You know how it goes: Just as everyone in the household (from family members to guests) sits down with their drinks in hand to watch the sunset, someone inevitably needs a touch-up, or some ice, or a twist of lime. Save yourself the grief of going back inside with a judiciously stocked outdoor bar. Here are five favorites, including a DIY for extra measure.
Above: Named after the drink (as in Harvey), the Wallbanger sits unobtrusively on the wall until its services are required and the hinged panel door comes down and doubles as a work surface; $399.
Above: The Luxembourg Bar Trolley by Fermob, complete with removable tray, is a stylish and colorful way to entertain outdoors; $932.
Above: Interior design student and blogger at A Life Designed built this bar made from plumbing pipes and wooden shelves for a friend's new home. A few trips to Home Depot and a broken glass later, she lives to tell her DIY tale here.
Above: Dallas-based upcyclers Lake Highlands Pallet Creations devise a wall mounted bar from a pallet. Image via Lake Highlands Pallet Creations.
Above: Throwing a party? Consider this DIY drinks cooler via Michaela Rae.
Now that you have the outdoor bar, what are you going to serve? Have a look at Amy Stewart, The Drunken Botanist's South American take on the Gin & Tonic. And if you prefer non-alcoholic thirst quenchers, have a look at our recipes for Lavender Soda, Summer Goddess Sun Tea with Chamomile Syrup, and Elderflower Cordial.