We love kitchen trends that extend outside of the kitchen, like portable carts and wet bars. Everyone knows the kitchen is the heart of the home, and with these little additions, the entire home suddenly feels more welcoming.
When summer comes along, there’s no better time to enjoy these kitchen trends and entertain guests at your home bar. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbeque with all of your neighbors or a simple summer soiree with just a few friends, you want to be sure your bar cabinets are fully stocked. Here are a few selections to choose when the days get longer and the temperature rises.
Gin
A Gin and Tonic is a refreshing cocktail all year long but it is particularly popular during the summer months. Prep for this warm weather winner by stocking your bar with a good gin, and tonic water. Make sure your G&T’s never lose their fizz by skipping the two-liter plastic bottle and opting for tonic that comes in single serve cans or mini glass bottles. Before your event, pick up some fresh limes or grapefruit for the finishing touch.
Rum
Depending on your drink of choice, you could go for a light or dark rum. Even better, stock your bar cabinets with both. Rum is a staple in the summer, as it is the foundation for Daiquiris, Dark and Stormies, Pina Coladas, and Mojitos. To whip these up in a flash, keep cans of coconut milk and pineapple juice in your cabinets, as well as club soda, lime juice, ginger ale and sugar. With just a few simple ingredients and rum, you can put together a handful of delicious and diverse cocktails for your next summer bash.
Tequila
Some like it with salt, some without — but everyone loves good tequila. Mix it with pineapple juice for a two-step hit, or put together a classic margarita. You could keep a margarita mix on hand, but all you really need to make your own is orange liqueur and lime juice. For a sweeter version, you can also mix in 1 ounce of simple syrup for every 3 ounces of tequila, or a blend in a handful of fresh fruit like strawberries or mango. Just don’t forget the limes!
Sparkling White Wine
Whether you like Prosecco or Champagne, make sure you have a bottle of sparkling white wine chilling in your bar refrigerator. When the weather is warm, the last thing you want to sip on is a glass of cabernet or merlot — and what sounds like celebration more than popping a bottle of bubbly? When it comes to wine in summer, keep it carbonated with a light, sparkling white wine.
Better Bitters
If your guests like it on the rocks, keep a bottle of Aperol or Apertivo Select in your cabinets. This bitter, red-colored beverage goes down easy on its own and also blends well with other ingredients. Want to serve up something simple yet unexpected? Add a splash to your sparkling white wine for a slightly sweet and sophisticated summer cocktail.
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