Make-Your-Own Holiday Party Cocktail Station

A make-your-own cocktail station is the ultimate way to engage your guests and bring a personalized touch to your holiday party. It keeps the drinks flowing and adds an interactive element that your friends and family will love. BarBees is here to help you set up the perfect DIY cocktail station, including a recipe for a festive Holiday Cheer Martini as a must-have option.

1. Choose a Central Location

Select a spot in your party space that’s easily accessible but won’t create a bottleneck. A kitchen island, dining table, or designated bar area works perfectly.

2. Set the Stage

Decorate the station to match your holiday theme. Add festive accents like garlands, fairy lights, or a chalkboard sign with “Make Your Own Cocktails” written in a fun font. Provide cocktail recipe cards for inspiration.

3. Provide the Essentials

Ensure your station is well-stocked with the following:

  • Spirits: Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey

  • Mixers: Soda water, tonic, ginger beer, juices (cranberry, orange, pineapple), and cola

  • Liqueurs: Triple sec, amaretto, and peppermint schnapps

  • Garnishes: Citrus wedges, sugared cranberries, mint sprigs, rosemary, and cocktail cherries

  • Tools: Shakers, strainers, jiggers, stirring spoons, and muddlers

  • Glassware: A variety of glasses, including martini, highball, and rocks glasses

4. Include a Signature Cocktail: The Holiday Cheer Martini

Highlight a signature cocktail that guests can easily make themselves. Here’s how to include the Holiday Cheer Martini:

Holiday Cheer Martini Recipe Card

  • 2 oz vanilla vodka

  • 1 oz white chocolate liqueur

  • 1 oz cranberry juice

  • Ice

  • Sugared cranberries and rosemary sprig for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice and add the vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and cranberry juice.

  2. Shake well until chilled.

  3. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with sugared cranberries and a rosemary sprig for a festive touch.

5. Keep It Organized

Arrange items neatly and label everything clearly. Use trays to group similar items together, like garnishes or mixers. Provide napkins and a small trash bin for convenience.

6. Add a Fun Twist

Encourage guests to get creative by offering “secret ingredients” like flavored bitters or seasonal syrups (e.g., cinnamon or pumpkin spice). You can even host a friendly cocktail-making competition!

Make It Memorable with BarBees

Want to take your cocktail station to the next level? Book a BarBees cocktail-making class for your holiday party! Our expert mixologists will guide your guests through creating custom drinks, making your gathering truly unforgettable. Or, surprise someone with a BarBees gift certificate for a New Year’s experience they’ll treasure.

BOOK A CLASS or purchase a GIFT CERTIFICATE. Let’s make this holiday season one to remember!


Jessica BlakleyComment