Relaxing outdoors with friends and a homemade cocktail in hand has never looked so good.
By Tanya A. Yacina
Sipping cocktails around a well-appointed outdoor bar offers a relaxed, casual atmosphere that sets the stage for laid-back, carefree time together. If you love hosting parties or entertaining guests outside in the Southern California sunshine, a backyard bar setup is a great way to expand your social space and turn simple gatherings into a memorable day or evening with friends and family.
“There is no better way to make you feel like you are on vacation in our own backyard than by building an outdoor bar,” says Leigh Lincoln, co-owner of Pure Salt Interiors. “Whether it’s a standalone feature, or part of a larger outdoor kitchen, an outdoor bar allows you to entertain your guests with sun overhead and a sip in hand.”
Denise Morrison, founder and principal designer of Morrison Interiors, notes that outdoor areas are being designed with versatility in mind lately, allowing these spaces to serve multiple purposes.
“For example, a space may function as a bar, dining area and lounge with adaptable seating and tables,” she says. “Outdoor kitchens … are becoming more sophisticated, featuring amenities like pizza ovens and fully-equipped bars, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces.”
Elevating Your Space
No matter the design, durable materials are a must in this space to hold up against the elements and years of use while still looking great, according to Morrison. She recommends stainless steel, concrete, powder-coated steel and human-made slabs, like Neolith, a “sintered” or synthetic stone material, to provide a design that will stand the test of time.
“Stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion. It also provides a sleek and modern look,” she says. “Concrete is a versatile material that can be used for outdoor flooring, countertops and furniture. Natural stone such as granite, slate and limestone [are] durable and visually appealing. It’s commonly used for outdoor flooring, countertops and fire features. For cushions and pillows, choose outdoor-rated fabrics.”
Of course, in addition to making the space durable, don’t forget to make it fun. It is a bar, afterall.
“We love to make a statement with a fully tiled wall behind the bar to bring in color and texture and accent your bar accessories,” Lincoln says.
Morrison also suggests situating the bar near an alfresco dining space so that gatherings can seamlessly move from sipping drinks to enjoying a meal or vice versa. Other elements to consider adding: an all-weather TV to keep sports fans happy as well as a fire pit for chilly evenings.
“Seating wrapped around a fire pit makes for a great arrangement to encourage conversation,” she notes. “The warmth from a fire pit can offer amazing comfort and visual ambiance. If space allows, it can be nice to have an island for conversation and serving with a ‘back bar’ [area] for more utilitarian features.”
A sink and ice maker are key, she says, while a beer tap, under-counter refrigerator and storage will prove functional—no need to run inside for ingredients—and only add to a beautiful, outdoor bar space. Choose acrylic drinking glasses to avoid the risk of breakage, she advises, and maintain a fully stocked bar with wines, brews, spirits and mix-ins to always have what you need on hand to make your favorite libations.
“When it comes to keeping your drinks cold and readily accessible in an outdoor bar setup, having a refrigerator and freezer combo is the ultimate convenience,” says Riley Huddleston, chef-partner at Newport Beach’s Lido House hotel including rooftop bar Topside. “Unlike coolers or ice chests that require regular restocking of ice to maintain the desired temperature, a refrigerator allows you to store a larger quantity of beverages and ingredients without the hassle of constantly replenishing ice. Plus, with the added freezer space, you can keep additional supplies on hand, such as ice cream for frozen treats or extra bags of ice for larger gatherings.”
Crafting the Cocktails
When setting up a backyard bar, Huddleston says having the right equipment can make all the difference in creating top-notch cocktails.
“Jiggers are a must for any bartender, novice or experienced, as they ensure consistency in drink recipes by precisely measuring out ingredients,” he says. “This attention to detail helps maintain the balance of flavors in your cocktails, guaranteeing a consistently delicious outcome every time. Shakers are equally essential, not only for mixing ingredients, but also for imparting texture to your drinks. The process of shaking cocktails with ice helps chill and dilute them while also incorporating air, resulting in a smoother, more well-rounded flavor profile.”
For any at-home bartender looking to cover the basics, Huddleson believes tequila is a must. He says its versatility is unmatched, especially for summer drinks. Whether mixing it with green juices for a refreshing twist, adding a kick of spice or enhancing the natural sweetness of citrus or watermelon, tequila effortlessly complements a wide range of flavors. For mixers, he says a few essentials can elevate your cocktail game significantly.
“Start with good quality soda water; its effervescence adds a refreshing sparkle to any drink,” he explains. “Lime and [other] citrus juices are must-haves for adding brightness and acidity to cocktails, enhancing their overall flavor profile. Watermelon juice is another fantastic addition, bringing a hint of sweetness and refreshing summer vibes to your concoctions.”
One indispensable tip, he shares, is to batch your cocktails ahead of time.
“By preparing larger quantities of cocktails in advance, you’ll avoid the need to spend the entire evening mixing drinks to order,” he says. “This allows you to focus on mingling with your guests and enjoying the festivities rather than being tied to the bar. Batching cocktails also ensures consistency in flavor and presentation, guaranteeing that each guest receives a perfectly crafted drink every time. Plus, it allows you to experiment with more complex recipes that might be impractical to prepare individually during the event.”
Huddleston also says, for beer enthusiasts, investing in a kegerator can be a game-changer for a backyard bar setup: With options like a hazy IPA and a light lager on tap, you’ll have the essential summertime beers ready to enjoy at any gathering. Plus, serving beer on draft adds a touch of sophistication to an outdoor bar experience, impressing guests and elevating the overall ambiance of your space.
Mezloma
Servings: 1
1 ounce The Lost Explorer mezcal
½ ounce Amaro Nonino
½ ounce lime juice
¼ ounce simple syrup
3 dashes Fee Brothers grapefruit bitters
1 ½ ounces Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink
Grapefruit soda
Add mezcal, Amaro Nonino, lime juice, simple syrup, bitters and ice into a shaker, then shake to combine and chill. Fill a rock glass with ice and strain the contents of the shaker into the glass. Top with Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit soda and stir. Garnish with a fresh or dehydrated citrus wheel or wedge of your choice.
—Courtesy of Topside
