How To Create A Fall-Themed Bar Cart With Seasonal Cocktails
A fall-themed bar cart is incomplete without the spirits that have historically been associated with the fall season. Autumn is characterised by spicy and earthy flavours, and thus fall-inspired spirits and cocktails use a plethora of whole and roasted spices in the base of the concoctions.
Essential Spirits And Mixers For The Bar Cart
Whisky and Bourbon: Rich and smoky, both whisky and bourbon pair well with nutmeg, cinnamon and apple cider.
Spiced Rum: Spiced rum has a discernible undertone of vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg, all of which effectively pair with autumn flavours of caramel and pumpkin spice.
Apple Cider: Piquant and zingy, apple cider on its own is too overpowering a flavour, but when mixed with whisky, assumes a much more neutral flavour profile.
Maple Syrup And Pumpkin: Nothing screams fall as loud as maple syrup on pancakes. Incorporate the flavours of fall breakfast into your beverages to flex your creative side. Pumpkin spice eggnogs (spiked with rum for alcoholic variant) and maple whisky sours effectively teeter the line of sweet and sour, displaying perfect balance of flavour.
Cranberry Juice Or Extract: Cranberry juice has natural sugars, and thus cuts down on the requirement for any extra sugar. Spirits like Vodka and Gin are usually paired with cranberry juice. Because Vodka and Gin are clear liquids, adding cranberry juice imparts a jewel pink hue to the drink, and thus are perfect choices for formal events that demand aesthetically pleasing spread.
Herbs And Spices: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme and mint, and whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon sticks and star anise not only add a spicy edge to the cocktails but also serve as attractive garnishes.
Displaying And Organising The Bar Cart
Once the bar is stocked with fall spirits and mixers, the next step is to organise things in a functional and easy-to-access way without sacrificing the visual appeal.
Top Shelf: Reserve the topmost shelf for the items you’d need most frequently, such as glassware, cocktail shakers and spirits. Arrange the bottles by size to create a clutter-free visual.
Bottom Shelf: Store mixers, garnishes and additional glassware in the bottom shelf. Display these items on a tray in organised clusters, with a bowl of seasonal fruits like apples and pomegranate, that can be used both as garnish or as a decorative element for the fall-themed bar cart.
Use A Separate Corner To Stock Up On Bar Tools: Jigger, strainer, mixing spoon, stirrer, cocktail picks, coasters and fabric napkins. Opt for gold or copper accent pieces to jazz up the bar cart for the festive season.
How To Decorate The Bar Cart?
Use nature-inspired items to store your essentials. For instance, wooden trays make for ideal bottle and glass organisers, and wicker baskets can be used to display napkins and small garnishes.
Use mini candles with fragrances of spicy vanilla or cinnamon sugar to reinforce your theme through the olfactory senses. However, keep in mind the primary function of a bar cart is to seamlessly move around a room and offer drinks to guests. So, it is essential to keep the space as functional as possible. Try incorporating only those decorative pieces that have other functions besides beautification.
Do remember that like everything, alcohol is best consumed in moderation. Always drink and serve responsibly!
