Bar Cart Goals Start at Great House! Cocktails to Match Your Vintage Finds
Spring is in full swing, Easter weekend is here, and we’re fully in hostess mode - tables getting set, bar carts getting stocked, and flowers everywhere. And when it comes to adding those extra little touches that make a setting feel special, glassware is always at the top of our list.
If you're anything like me, collecting vintage barware and glassware is a passion. There's just something about colored cocktail glasses that make every drink feel special. They add an elegant, retro touch to any gathering and take your entertaining game to a whole new level. My absolute favorite? Vintage colored cocktail glasses - they pop, make any drink look fabulous, and are perfect for bringing a little sparkle to your cocktail hour.
When it comes to sourcing one-of-a-kind vintage treasures for your home (or your bar cart), there’s no place quite like The Great House in Summit. Owned by the lovely Bonnie, this charming shop is a true hidden gem for collectors and design lovers alike.
Bonnie hand-selects and imports vintage pieces from all over the world - think colorful glassware, unique ceramics, statement furniture pieces, and little finds you didn’t know you needed but suddenly can’t live without.
Next time you’re in Downtown Summit, pop in, treat yourself to something special for your home, and then put it to good use with a new cocktail (or two). We've even rounded up a few of our go-to drink recipes to get you started... because pretty glassware deserves pretty cocktails!
Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet
Light, fresh, and a little bit extra - this is the kind of cocktail that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to make. Perfect for spring nights, Easter brunch, or any excuse to break out your cutest glassware. 🌸
Ingredients:
2 oz gin
1 oz elderflower liqueur (St. Germain is a great choice)
½ oz fresh lime juice
2 cucumber slices
Cucumber ribbon or slice for garnish
Instructions:
Muddle cucumber slices in a shaker.
Add gin, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and ice.
Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
Garnish with a cucumber ribbon or slice.
Skinny Pear Margarita
A classic for a reason. Light, clean, simple, and just the right amount of tart - this one’s a go-to for backyard hangs, or honestly... any time the sun’s out. Bonus points if you serve it in a colorful vintage tumbler with a salty rim!
Ingredients:
2 oz tequila (preferably 100% agave)
1 oz fresh lime juice
½ oz agave syrup (if you want it extra sweet)
2 oz pear juice (fresh or from a good-quality pear nectar)
Salt (for rimming the glass)
*Experiment with flavored salts for extra fun! We love this chili salt rim
Pear slice or lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Rim your glass with lime and dip in salt.
Add the tequila, lime juice, pear juice, and agave syrup (if adding) to a shaker with ice.
Shake and strain into your glass.
Garnish with a pear slice or lime wedge and enjoy!
Extra Dirty Martini with Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives
Bold choice for spring? Maybe. 😂 But sometimes you need something crisp, savory, and unapologetically strong to balance out all the florals. Best served at golden hour with the windows open and your favorite playlist on.
Ingredients:
2 ½ oz gin or vodka (I prefer vodka for a cleaner taste)
1 oz olive brine (the "dirty" part!)
½ oz dry vermouth
2-3 blue cheese stuffed olives (trust me, these make the drink)
Ice
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add vodka (or gin), olive brine, and vermouth.
Shake vigorously to chill and combine.
Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with the blue cheese stuffed olives.
Sip and enjoy!
Bonus Points: Cocktails + Couch Caviar
Here's the fun part for some bonus points - cocktails and caviar! 🍾 The latest "Couch Caviar" trend is all about enjoying life's little luxuries without the formalities. Picture this: you’re having a casual night at home, lounging on the couch with your favorite cocktail in hand, a bag of chips, and - wait for it - caviar. Yes, caviar with chips. It's the ultimate indulgence, and here's the best part: it’s perfectly fine to enjoy it while watching your favorite show or hosting a low-key gathering. This trend celebrates the idea that life is short, so why not make every Tuesday (or any day) a little extra special? Why wait for a fancy event to enjoy the finer things?
I recently discovered Marky’s Caviar, and it’s changed the way I think about at-home entertaining. They bring the finest caviar straight to your door, and it pairs so well with a crisp martini or an elegant gin gimlet. Trust me, once you experience the luxury of caviar paired with a fun cocktail, you'll wonder why you didn't start sooner. Order from Marky’s here!