Planning to impress your friends and loved ones this summer by entertaining guests outside in the backyard with an outdoor bar? Here are five outdoor bar ideas that focus on recommended liquor to be served, furniture requirements, and the likely budget range for each outdoor bar idea:
1. Classic Cocktail Bar
A classic cocktail bar embodies a timeless elegance and sophistication, typically characterized by a cozy yet refined atmosphere. The setup often features dark wood paneling or richly colored walls, complemented by soft lighting and perhaps a subtle hint of jazz music playing in the background. The furniture tends to be plush and comfortable, with bar stools lined up along a polished wooden bar counter that gleams under the warm glow of overhead lamps. Display shelves behind the bar proudly showcase an array of premium spirits such as bourbon, rye whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, and tequila, along with a selection of bitters, vermouths, and liqueurs. The focus is on craft and quality, with bartenders skilled in mixing classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Martinis, Manhattans, and Negronis, often incorporating fresh ingredients and house-made syrups to elevate the experience.
- Recommended Liquor: A variety of popular spirits such as gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and whiskey. Essential mixers like tonic water, soda, and fruit juices. Classic cocktail ingredients like vermouth, bitters, and syrups.
- Furniture Requirements: A sturdy bar counter, high stools, a cocktail shaker set, glassware for various drinks, an ice bucket, and storage shelves for bottles and tools.
- Budget Range: $500 – $1,500
2. Tropical Tiki Bar
A tropical tiki bar is a vibrant and festive oasis that transports guests to a Polynesian paradise. The setup typically features bamboo or thatched roofing, adorned with tiki masks, wooden carvings, and colorful floral decorations. Furniture includes bamboo or rattan chairs and stools, often cushioned with bright, patterned fabrics reminiscent of island motifs. The bar itself may be crafted from bamboo or reclaimed wood, topped with a thatched roof or palm fronds. Displayed prominently are an array of rum bottles from various islands, along with exotic liqueurs like curaçao, falernum, and coconut cream. Fresh fruits such as pineapple, coconut, and citrus are integral ingredients for cocktails like Mai Tais, Piña Coladas, Zombie, and Jungle Birds, often garnished with paper umbrellas, tropical flowers, and skewered fruit. The atmosphere is lively, with Hawaiian or exotica music playing, and bartenders skilled in the art of mixing fruity, rum-centric drinks that evoke the spirit of the islands.
- Recommended Liquor: Rum (light, dark, and spiced), coconut liqueur, fruit-flavored liqueurs, tropical fruit juices (pineapple, mango, and passion fruit), and grenadine.
- Furniture Requirements: Bamboo or wooden bar counter, tiki torches, thatched roofing or umbrellas, colorful bar stools, cocktail umbrellas, and themed glassware like tiki mugs.
- Budget Range: $700 – $2,000
3. Beer Garden Bar
A beer garden bar is a relaxed and convivial outdoor space, usually set in a spacious garden or courtyard. The setup often features long, communal wooden tables and benches under large umbrellas or shaded by trees, creating a casual and inviting atmosphere. The bar area itself may be a rustic wooden structure, sometimes housed in a charming hut or cabin, with a wide selection of draft beers prominently displayed. Typical offerings include a variety of local and imported craft beers, lagers, ales, and seasonal brews served in pint glasses or steins. The focus is on enjoying freshly tapped beers straight from the keg, often with an emphasis on quality and diversity of flavors. Patrons can often find traditional bar snacks like pretzels, sausages, and cheeses to complement their beer choices. The ambiance is lively, with the sound of laughter and friendly chatter, making it a popular gathering spot for friends and families alike to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
- Recommended Liquor: A selection of craft beers, lagers, ales, and ciders. Consider including local brews and seasonal varieties.
- Furniture Requirements: Long picnic tables with benches, a bar counter with beer taps, beer glasses, a cooler or mini-fridge for bottles and cans, and outdoor string lights for ambiance.
- Budget Range: $300 – $1,000
4. Wine Bar
A wine bar exudes a sophisticated and intimate ambiance, designed to highlight the appreciation of wine. The setup typically features cozy seating arrangements such as plush armchairs, velvet-upholstered stools, or sleek wooden tables paired with elegant chairs. The bar itself may showcase a selection of wines from around the world, displayed in racks or cabinets, often with a focus on varietals and vintages. Glassware is carefully chosen to enhance the tasting experience, with stemmed glasses for reds, whites, and sparkling wines. The atmosphere is serene, often with soft lighting and a minimalist décor that accentuates the beauty of the wine bottles and labels. Knowledgeable sommeliers or staff are on hand to guide patrons through the wine list, which includes classics like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as lesser-known varietals and regional specialties. It’s a place where wine enthusiasts gather to savor and discuss the complexities of their favorite vintages in a refined and convivial setting.
- Recommended Liquor: A curated selection of red, white, and rosé wines, along with sparkling wines and champagne. Consider including a few dessert wines and fortified wines like port.
- Furniture Requirements: A sophisticated bar counter, comfortable seating like rattan chairs or cushioned benches, wine glasses, a wine cooler or fridge, and a wine rack for storage.
- Budget Range: $600 – $1,800
5. Whiskey Bar
A whiskey home outdoor bar is a cozy and personal sanctuary dedicated to the enjoyment of whiskey in all its forms. The setup often features dark wood furniture such as a solid oak bar counter, leather-upholstered bar stools, and perhaps a small lounge area with comfortable armchairs or a Chesterfield sofa. Display shelves are lined with an impressive collection of whiskey bottles, ranging from single malts to blended scotches, bourbons, ryes, and perhaps even international offerings like Japanese or Irish whiskies. The bar may also boast a selection of glassware suited to whiskey tasting, including Glencairn glasses and old-fashioned tumblers. The ambiance is warm and inviting, often enhanced by dim lighting, vintage whiskey-themed artwork, and maybe even a decorative whiskey barrel or two. It’s a haven for whiskey enthusiasts to unwind, share stories, and appreciate the nuanced flavors of their favorite spirits in a relaxed and private setting.
- Recommended Liquor: A range of whiskeys, including bourbon, rye, Scotch, and Irish whiskey. Consider including whiskey tasting sets and whiskey stones.
- Furniture Requirements: A solid wooden bar counter, leather bar stools, whiskey glasses (tumbler and Glencairn), a decanter, and shelves for displaying the whiskey bottles.
- Budget Range: $800 – $2,500
Each of these outdoor bar setups can be tailored to fit your personal style and preferences, ensuring that your backyard
gatherings are memorable and enjoyable for all.