Summer is a prime season for entertaining at home. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or an evening cocktail party on the patio, these are the entertaining essentials for a summer home bar.
Summer Wines
Dream kitchens often include bar cabinets. But if you don’t have the space for a designated home bar, a kitchen island with a simple wine storage cabinet will do. Whether you have a large island in your kitchen or a portable cart, stock up on a lovely variety of crisp whites and smooth reds. Popular summer wines include Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Sangria, Pinot Grigio, and Merlot. Click here for 11 summer wines under $20 from Wine Enthusiast.
Signature Summer Cocktails
In addition to wine (and ice cold beer), you’ll want to make a signature summer cocktail for your get together with friends and neighbors. Summer favorites include margaritas, mojitos, and daiquiris. For frozen mixed drinks, use fresh seasonal fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, peaches, berries, cherries, lemons, and limes. You’ll also need to pull out that blender stored inside your bar cabinets. Other signature cocktails can be served ice cold and on the rocks, like this Limoncello Collins or Raspberry Caipirinha. Garnishing with fresh herbs from the garden, such as mint or basil, adds an additional summery touch.
Entertaining Essentials
Here are the items you’ll want to include in your bar cabinets this summer.
- Glassware: Including shatterproof, BPA-free plastic for casual outdoor entertaining, like this set from Pottery Barn.
- Juicer / Reamer: Perfect for squeezing the juice out of lemons and limes by hand like a pro.
- Zester: Made for zesting said lemons and limes as a garnish.
- Cocktail Shaker / Stirrers: A must-have for any home bar when mixing drinks served on the rocks.
- Strainer: For smoother drinks that contain fruit and muddled herbs
- Corkscrew: For opening bottles of summer wine.
- Muddler: A necessity for making mojitos with fresh mint.
- Pitchers / Beverage Dispensers: For holding and serving large batches of your signature summer cocktail.
- Cocktail Napkins: In a fun and festive summer print.
- Straws: Opt for environmentally friendly paper.
Why not make the most of the remaining few weeks of this summer season? Whether you prefer a casual cookout in the backyard on a sunny day or an evening cocktail party by the light of the moon, this handy entertaining guide will help you be the quintessential summer host.
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