Tips for the Essential Bar Cart

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.

Tools 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

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 South Water Kitchen and Brendan Dorr, Head Bartender at B&O American Brasserie

Necessary 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
• Angostura 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
• 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

– Meredith Black