Give Your Bar Cart a Classic Upgrade for the Holidays

A classic, well-stocked bar cart is a sight to behold. The fine selection of wine and spirits paired with sparkling glassware and everything you could need to make your drink of choice can lift even the dourest of spirits. If you feel like your own cart isn’t quite up to snuff, we have you covered. Just in time for the holiday hosting season, we have the tips and tricks you need to upgrade your bar cart with a classic twist.

1. Get Out Your Best Celebration Wines

We’re a little biased, but there is a strong case for making wine the center of your holiday bar cart. The aesthetics of the labels and conversation-starting qualities of interesting bottles are just the way to get any holiday party started. When it comes to classics, there is nothing more suited than our Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s known as the original “cult” wine of Napa for a reason and sure to catch the eye and entrance the palate of your most discerning guests. With a bold red as your centerpiece, you’ll also want to add a lighter white like our Reserve Carneros Chardonnay.

2. Stock Classic Spirits for Classic Cocktails

Around the holidays, you want to be able to please even the pickiest of guests. You can’t go wrong when you stock staple spirits that can transform into a number of classic cocktails. Make sure you have the big five—vodka, gin, whiskey, rum and vermouth. With these on hand you’ll be ready to make classic Manhattans, martinis, gimlets and old-fashioneds.

3. Serve in Style

Create a cohesive aesthetic and be prepared to serve a roster of classic cocktails by having a variety of glassware that shares a common design element like gold rims or colored bottoms. To accommodate all the classic holiday cocktails, have martini glasses, red wine glasses, coupes and double old fashioneds. For a personal touch, have holiday-themed wine charms set out that guests can take and use to keep track of their wine glasses throughout the evening.

4. Add Festive Touches

It’s the holidays so why not go all out? Play with decorations in different colors, textures and shapes to add a personal, festive touch to your cart. For example, you could intertwine a small strand of Christmas lights with greenery and arrange it around your wine and spirits bottles. Or intersperse ornaments or your collection of nutcrackers or other holiday trinket around the cart. Try to keep your theme consistent for an organized, elevated look.

5. Invest in the Details

To add that special something to your holiday soirees, invest in a few extra items. A crystal or glass decanter to display your whiskey will add an elegant touch as will a wine decanter. Another fun item is a small spritz bottle. Have it just for decoration or fill it will absinthe and use it to “rinse” glasses before making classic Sazeracs.

6. Go for Garnish

For holiday parties, have fresh additives like mint or citrus on display for your guests to use at their discretion. To add color and seasonal flourish, have shelf-stable garnishes like dried herbs and edible flowers or dehydrated fruit arranged in bowls that match your glassware.

7. Get Ready to Mix

Classic mixers like bitters, tonic and soda are a must on any classic bar cart. Around the holidays, you can also add seasonal aperitifs like Lillet, Baileys, limoncello and amaretto. If you want guests to be able to help themselves, pre-made cocktail syrups and mixes are great to have out and easily accessible.