The Beach Bar Checklist: Everything to Pack for a Group

Everything you need to serve drinks to a group without making three trips back to the car.

Drinks

• Cold drinks in one cooler, opened often
• Backup ice and food in a second cooler, kept shut
• Water, plenty
• Mixers in the cooler: soda water, ginger beer, juice
• Spirits in sealed bottles, or pre-batched jugs

Gear

• Plastic or acrylic cups, or insulated tumblers
• Bottle opener and corkscrew
• Small cutting board and knife in a sealed case for limes and oranges
• Jigger or a marked measuring cup
• Reusable straws
• Trash bags and a bag for recycling
• Paper towels or a small towel for spills

Comfort

• Umbrella or shade, for the cooler as much as for you
• Folding table or a sturdy crate to keep things off the sand
• Sunscreen
• Portable speaker, volume low, courtesy to neighbors

Rules to check

• Does the beach allow alcohol? Many do not.
• Is glass banned? Often yes.
• Do you have a designated driver or ride home?

See also: how to pack a cooler.

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