Upgrade your summer cocktail hour with these bar carts and accessories | CNN Underscored

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With summer comes longer days and, if you’re like us, that means more time for pre-dinner cocktails (or mocktails!). For a killer at-home happy hour with friends, your bar cart setup can make a huge difference in creating the perfect ambiance for your guests. Not only are bar carts space-saving, but they’re versatile and portable so you can keep the party going no matter where you are in your home.

Besides stocking up on your favorite mixers and spirits, having the right accessories is extremely important when creating a functional and elegant bar cart. “The main objective is that your bar cart be pleasing to you,” says home mixologist Paula Garner, aka @thebitterfairy. “Whether that means it’s a shiny and wheeled modern piece, or a rustic repurposed table or cabinet. Whether it’s practical — that it holds the things you use most — or that it is beautiful or evocative. Maybe you’re drawn to unusual bottles, maybe you really want a place to feature that delightfully tacky hula girl lamp.”

From smokers to glassware to decanters, the sheer amount of accessories available can make stocking your bar cart feel daunting. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern look or something more industrial and rustic, we’ve got you covered with some of our favorite bar carts and accessories you’ll need to impress your guests at your next happy hour.

Laurence Bar Cart ($129.99, originally $239.99; wayfair.com)

With steel tubing and mirrored glass shelves, this modern design is perfect for a stylish setup.

Helix Bar Cart ($71.99, originally $99.99; wayfair.com)

If you’re looking for a more minimalist gold option, this design is the perfect mix between elegance and simplicity.

Better Homes & Gardens Fitzgerald 2-Tier Bar Cart, Gold ($79.93; walmart.com)

This sophisticated design boasts beautiful glass shelves and even provides three rings for bottle storage on the bottom.

Lex Bar Cart ($81.99, originally $88.99; wayfair.com)

This bar cart is made to provide ample storage space, featuring three stemware racks and five-bottle storage to keep your wine bottles on.

Tier Bar Cart ($219.99, originally $369.99; wayfair.com)

This elegant cart comes with four stemware racks, eight-bottle storage and a marble finish for a high-end look with tons of space for alcohol and accessories.

Holly & Martin Zephs Bar Cart ($152.18; walmart.com)

For anyone looking for a contemporary model, this bar cart comes with four-bottle storage and four stemware racks in a sleek, multi-tiered design.

Best Choice Products Outdoor Rolling Wicker Bar Cart ($249.99; amazon.com)

This versatile bar cart is a great addition to any patio, entertainment room or poolside. It’s made with a weather-resistant material, comes with a removable ice bucket and features wine glass holders so you can host the perfect outdoor happy hour.

Royal Gourmet Double-Shelf Movable Dining Cart Table ($105.88; amazon.com)

This durable design provides simplicity and ease while serving guests outside, featuring a stainless steel cart table and ample storage space.

Origami Folding Kitchen Cart on Wheels ($169.99; amazon.com)

This rolling cart is perfect for both outdoor and indoor use and folds flat for easy storage.

Novogratz Cache Metal, Orange Rolling Cart ($52.81, originally $59.99; amazon.com)

This metal cart’s orange finish is a fun, eye-catching addition to any room. It also comes in blue, mint and yellow.

Maliza Bar Cart ($285.99; wayfair.com)

If you’re looking for a larger option with more storage, this bar cart provides tons of storage and counter space to prepare cocktails or display your favorite accessories.

Better Homes & Gardens Crossmill Bar Cart ($139.99, originally $160.00; walmart.com)

This multifunctional bar cart not only features three different shelves, but it also provides hanging racks and handles for additional storage and easy transportation.

Once you’ve selected your bar cart, it’s time to get it stocked. The absolute basics are simple, Garner says: a shaker, a strainer, something for measuring liquids and glassware. “It doesn’t have to be new or pricey, and it doesn’t even have to match — my collection is mostly single glasses — but you do want a darling coupe for those foamy sours and sturdy rocks glasses for a stirred drink or a neat pour,” she says.

Add more elements as you see fit — an ice bucket, spirits decanters, fancy tools, cute objects. “Let go of any notion of what a cocktail cart is supposed to look like and let yourself go rogue,” Garner says. “The best and most interesting collections of bar things are personal, the ones that spark your own creativity and pleasure.”

Mixology Bartender Kit: 10-Piece Bar Tool Set ($75.99; amazon.com)

If you’re just starting out, this tool set comes with everything you need to make delicious cocktails at home. The 10-piece kit even comes with a bamboo storage rack so you can display and organize it with ease.

Stainless Steel Bartender Mixing Spoons, 2-Pack ($5.99, originally $6.99; amazon.com)

These mixing spoons are a fun addition to any bar cart, and the stainless steel design can work for virtually any cup you may own. These dishwasher-safe stirrers come in silver, black, gold, rose gold and even rainbow.

Clear Cocktail Shaker ($20.58, originally $23.49; wayfair.com)

While this may look like a regular shaker, it actually comes with six recipes on the bottle so you can make cocktails at home without a measuring cup. Plus, its leakproof seal on the lid ensures no spillage when bartending.

Zulay Stainless Steel Small Strainer ($8.99; amazon.com)

A strainer is a must-have if you’re trying to create smooth drinks. This durable and long-lasting tool will strain your beverages efficiently, keeping ice, herbs and pulp out of your cocktails.

Oxo Good Grips Angled Measuring Cup, Mini, Clear ($4.99; bedbathandbeyond.com)

“Old-school jiggers are charming but not very precise, especially for smaller measures,” Garner says. That’s why she and numerous serious cocktailers prefer the Oxo small measuring cup.

