, you'll still need to check in to make sure the bar stays organized, clean, and well-stocked.
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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.
Try: Slane Irish Whiskey, Old Elk Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Read the full article at marthastewart.com