The Prettiest Summer Bar Cart + Rose Sangria Recipe!

Looking for simple summer entertaining ideas? Truth be told—there’s just something about a beautifully styled bar cart that makes you feel like that girl. Whether you’re hosting a summer wedding, a tea party that would make Bridgerton proud, or just a casual outdoor brunch with your besties, a well-decorated bar cart isn’t just practical—it’s a full-on vibe.

We’re talking delicate florals, pastel glassware, chic gold accents, and just the right amount of vintage charm. Think: Marie Antoinette, but make it al fresco. And because no summer gathering is complete without a signature drink, we’ve included a bonus sangria recipe that’s equal parts refreshing and dangerously sippable.

How to Style a Summer Bar Cart

I love a good bar cart and they can serve so many purposes besides being only for liquor display! I actually use them all over my home for other pretty storage solutions, in addition to their intended use for beverages. Here are my tips on putting together a no-fuss, yet stylish bar cart that’s perfect for any summer soirée!

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Essential Items for a Summer Bar Cart Display

First, you’ll need a quality bar cart:

Next, stock up on each of these essentials:

• Pretty crystal beverage dispenser
• Cake stand
• Cocktail Napkins
• Straws (or stir sticks)
• Garnish plate
• Stemless wine glasses
• Corkscrew
• Extra bottles of rosé
• Flowers/Greenery

How about a frozen margarita and bellini maker, one that doesn’t even require ice? Yes please! WIth the Ninja RapidChill machine, you can make slushi drinks without ever needing to add ice. Amazing.

Start with a clean slate

I started with my bar clear of anything and added some hanging glassware, a cake stand, and my beverage dispenser. You want to get the functional items on first and save the decor for the end.

Add the Essentials

Next, I added my stemless glassware complete with a cocktail napkin under each one. This not only adds some fun color to the cart, but also makes it easily accessible for guests. These cute ‘Yes Way Rose’ napkins were a perfect addition! 🙂

I then added a stemless wine glass to act as a straw holder, my garnish plate, an extra pitcher, and even more wine! (How cute is this rose gold corkscrew I found on Amazon?!) I also threw a little jigger in there in case anyone needed to add a little extra punch of strawberry lemonade vodka to their sangria.

Finish with florals

Lastly, I completed the look with some pretty florals. Mine are faux because I have a black thumb and can’t be trusted to keep a bouquet alive, however, I am working on this skill! (Amazon has some great options for artificial florals that look very realistic!)

I also added some hanging greens which I love incorporating into all of my designs because they just create this whimsical feeling I can’t get enough of. The greenery is also faux, and courtesy of my fave Michaels store! (Here’s a great option from Amazon too!) The only thing that’s left is to add the main ingredient: the sangria!

Strawberry Rose Summer Sangria Recipe

Now that BBQ season is upon us, I get a lot of requests to make my strawberry lemonade summer sangria, so I thought I would share my recipe with you guys! It’s super simple to throw together before a party and ready to go after only a couple of hours in the fridge.

I’ve noticed at most of my parties my guests prefer the convenience of sipping on one of my pre-made drinks rather than the hassle of making their own. Whether it’s a punch, a sangria, or a good old-fashioned pitcher of lemonade, it doesn’t last long in this house!

So without further ado, I give you my strawberry lemonade summer sangria. Enjoy!

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Summer Sangria

Recipe Type: Cocktails | Author: Ashley Nicole

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 2 hours | Total time: 2 hours 10 mins

Ingredients:

• 2 bottles of rosé (750ml)*
• 2 cups of Svedka strawberry lemonade vodka*
• 6 cups of Sprite
• 1/2 cup of sugar (to taste)
• 1(16oz) bag of frozen sliced strawberries
• 4 lemons
• 10 or more fresh strawberries

Directions:

• Combine rosé, vodka, & sugar in a pitcher of your choice and stir.
• Slice fresh strawberries & lemons and add to pitcher. Set some aside for garnish.
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• When ready to serve, add the Sprite & the bag of frozen sliced strawberries (helps keep sangria cold without watering it down with ice). Gently stir.
• Serve over ice, sliced strawberries, & lemon garnish.

Mocktail Version Substitute

To make a mocktail version of this, simply use a non-alcoholic vodka in place of the alcohol and continue to use the rest of the ingredients listed! I love having pretty garnishes in my drinks even if it’s non-alcoholic! You can also use your second pitcher for serving the non-alcoholic version!

Prettiest Summer Bar Cart – Conclusion

And just like that, your summer bar cart is officially the prettiest thing at the party (aside from you, obviously). Whether it’s set up for a dreamy wedding reception, a tea party that would make Jane Austen swoon, or just a casual brunch with your girls, this little masterpiece is proof that the details really do matter. And hey, with that bonus sangria recipe in hand, you’ve basically just unlocked hostess-of-the-year status.

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