How to Build Your Own Cocktail Bar this Summer

Summer is the ideal time to experiment with refreshing and vibrant cocktails. Whether you're hosting a sun-soaked garden party or simply enjoying a quiet evening in your backyard, setting up your own cocktail bar can transform your summer days into a fun party. With the convenience of alcohol delivery services, you can get everything you need to mix up delicious drinks from the comfort of your home. In this post, we explore some delightful vodka, rum, tequila, and gin cocktails that are sure to impress your guests and keep the spirits high.


Vodka Cocktails


Vodka is a versatile spirit that serves as a great base for many cocktails, thanks to its neutral flavour. It pairs perfectly with just about any mixer and can be the star of both simple and complex concoctions. For your vodka section, stock high-quality vodka and ensure you have plenty of ice. Limes, ginger beer, and a few fresh fruits like watermelon can be great additions to enhance your vodka drinks.


  • The Classic Moscow Mule - A refreshing combination of vodka, spicy ginger beer, and lime juice, you can serve this in a copper mug to enhance its icy temperature and sharp fizz.

  • Watermelon Vodka Cooler - Blend fresh watermelon chunks with vodka, a hint of mint, and a splash of lime juice for a fruity and refreshing drink that's perfect for hot summer days.

Rum Cocktails


Rum’s sweet and tropical nature can transport you to the beach. It’s the backbone of many classic summer cocktails and can be used in both light and dark varieties. Your rum station should include both white and dark rums. Keep on hand fresh mint, coconut cream, and pineapple juice to cater to both classic and exotic preferences.


  • Mojito - This classic cocktail is made with white rum, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, and soda water, offering a refreshing minty zest.

  • Pina Colada - Nothing says summer like a creamy Pina Colada, blending rum with coconut cream and pineapple juice for a sweet, tropical treat.

Tequila Cocktails


Tequila is the spirit of the party and the foundation of many popular Mexican drinks. Its bold flavour pairs well with a range of mixers, but it’s famously used in citrusy cocktails. A tequila bar should have a good mix of blanco and reposado tequilas. Stock up on fresh limes, salt, orange juice, and grenadine to cover a range of tequila-based cocktails.


  • Classic Margarita - Mix tequila with lime juice and triple sec (or Cointreau) to get this beloved cocktail, perfect for your summer parties.

  • Tequila Sunrise - A visually stunning drink that's as good to look at as it is to sip. It consists of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, which creates a sunrise effect in your glass.

Gin Cocktails


Gin is known for its aromatic botanicals, which make it an excellent base for lighter cocktails. It’s particularly popular in drinks that include tonic or floral components. Include a variety of gins in your bar, particularly those that are floral or citrus-forward. Tonic water, fresh lemon, and a few floral syrups like elderflower will allow you to offer a sophisticated gin cocktail experience.


  • Gin and Tonic - An essential gin cocktail that's both simple and refreshing with the right balance of gin and tonic water, garnished with a lime wedge or cucumber slice.

  • Elderflower Collins - A twist on the traditional Tom Collins, using gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and a splash of elderflower cordial for a fragrant finish.

Essentials for Your DIY Cocktail Bar


To ensure your DIY cocktail bar is a success, here are a few essentials;


  • High-Quality Spirits - Invest in high-quality bottles of vodka, rum, tequila, and gin. Fletcher Drinks offers an extensive selection with convenient alcohol delivery to get you stocked up for summer.

  • Fresh Ingredients - Fresh fruits, herbs, and juices make all the difference in crafting a delicious cocktail.

  • Proper Barware - Equip your bar with shakers, stirrers, muddlers, jiggers, and appropriate glassware for each type of drink.

  • Ice - Never underestimate how much ice you will need for cocktails. Have plenty of ice on hand to keep your drinks cool and refreshing.

Searching for Alcohol Delivery in Old Hill?


With these tips and recipes, you’re all set to create the perfect cocktail bar this summer. Thanks to the ease of getting your supplies delivered right to your doorstep by us at Fletcher Drinks, you can enjoy more time mingling and less time shopping. We are a family-owned business with a 40-year trading history in the West Midlands and Worcestershire. 


We pride ourselves on stocking an extensive range of products, from Wine, Perry, Sherry, and Port to Champagne, Liqueur, Spirits, Cider, Beer, and Local Ales. We now provide same-day alcohol delivery in the UK for local customers and offer a 1-2 day delivery service across the rest of England and Wales. 


We are dedicated to supplying quality brand names at competitive prices, complemented by a range of special offers to ensure the best value for your money. To order online visit our website or you can visit us at one of our 3 locations Brierley Hill, Stourbridge or Kidderminster.
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