When entertaining guests, it’s a good idea to have a simple cocktail making station available.
A place where guests can be their own bartender.
Now ~ I’m not talking about a fully stocked bar or a general drink station.
I’m talking about a simple setup with just a few spirits and mixers so your guests can make their own cocktail, but not be overwhelmed by options.
This is a diy cocktail making station that you don’t have to man. So you have more time to mingle and enjoy time visiting with your guests.
The best thing about making a simple diy cocktail station is that you can put it just about anywhere.
I set mine on a collapsible TV tray table, which is perfect for small spaces. It doesn’t take up valuable counter space, and you can put it anywhere in a room.
(If you like my cute TV tray table, it’s the easiest diy project – no joke!)
Supplies to Create a Simple Cocktail Making Station
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- 2-3 Spirits & mixers
- Crystal decanters
- Ice bucket with tongs
- Jigger
- Swizzle sticks or spoons
- Garnish and cocktail picks
- Cocktail napkins
How to Set Up a Simple Cocktail Station
Step 1: Decide on the type of drinks for your diy cocktail making station
This is important. Don’t just put out a random assortment of alcohol and mixers.
Have a plan of what cocktails can be created with the items on your drink station.
Will you provide the ingredients and recipe for a signature cocktail? Or will you have a few items that can create different cocktails?
Step 2: Set up the spirits and mixers
After you’ve determined the type of drinks your guests can make themselves, Set out the spirits and mixers. The ones that don’t need to be refrigerated.
To create an attractive diy cocktail station, put your alcohol in crystal decanters and tie on simple labels. Not only is it more attractive, but it will totally impress your guests!
Make sure that the spirits and mixers will make tasty drinks when combined.
I put out vodka and tequila for my spirits, because you can make multiple drinks with them and most guests prefer them.
For mixers, I provided Cointreau and simple sugar. These are wonderful, as they both go well with either vodka or tequila.
Step 3: Add tools, glasses & napkins
Next, add the tools necessary to make the diy cocktails. Will your guests need a shaker, a jigger for measuring, spoons, or swizzle sticks?
Make sure those tools are easy to find and use.
Then add drinking glasses that are the appropriate size for the cocktails.
And don’t forget cocktail napkins. They’re fun and can be used as a coaster when your guests put down their drinks.
Finally, before the last step, add something pretty to the simple cocktail making station, I placed a small delicate flower arrangement. The flowers added a little color to the tray and livened it up.
Plus, they didn’t take up much space on the small drink tray.
Step 4: Finish with garnish, chilled mixers, and ice
To complete your diy drink station, think about the possible drink concoctions and provide garnishes that will enhance their flavor. Consider fruit, herbs, and/or olives, and place them in a bowl or on a small plate.
I provided slices of oranges and limes that would pair well with the potential cocktail combinations.
The final step to setting up a diy cocktail station is putting out the last minute refrigerated items.
Those items that you have ready to go in the fridge or freezer.
The final pieces I added to my cocktail making tray were chilled lime juice and an ice bucket with tongs. (Don’t want the ice to melt before the guests arrive!)
By providing a diy cocktail making station you’re enabling your guests to be their own bartender and create their own cocktails.
Plus your guests will love the accessibility and freedom to serve themselves.
A fun and easy way to entertain and host a party!
Shop the DIY Cocktail Making Station
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