Ode to the drinks trolley

No man-cave or she-shed is complete without it. Along with the pretty bottles that photogenically adorn it, the drinks trolley is enjoying a stylish revival.

By Nicola Belsham

The drinks trolley made its first appearance within the parlours of the Victorian era for tea service. Several times a day and during auspicious rituals such as needlepoint or the gathering of ones’ closest acquaintances, the tea trolley was reverently rolled out. It wasn’t until the mid-1930’s that the tea trolley (along with the end of Prohibition), fell off the wagon. Tea Time became Party Time and by the 1950’s, everyone worth knowing had a drinks trolley. It was a symbol of independence, entertainment, decadence, glamour and one’s ability to dabble with the debonair. The drinks trolley was commonplace in offices, boardrooms and sunken lounges alike.

And so, it was. Until the 1970. Alas, the establishment of a permanent home bar, where freedom, love and entertaining hit a high note, the comparably commonplace, ill-equipped drinks trolley was cast aside. With a sink to rinse glasses, ice in the fridge, Harvey Wallbangers aplenty and Crème de Menthe by above-bar-dispenser, it was heaven-ish.

For decades since, sifters of art-deco emporiums, secondhand shops, or those lucky enough to score a grandparents’ heirloom, have been the only appreciative recipients of the humble drinks trolley. Hoping for a better time,  the drinks trolley has been a stalwart of service to CD players, TVs,  and bedside books. But times have changed.

With a resurgence of craft and locally distilled spirits, a trend for living in smaller spaces and new-found appreciation for our nearest and dearest, the drinks trolley is after 50 years or so, experiencing a renaissance. If we’ve learned anything this year, it’s the value of bringing the bar back home.

BOX: Getting Trollied

·       The purpose of the drinks trolley is not to store alcoholic beverages per se, but to display them. Make it beautiful, stylish and sophisticated.

·       As a showcase of the very best of locally distilled spirits, choose a few brands and some good-looking glassware. Don’t clutter.

·       Artfully placed citrus fruits and assorted mixers add anticipation and finesse.

·       Your drinks trolley expresses your personality, quirks and idiosyncrasies, all perfectly aligned with your skills in hospitality and endearment of friends and colleagues. Show it.

·       Over and above fishing a cold one from the bathtub, a drinks trolley promises one-to-one attention with your guests. Make it so.

Top Picks to Stock

·       Reid + Reid or Lighthouse Gin (or both), Martinborough – you just can’t go wrong.

·       Essential Bitters – Grapefruit and Hops is a personal favourite – 100% natural ingredients sourced from NZ farms and cooperatives.

·       Blush Rhubarb Gin, Auckland – a fabulous addition to a cocktail or straight over ice with a slash of mint.

·       Cardrona ‘The Reid’ Vodka – rich, silky smooth and mellow – the best NZ-made vodka on the planet.

·       Thomson Whiskey ‘Two Tone’ Release – floral and aromatic with autumn fruits and spice.

·       East Imperial Mixer Selection – Eight lovely NZ mixers to choose from including Soda Water, Yuzu Tonic and Thai Ginger Ale.

All are available from Martinborough Wine Merchants