Patio Bar Cart Essentials with Prairie Organic Spirits

Thank you Prairie Organic Spirits for sponsoring this post. The contents of this post and the products named are only intended for persons of legal drinking age (21+) and should not be forwarded, shared or otherwise distributed to any underaged persons. Prairie Organic Spirits reminds you to please enjoy their products responsibly.

This summer The Frosted Petticoat is all about backyard entertaining. Seriously, what better way to beat the heat than with a bit of outdoor glamor?! From BBQ dessert stations to porch viewing parties, we’ve got you covered. No matter what sort of backyard festivities you have planned, there’s one thing that should always be present… a bar! With the help of Prairie Organic Spirits, I have broken down the essentials to setting up a killer Patio Bar Cart. So take out a notepad because it’s time to secure your place in backyard entertaining glory!

STEP 1: The Cart & Location

At first glance, creating a Patio Bar Cart might seem like a daunting task. But fear not! With a little flexibility, anyone can pull off this expert entertaining feat. First you’ll need a bar cart. I personally do not have an outdoor bar cart, so I simply wheel out my dining room cart outside for the day. If you don’t own any type of bar cart, this is where you get to stretch your creative muscles: TV stand, old dresser, coffee table, or even a small bookcase can all do the trick. Once the furniture is sorted, it’s time to pick a location to park it. Normally, I am all for utilizing your whole backyard space and spreading out entertaining sections. However for the Patio Bar Cart, it’s best to keep it in a central location. If it’s close to seating, conversations can continue to flow as drinks are served.

STEP 2: The Alcohol

It probably goes without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway. Alcohol is at the heart of a killer Patio Bar Cart. Not only will your guests appreciate a selection of quality liquor, with a brand like Prairie Organic Spirits as the feature of the cart, you also offer up a great conversation starter. From the packaging to the impeccable taste, Prairie Organic is an excellent centerpiece. The passionate craftsmanship and flawless ingredients shine through with every sip. Prairie Organic Spirits was one of the first USDA Certified Organic spirit brands and remains the #1 brand in the organic category. They also work closely with the farmers that harvest the brand’s ingredients. For example, every ear of organic corn that goes into Prairie Organic bottles comes from Minnesota family farmers. Conscientious spirits that is farm crafted?! You couldn’t ask for a better alcohol centerpiece. I recommend having 2-3 varieties of spirits featured: Prairie Organic Vodka, Prairie Organic Gin, and Prairie Organic Cucumber-Flavored Vodka.

STEP 3: The Tools

One of the keys to a fully-functioning Patio Bar Cart is tools. As a host, you do not want to have to keep running into the house to find the cocktail accessories your guests need. So here’s what you’ll want to have readily available: Fun drink stirrers, utensils, cocktail shaker set, and plenty of glassware.

STEP 4: The Garnishes & Snacks

If it’s a particularly hot day, you want to lay out garnishes that will hold. I find that organic dried fruit not only makes for delicious additions to drinks, they also remain intact on a sweltering day. I would suggest picking seasonal garnishes that will go with most summertime cocktail recipes. For this bar cart, I put out roasted coconut flakes, dried kiwi, and chili-seasoned dried mango slices.

STEP 5: Fun Décor

Since our motto is “food and drinks with a dash of whimsy!”, it’s time to add the whimsical cherry on top of this cocktail station. Fresh flowers are always a wonderful way to add color and beauty to any party décor. Since this is a sunny summertime party, I couldn’t resist a bit of sunflowers. This is also a great time to whip out cheeky cocktail stirrers featuring cactus, flamingos, or pineapples. I am a sucker for a colorful sign! I found a neon pink 3D bar sign online for a fair price and it certainly gives the cart an official air. Lastly, challenge your guests’ mixology skills by adding cocktail recipe books to the décor.

STEP 6: The Signature Cocktail

No patio bar is complete without a signature cocktail. Even though you have all the fixings and even a recipe book for the self-appointed bartender, the signature drink should be something relatively easy. I personally like to do flavorful twists on popular classics, so that all the guests feel like skilled mixologists. So, I would suggest something along these lines…

Seems easy enough, right? With a bit of planning, a smidgeon of whimsy, and a brand like Prairie Organic Spirits at the helm, a perfect summertime Patio Bar Cart comes to life.

So tell me, what upcoming backyard party do you want to feature a Patio Bar cart? Let me know in the comments below and make sure to pick up some bottles of Prairie Organic Spirits to have at the ready.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.