When it comes to holiday hosting, you want to be mingling, not mixing.
This year, make it easy on yourself by setting up a DIY cocktail station with a little help from our Flavour Drops. And to make sure all your bases are covered, we called in a favour from one of the best in the biz, Kaitlyn Stewart of Like•a•ble Cocktails, to give you some pro tips on setting up a DIY Cocktail station that is sure to impress.
This setup is all about giving guests a chance to get creative, try new flavour combinations, and enjoy a “choose-your-own-adventure” cocktail experience. With this DIY cocktail station, our Flavour Drops help bring variety, so all you need to do is set the stage.
The Essentials for Your DIY Cocktail Station
A well-equipped cocktail station needs more than just drinks. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure your setup has everything guests will need to make their own unique cocktail:
- Glassware Variety: Arrange an assortment of glasses for different drink styles (tumblers, highballs, martini glasses) so guests can pick their favorite.
- Ice Bucket: Keep it simple and stylish with a large ice bucket that’s easy for guests to access and replenish as needed.
- Garnishes: Display fresh garnishes for added flair. Lemon and lime wedges, cucumber slices, sprigs of rosemary, and fresh mint are perfect for enhancing both the flavour and look of each drink.
- Mixers: Offer a range of mixers, from soda water, tonic, and ginger beer to cola for easy cocktail bases.
- Spirits: Stock up on versatile spirits—vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, and rum provide plenty of variety without overcomplicating the choices.
- Hedessent Flavour Drops: Set out our Flavour Kits to make each drink unique. With six different kits to choose from, there’s plenty of room for mixing and matching. Two of Kaitlyn’s personal favorites are the Soda Booster and Botanical Kit. These concentrated flavour boosters allow guests to easily add a few drops for a festive, customized touch to their drinks.
@likeablecocktails Hosting with @Hedessent ✨ You don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen or behind the bar all night when hosting for the holidays. So why not make it easier on yourself with a DIY cocktail station? With the help of Hedessent Flavour Boosters, your guests can customize their drinks all night long. Think of it as a choose your own cocktail adventure! DIY Cocktail Station: -Set out a selection of glassware -Ice bucket -Garnishes (lemons, limes, cucumbers, rosemary, mint etc.) -Variety of mixers (soda water, tonic, ginger beer, cola) -Spirits (vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, rum) -Hedessent flavour booster (I personally love the Soda Boosters & Botanical Kit) Let Hedessent do the work for you! Use Code: HOLIDAYHOST for 15% off #hedessent #flavourbooster #diy #cocktailstation ♬ original sound – like•a•ble cocktails
Set Up Tips
A DIY cocktail station is all about minimizing stress and maximizing enjoyment. Here are Kaitlyn’s top tips to keep your holiday hosting smooth and stylish:
- Prep Garnishes in Advance: Slice lemons, limes, cucumbers, and any other garnishes earlier in the day, then store them in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and ready to go once the party starts.
- Let Glassware Shine: Set out various types of glassware so guests can choose what suits their style or drink choice best. It’s a small detail that adds personality to the experience.
- Keep Mixers Simple: There’s no need to overload the station with mixers; let Hedessent’s flavour boosters handle the customization. This simplifies choices while keeping the focus on unique, memorable flavours.
- Highlight Flavour Combinations: Showcase the favourite pairings mentioned above on place cards, inviting guests to experiment and personalize their cocktails.
To guide guests through their options, place small cards at the station showcasing flavour combinations. This not only helps them discover new tastes but also adds a personal touch to the setup. Get the mixing started with a few fun and popular combinations. Kaitlyn’s favourites are sure to be crowd-pleasers:
Tequila + Tonic with Cream Soda
Soda Booster Kit
Add 7 drops of Cream Soda to a Tequila & Tonic for a surprising twist that blends citrus and sweet vanilla notes.
Moscow Mule with Vanilla Cookie and Cinnamon
Coffee Lovers + Holiday Kits
Mix a Moscow Mule with 6 drops of Vanilla Cookie and 2 drops of Cinnamon for a cozy, festive flavour that’s perfect for winter gatherings.
Vodka Soda with Peach & Passionfruit
Drink Essentials Kit
Add 4 drops of Peach and 4 drops of Passionfruit to a Vodka Soda for a refreshing and tropical take on a classic drink.
With a little planning and our Flavour Drops, you’re set to host a holiday party where everyone can create a cocktail they love, allowing you to enjoy the festivities instead of being stuck behind the bar all night. So, this season, raise a glass to stress-free hosting and celebrate with flavour!
About Kaitlyn
In 2017, Kaitlyn was the first Canadian to win the prestigious title of World Class Global Bartender of The Year. (Amazing!)
Since then, she has been traveling the world giving seminars on spirits and hospitality, judging international bartending competitions, doing pop-up events, and more.
She also operates her own consulting and cocktail curation business. If you want to learn how to mix like a pro, she is the person you want to follow. You can find her on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
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