DIY Cocktail Station

November 26, 2013
DIY,Entertaining

I’m always looking for fun new ways to bring cocktails to the party. The problem is, no one wants to get stuck mixing everyone else’s drinks all night. So I decided to channel my former catering days, and put together this self-serve cocktail station for our little Thanksgiving get-together. The secret is thinking of a cocktail that is simple to make, so that your guests can help themselves. Here, I used a vanilla cardamom syrup to create a lovely spiced pomegranate cocktail. Check back tomorrow for the recipe. In the meantime, here are some tips for creating your very own DIY cocktail station.

DIY Cocktail Station // HonestlyYUM

Photography shot with theCanon EOS Rebel SL1 digital SLR camera. Small in size, enormous in performance.

Start by picking a good area for your cocktail station. It should be somewhere easily accessible to your guests. Believe it or not, people tend to congregate around the bar. You probably don’t want to use that kitchen counter space next to the oven, and have people pouring drinks while you’re trying to check the turkey. Have a menu displayed with instructions for your guests to follow. Print them out and put them in picture frame. Write them on a mini chalkboard. We used calligrapher Grace Edmands, who matched our turkey pinecone place cards.

[linktopost slug=”diy-turkey-pinecone-place-cards”]

DIY Cocktail Station // HonestlyYUM

Have your spirits and mixers on display. Again, it’s best to keep it simple. Unless you’re a family of bartenders, this probably isn’t the time for that recipe that uses a handful of different spirits and liqueurs. Spruce up the decor with a flower arrangement or two. We used a beautiful arrangement from our friends at Studio Choo.

[linktopost slug=”diy-thanksgiving-centerpiece”]

DIY Cocktail Station // HonestlyYUM

It’s important to have the proper tools available to match your instructions. When breaking the recipe down to the ounce, use a small measuring cup, or a jigger. I found this gorgeous gold-plated jigger from Umami Mart, and Anthropologie glasses to match.

DIY Cocktail Station // HonestlyYUM

When it comes time to build the cocktail, don’t forget about the ice. Use an ice bucket with a scoop or tongs so your guests don’t have to use their hands. Now it’s time to add the ingredients!

DIY Cocktail Station // HonestlyYUM

I premixed some of my ingredients proportionally to simplify into a single mixer.

DIY Cocktail Station // HonestlyYUM

Estimate how many glasses you’ll likely need, and of what type. Wine glasses work well as a multi-purpose cocktail glass. You can encourage people to reuse their glass if they go back for more.

DIY Cocktail Station // HonestlyYUM

Think of some fun garnishes. They’ll help give your cocktail and your station some extra pop. I used two of my favorite ingredients: pomegranate seeds and mint.

DIY Cocktail Station // HonestlyYUM

Lastly, it’s important to consider how your guests will mix their drinks. I decided to go with a simple stir, rather than a cocktail that needed shaking. These gold swizzle sticks worked perfectly, but a simple spoon would have got the job done as well.

DIY Cocktail Station // HonestlyYUM

There you have it! Your very own DIY cocktail station. Be sure to replenish your ice as needed, and have bar napkins available as well.

DIY Cocktail Station // HonestlyYUM

And remember to check back tomorrow for the spiced pomegranate cocktail recipe.

DIY Cocktail Station // HonestlyYUM

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

DIY Cocktail Station // HonestlyYUM

(images by HonestlyYUM)

Conversation

Your photographs are brilliant! I’ve seen you guys feature that gorgeous ice bucket before, can you reveal where it’s from so we can be drool worthy too?

Trying to figure out how much of this you mixed up
I premixed some of my ingredients proportionally to simplify into a single mixer.

Hi Julie! You can see more of the recipe breakdown in this post here: http://honestlyyum.com/7488/spiced-pomegranate-cocktail – that will give you the individual proportions. If you follow those steps/proportions, one full 750ml bottle of vodka will give you ~17 servings, with 1.5oz of vodka per serving. Therefore if you multiple each ingredient by 17, it will give you the total amount for each ingredient. Does that make sense? This still depends on how big your glasses are, how much mix you pour into each cocktail, etc. Let me know if you have any more questions. Thanks for stopping by the site!!

What a beautiful set up, Todd. I was going to ask the same question Lizzy did. Where did the cocktail pitcher and stirrers come from? I’d also love to know where those little gold demitasse spoons are from. I have a collection of vintage gold barware and am always on the lookout for items to add to it. Cheers!

may i ask where you found the cocktail sirrers and the glass they are in?

Todd this is soooo beautiful (and you’re making me thirsty!) Wow, what I wouldn’t give to have this spread just appear in front of me 🙂

I’m dreaming of a small cocktail bar in our living room. A bar cart or even a tray with some glasses on it add so much life to the space. But as I don’t drink, I’m questioning if it would be too much?

Me too Ana. My bottles are way too scattered and unorganized. If you don’t drink it’s probably not worth it. Although, even just a couple glasses and a nice bottle it can be a pretty decoration.

Oh wow, that is a pretty amazing idea! Can’t believe I’ve never thought of that before..
So true, no one ever wants to get stuck making a cocktail for everyone, and jugs work for some cocktails but not for all. Especially not the actual nice ones!

{ Teffys Perks Blog } X

Great idea, and what a great way to keep guests out of the kitchen while last minute dinner prep is done! Thanks, again.

So pretty! Can’t wait for the cocktail recipe tomorrow, cardamom vanilla syrup in a cocktail sounds a-mazing! 🙂

Link Love