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JULY 12 , 2024 COASTALREALESTATEGUIDE . COM
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… 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 humanmade 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
A backyard bar situated near the outdoor dining area and even a pool , like this design by Morrison Interiors , allows for plenty of summer sipping with friends and family .
Creating a shady oasis in an alcove or covered patio area provides a great retreat for some refreshments when the weather gets warm , as seen in this design by Pure Salt Interiors .
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 .