How To Build Your Bar Cart

There's something rathe natty about a man who can pour a proper drink. I don’t mean the “shaken, not stirred” kind, but the kind that shows you know the difference between a decent pour and a damn good one. A well-stocked bar isn’t just about the booze—it’s a gentleman’s toolkit for hospitality, charm, the occasional post-meeting decompression, or elevating a night that could’ve been just another Tuesday.

Think of it like your personal wardrobe. You wouldn’t get by on one pair of jeans and a grey T-shirt (unless you’re Mark Zuckerberg), and the same applies to your bar. A bottle of rum and a dusty beer from Diwali 2024 just won’t cut it. You need the essentials: a deep, brooding whiskey, a gin sharp enough to cut through small talk, a tequila that knows how to party, and a few wildcards that surprise and seduce in equal measure.

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Rakshay Dhariwal, founder and managing director of Maya Pistola Agavepura, breaks it down: “A well-stocked bar isn’t just about spirits, but spirit,” he says. “A mix of quality bottles, good tools and a few fresh elements to balance it all out. Fresh lime juice, simple syrup and high-quality ice—they make all the difference.”

The tools are non-negotiable. “A lemon squeezer, a tall glass for stirring, a stirrer, a shaker, a strainer. A smoking setup and flame torch are optional,” lists Magandeep Singh, sommelier and author.

In terms of bar staples, Singh advises stocking the timeless classics that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. “Margaritas or Daiquiris always hit the mark. The Picante is a current hot favourite, but historically, it’s a toss-up between a Mojito and a Bloody Mary.” Dhariwal swears by his own invention: the Pistola Picante—a tequila-forward drink with pineapple and jalapeño: “It has just the right amount of heat and always gets people talking.”

And what about that one bottle almost no one has, but everyone should? “Cointreau,” says Singh, without hesitation. “No bar should be without it. Vermouth and Campari come next.”

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This is your grown-up playground—where style meets function. Whether hosting or unwinding, keep your home bar stocked, stirred and ready for action at all times.

Bottled Ambition

Whiskey

A good whiskey is the cornerstone of any serious bar—the spirit of late-night musings and long, meaty conversations. Whether you’re sipping it neat or letting it play the lead for an Old Fashioned, a quality bottle anchors your line-up like a tailored navy blazer.

Gin

Think of it as your bar’s sharpest suit: refreshing, botanical and effortlessly versatile. From a classic G&T to a punchy Negroni, it should go smoothly across occasions—rooftop drinks, dinner parties or lazy Sunday brunches.

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Tequila

Ditch the shot-glass clichés and find a bottle that’s smooth, complex and genuinely sippable. A good tequila holds its own in cocktails—but it also deserves a slow, solo moment over ice.

Best Non-Alcoholic Bevs

Even the most spirited bar should have a solid non-alcoholic wingman. Think of this category as the designated driver of good taste. Functional sodas, botanical mixers and complex zero proof spirits keep things inclusive and interesting.

Bar Tools To Own

Just like you wouldn’t show up to a black-tie in flip-flops, your bar deserves the right gear. Invest in the essentials—shaker, jigger, strainer, bar spoon—and learn how to use them. Clean tools, good glassware and a bit of finesse go a long way.

To read more stories from Esquire India's April 2025 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine.