The Art of the Bar Cart

Let’s set the scene: It’s Friday night, and all of your best friends are coming over. The music is blaring, and the drinks are flowing. The only thing missing is a standout bar cart! We all know the best part of the night is the pregame, so let your bar cart become the center of attention at the function. We at The Edge have all the tips and tricks for curating the perfect bar cart that is uniquely yours!

Buy your base. 

Purchasing your cart is arguably the most important step as it sets the vibe. Contrary to popular belief, bar carts do not have to be expensive. Our favorite places to look are Facebook Marketplace, Amazon and local thrift/vintage stores (especially if you want yours to stand out). Better yet, repurpose something you already have. A simple $20 bathroom cart can do the job. Pool together, and you and your roommates have yourself a cart for super cheap.

Pick drinkware and utensils.

Here is when your bar cart really comes to life. We recommend investing in two to three styles of glasses, but don’t be boring! This is your time to play around with color, texture and shape. We all know a drink tastes better when it comes in a cool glass. Amazon is a great place to order both glasses and barware. You’re going to want to make sure you have your basics covered — a cocktail shaker, a shot glass and a strainer. You can always buy other accessories as needed. However, these three items will be your key to successful bartending.

Buy Liquor.

As long as you’re of age (of course), head to your local liquor store and pick up all the necessities! Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Play around with different cocktail recipes. You never know what you might like. TikTok is a great place to find fun and unique concoctions; check out our favorite creators, @alyssainthekitchen and @haileecatalano. Seasonal cocktails are always festive and delicious, so grab your girls and start mixing!

Accessorize!

We saved the best part for last! Now that you have your cart, drinkware and liquor, it’s time to fill in any gaps and spice things up. You want your bar cart to have a presence of its own, and that can include decorating around the cart. Prints, neon signs, flowers or maybe even a disco ball are all great ways to fill any empty space you find. Maybe even freshen things up with some citrus. 

Now, it’s time to send out the pregame text. Queue up the Spotify playlist, grab your biggest speaker and let the night begin!