Campground Cocktails: Your RV Camping Bar Must-Haves

Let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like celebrating under the stars after a day of exploring the outdoors. But what if you could elevate your next camping party with a camping bar fit for a seasoned RV adventurer? Forget lukewarm beer in a can – with a little planning, you can create a portable bar stocked with all the essentials to whip up delicious and impressive cocktails, all while surrounded by nature.

This guide will equip you with the knowledge to set up the ultimate RV camping bar. We’ll cover everything from must-have bar gear to perfectly portable ingredients and recipes.

 
 

Camping Bar Essential Tools

If you are really going to do your camping bar up right, there are some essential bar tools that you will need to have. 

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Stainless Steel Mixing Glass
  • Strainer
  • Muddler
  • Jigger
  • Bar Spoon
  • Corkscrew/Bottle Opener
  • Sharp Bar Knife
  • Small Cutting Board
  • Ice Bucket
  • Unbreakable Wine Glasses
  • Unbreakable Whiskey Glasses

RV Bar Supply Suggestions

Once you have all the tools for mixing drinks, you should consider what you need to stock it with. When it comes to liquors, the following would be considered the core bottles to have for your camping bar:

  1. Vodka: Versatile for cocktails like Bloody Marys, Screwdrivers, and Vodka Tonics.
  2. Gin: Essential for Gin & Tonics, Martinis, and other classic cocktails.
  3. Rum: Both light and dark rum are useful for a variety of mixed drinks like Mojitos, Daiquiris, and Dark ‘n’ Stormy.
  4. Tequila: Necessary for Margaritas, Tequila Sunrises, and shots.
  5. Whiskey/Bourbon: Key for making Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, or just enjoying neat or on the rocks.
  6. Scotch: A good choice for those who enjoy sipping whiskey neat or in cocktails like the Rusty Nail.

The next thing you need to consider is what mixers you will want. Which ones you bring will mainly depend on what drinks you like to make and how prepared you want to be as well as how much room you have. Here are some suggestions. 

  • Triple Sec or Cointreau: Used in many cocktails, including Margaritas and Cosmopolitans.
  • Vermouth (Sweet and Dry): Necessary for Manhattans and Martinis.
  • Amaretto: For cocktails like the Amaretto Sour and various coffee drinks.
  • Baileys Irish Cream: Popular for creamy cocktails and coffee.
  • Kahlua: Essential for White Russians and Espresso Martinis.
  • Tonic Water
  • Club Soda
  • Ginger Beer
  • Cola
  • Lemon-Lime Soda
  • Cranberry Juice
  • Orange Juice
  • Tomato Juice
  • Simple Syrup
  • Grenadine

Lastly, give some thought to any beer and wine that your guests might want. If you aren’t sure, then consider a few from this list. 

  • Red Wine
    • Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied and rich, pairs well with grilled meats and hearty dishes.
    • Merlot: Smooth and medium-bodied, versatile for pairing with a variety of foods.
    • Pinot Noir: Light to medium-bodied, great with poultry, pork, and mushroom dishes.
  • White Wine
    • Chardonnay: Full-bodied and buttery, pairs well with creamy dishes and seafood.
    • Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and refreshing, ideal with salads, chicken, and fish.
    • Pinot Grigio: Light and zesty, perfect for light pasta dishes and appetizers.
  • Rosé Wine
    • Provence Rosé: Dry and crisp, excellent with seafood and light salads.
    • Sweet Rosé: Fruity and sweet, ideal for casual sipping and spicy foods.
  • Sparkling Wine
    • Champagne: Traditional sparkling wine, perfect for celebrations and Mimosas.
    • Prosecco: Italian sparkling wine, lighter and slightly sweeter, great for Bellinis.
    • Cava: Spanish sparkling wine, a budget-friendly alternative to Champagne.
  • Beer
    • Lager: Light and crisp, suitable for most casual drinking occasions.
    • Pale Ale: Balanced with a slight hop bitterness, good for a variety of palates.
    • IPA (India Pale Ale): Hoppy and strong, popular with craft beer enthusiasts.
    • Stout: Dark and rich, with flavors of coffee and chocolate, perfect for cooler weather.
    • Wheat Beer: Light and often fruity, ideal for summer days and outdoor activities.
    • Seasonal/Local Craft Beer: Support local breweries and offer a unique selection.

Portable Bar Furniture for your campground bar

Depending on what furniture you already have, you may not need any of these, but if you are really going to do things up right, you may want a taller portable bar at the very least, just to make mixing drinks easier at your new RV camping bar. 

Nothing says that you are doing a party right like having a portable bar table. These fold down to take up less space when not in use, and let you work at a comfortable height when hosting a party. Need more room? Get two of these.

Forget shoving all your beer into a cooler. Take things to a completely different level with an ice table. This makes it easy to see what you have and what you need more of. 

Big Cooler For Ice And Drinks

When you are throwing a party when you are out camping, there is one thing you absolutely need, ICE!!! You will go through a lot of ice if you are having a decent party, so consider getting a cooler with wheels to make transporting it easier!

Comfy Camp Chairs

Unless you don’t want people to stay long, you need to give them somewhere to sit down. Comfy party chairs are a must in my book. I did a whole post on camping chairs that would be perfect for an RV campground party.

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