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Do you guys have any interesting ideas for setting up a mini bar in my new place? I’ve always wanted a grown-up bar cart for guests and impromptu gatherings and such. My new place doesn’t have a lot of space and I want something a little off the beaten path. Re-purposing weird furniture or shelves, building something from scratch, crazy cart makeovers — got any brilliance for me? – Rowen
Quench your thirst for non-alcoholic mocktail recipes
Over on our sister site Offbeat Bride, we've featured some drool-worthy recipes to inspire your DIY bar, signature drinks, or to suggest to your bar... Read more
This was a FUN search. There are loads of ways to make tiny bar carts (think on top of a TV, on a shelf, on a hanging wall mount, etc.), but I found quite a few weirder, more offbeat and alternative bar cart ideas as well as a few nice-to-haves to round out the whole shebang. Plus, it doesn’t have to be for booze — you can use these ideas for a coffee cart, Italian sodas, a mocktail cart, or whatever!
Let’s see what bar cart inspiration is out there and what basics you’ll need to get started on your own…
Italian Replica Globe Bar Cart
And now that you’re inspired on the setup, here are some tools you’ll want to snag…
Bar cart tools
Goblets from Oliver Bonas (or similar on Amazon)
Glasses
Moscow Mule mugs, whiskey glasses, highball glasses, cocktail glasses, and craft brew glasses are a good start for your container needs.
Ice
Ice shape trays are always fun, but you may want to consider some whiskey stones or large ball forms to keep your drinks from getting watered down.
Muddlers, jiggers, spouts, shakers, & spoons
You can totally grab all of your bar tools separately, but if you’re just getting started, you may want to grab a full set.
Toothpicks
Shaped cocktail picks, bamboo knots, and little umbrellas just make garnishes way more fun.
Juicer
Grab a lemon squeezer for that freshly juiced taste your drinks, both boozy and virgin, require.
Recipes
You may already know how to make a screwdriver or a rum and coke (virgin Cuba Libre anyone?!), but what about a Philadelphia Fish House Punch? A Queen’s Park Swizzle? Or a Death in the Afternoon? You’d better get a primer just in case.
Art
Optionally, you may also want some fun themed art to finish it all off. This pink elephant print captures the spirit(s) nicely. Look out! Look out! Pink elephants on parade!
About the Author: Catherine Clark
Catherine Clark loiters at her local library, makes art, watches movies en masse, plays video and tabletop games, poorly cooks healthy things, cuddles with her feline fur babies, and blogs at BijouxandBits.com.
Disclaimer: I don’t drink (never really enjoyed it, and now alcohol is on my diet’s no-fly list).
But…I am a resourceful little minx, so here goes!
For stocking your bar cart, (bar tools, glassware, etc.) consider IKEA. Yes, they have inexpensive furniture, but also housewares!
For the cart itself, consider repurposing an ironing board closet for a retro Don Draper/Midge Maisel vibe.
For a more techno look, consider a desktop computer case (the kind that hard core gamers use). While you’re at it, go nuts with internal LEDs, fans, and liquid cooling systems that gamers use!
For a more homey feel, hit up your local crafts store for one or more shadow boxes or curio cabinets.
Dear Offbeat Home and Life,
Thank you for reading my mind. I have been googling ideas for alternative coffee and tea bars. We are a sober household so no need for a bar cart but most of these options would sure make a good coffee and tea bar for our new house. And they also give me a few new websites to explore ideas.
Thanks.
I have a heads-up for UK readers. Matalan have a very similar wall-mounted wire shelf available for £16 at the moment. Shame we have WAY to much booze in my house for any of these classy display systems!