JoyJolt Afina Martini Glasses, Set of 4 ($16.10, originally $24.95; amazon.com)

These modern martini glasses flaunt a heavy base, making them sturdier than traditional glasses.

Venero Crystal Whiskey Glasses ($29.97; amazon.com)

If you want to impress your guests, check out these elegant yet unique twisted whiskey glasses.

Newmoon Crystal All-Purpose Wine Glasses, Set of 4 ($49.99; wayfair.com)

These wine glasses are both sleek and modern, and their distinctive silhouette is sure to be a favorite among all of your friends and family.

Party Glass Goblet, Set of 12 ($32.07; wayfair.com)

These classic and versatile goblets are the perfect shape and size for serving just about any beverage.

Miles 16-Piece Assorted Drinking Glass ($29.28, originally $34.99; wayfair.com)

Great for everyday use, these casually elegant glasses are both classic and durable. The set comes with eight short and eight tall glasses to suit all of your guests’ needs.

Ardax Gold Home Decor Balloon Figurine Accent ($14.99; amazon.com)

These balloon dog sculptures are a chic yet fun addition to any bar cart and come in a number of colors, including gold, silver, blue and green.

‘The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create The World’s Great Drinks’ ($13.89; amazon.com)

Whether you’re just starting to dabble in mixology for the first time or looking for some cocktail inspiration, cocktail books are a stylish and useful tool to keep in your bar cart. This is one of Garner’s favorites.

‘The Art of Mixology: Classic Cocktails and Curious Concoctions’ ($11.08; amazon.com)

This cocktail book is another great option that offers a multitude of recipes so you can impress your guests with unique concoctions.

Do or Drink Party Card Game ($29.95; amazon.com)

Elevate your cocktail hour with this fun card game sure to get the party going and keep your guests entertained.

Tablecraft Galvanized Oval Beverage Tub ($22.99, originally $40.12; amazon.com)

If you’re trying to keep a lot of bottles cold at once, this beverage tub will do just the trick. This design comes with handles for easy transport and is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.

3L Stainless Steel Ice Bucket With Tongs, Gold ($19.99; target.com)

This golden finish adds a unique look that’s different from traditional silver ice buckets.

Double-Wall Stainless Steel Insulated Ice Bucket ($29.99; amazon.com)

This ice bucket’s double-wall insulation will ensure that your drinks stay colder longer.

Twist Decanter (starting at $25; uncommongoods.com)

Decanters are perfect for both wine aeration and showcasing your spirits in an elegant way. This eye-catching design is sure to be a conversation starter!

Wine Decanter Chiller Set With Ice Bucket ($44.95; amazon.com)

This decanter is not only a sleek addition to any bar setup, but it’s also a great option if you want to keep your drinks cold without watering them down. It’s made with a cone body design that fits perfectly in the included ice bucket.

Giselle 5-Piece Whiskey Decanter Set ($52.99, originally $100.05; wayfair.com)

This decanter set comes with everything a whiskey lover could possibly need. Plus, it can hold up to 37 fluid ounces and comes with a stopper to keep your drinks fresh.

Harber Poplar Coffee Table ($35.57, originally $42.29; wayfair.com)

A reliable serving tray can be both functional and fashionable, especially if you’re hosting a group of people. This contemporary style looks chic whether you’re keeping it at the home bar or on your coffee table.

MyGift Brass Plated Metal Round Serving Tray ($27.99; walmart.com)

This 11-inch classic serving tray is great for serving cocktails and snacks to your guests.

Melamine Serving Tray ($10; target.com)

This eye-catching tray is the perfect pop of color to add to your bar cart.

Silicone Ice Cube Trays With Lids, Set of 3 ($19.99, originally $25.99; amazon.com)

These silicone ice trays are perfect for keeping your drinks cold. The pack of three allows you to make round, square and heart-shaped ice cubes that will add a fun yet practical element to your drinks.

Glacio Ice Cube Molds ($15.99; amazon.com)

“There are few things more tragic than going to the trouble and expense of making a perfect cocktail and then mixing it with cloudy ice that tastes like dirty sweat socks,” Garner says. “Or serving a carefully crafted cocktail with bits of dubious opaque gravel floating in it.” Make your own beautiful ice spheres instead, and this is Garner’s mold of choice.

EZBasics Wine Saver Pump With Vacuum Bottle Stoppers ($16.99, originally 19.99; amazon.com)

Keep your wine fresh with these stainless steel leakproof wine stoppers and air pump. It even includes date markers so you can keep track of the last time you opened the bottle.

Glass Topper Cocktail Smoker (starting at $40; uncommongoods.com)

Upgrade your cocktail game by serving your drinks with a cloud of smoke that makes for a complex, smoke-infused spirit.

Stone Drink Dispenser (starting at $45.00; uncommongoods.com)

This drink dispenser makes serving your guests easy, allowing you to insert any wine or spirit into the tap for simple use.

Viski Winged Corkscrew Wine Bottle Opener ($16.52; amazon.com)

Bottle openers are a necessary tool for any bar cart, and this one has an elegant look so you can keep your bar cart looking stylish.

Vintage Martini & Rossi Advertising Poster Soft Coasters, Set of 8 ($20.84; amazon.com)

“Coasters are a great way to impart some personality to a bar cart,” Garner says. She loves these ones featuring old Martini & Rossi vermouth ads.

Live Edge Wood Coasters, Set of 4 ($10; target.com)

Protect your surfaces from drink stains with these stylish wooden coasters.