Posted April 1, 2020

Tips for the Essential Bar Cart

Entertaining

Just so you know, we’re big fans of bar carts. Fun, portable, organized – whatever the occasion, having a well-stocked bar cart at hand makes playing bartender that much better. Here to share their expertise is the Kimpton bar team, who gave us the scoop on their favorite must-haves.

lad_ot_032Tools of the Trade

  • Shaker Tin “Without a shaker tin, cocktails with syrups and/or fruit juices just won’t be properly mixed. Koriko makes a nice weighted tin that helps to get a good hard shake, creating air bubbles and the perfect dilution.”
    Jen Keyser, Chief of Bar Operations at Geraldine’s
  • Hawthorn Strainer “For a basic home bar, the hawthorn strainer (the springy guy) is great as it fits both a shaker tin and mixing glass.”
    Benjamin Harris, Head Bartender at Pennyroyal
  • Ice “I highly recommend a large cube or sphere ice mold for those who enjoy a good bourbon or single malt.” – Randy Spence, Head Bartender at The Katharine
  • Glassware and Punch Bowl “Invest in a nice personal punch bowl, as well as cocktail, beer and wine glasses.” – Gen Longoria, Heat Bartender at The Outsider
  • Jiggers (1-oz. and 2-oz.), Mixing Glass + Bar Spoon, Hand Citrus Juicer and Muddler
Gen makes a mean cocktail.jpg

Keep in Stock

  • Spirits “Price does not always dictate quality when it comes to spirits. The best way to know if something is delicious is to taste it.” – Jess Lambert, Head Bartender at Vol. 39
    • London Dry Gin (Beefeater), Whiskey (Four Roses Kentucky Bourbon), Tequila (Herradurra), Vodka, Light or Dark Rum
  • Liqueurs
    • Sweet Vermouth (Carpano Antica, keep refrigerated), Dry Vermouth (Noilly Prat, keep refrigerated), Cointreau, Dry Curaçao (Pierre Ferrand), Mezcal

Randy, Benjamin, Dan Rook, Head Bartender at Fisk & Co. and Brendan Dorr, Head Bartender at B&O American Brasserie

lad_ot_031Necessary Extras

  • Simple Syrups and Unique Sweeteners “The point of having a home bar is experimentation in a lab of your own. In my opinion, maple syrup is better with whiskey than with pancakes.” – Randy
  • Highball Mixers “I always keep soda water, a nice tonic (Fever Tree is my go-to), cola, ginger ale/beer and lemon-lime soda.” – Benjamin
  • tre_br_001Angostura Bitters – “Bitters are like the salt and pepper of the cocktail world. They make things more rounded out and add that extra kick.” – Jen

For Entertaining

  • Fresh Citrus “I make it a point to always pick up a couple of lemons, limes, oranges and a grapefruit when I shop.” – Jess
  • Fresh Herbs “Mint is a mainstay, but basil and rosemary always provide a nice earthy undertone when used appropriately.” – Randy
  • kat_br_006 (1)Eggs “If you want to impress your friends, use eggs to whip up a proper sour or flip. You’ll blow their minds!” – Benjamin
  • Sparkling Wine “One last thing, always have a sparkling wine chilled in your fridge. You never know when you might be celebrating something!”
    Jess

Champagne Cart.jpg– Meredith Black

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5 Comments

  1. Mln says:

    Where is that bar cart in the last photo from? It’s exactly what I’m looking for!

    • Faith Yi Kimpton says:

      We’re glad it caught your eye! It was custom sourced for one of our bars. Apologies that we can’t provide more of a lead!

  2. denise weinstein says:

    Love this! Thanks for the perfect tips

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