How to Set Up a Holiday Home Bar

Create a dedicated space

Pick out a spot away from the kitchen for guests to get drinks and congregate. Use a bar cart for small spaces or create a spread of liquor, mixers, and all the accoutrements on a buffet or sideboard. If you already have a bar space in your home – even better! Just stock it and add décor.

Get stocked

For guests with varied tastes, provide a variety of spirits and mixers to create a wide selection of popular cocktails. It’s best to have a vodka, rum, tequila, gin, bourbon, and scotch on-hand alongside vermouth, bitters, simple syrup, and a selection of juices, mixers, and garnishes.

Or pare down

If you have limited bar space (or a more limited budget), consider offering just one or two large batch options such as mulled wine, spiked cider, cocoa, or punch, or a simple mimosa bar with sparkling wine and a selection of juices.

Have the proper tools

An ice bucket with tongs is a must for any bar, while jiggers, cocktail shakers, and stirring spoons make constructing drinks even easier. Be sure to offer plenty of appropriate glassware – mugs for warm drinks, wine glasses, rocks glasses for sipping drinks, and highball or Collins glasses for mixed drinks.

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Add some sparkle

Get guests in the spirit of the season with holiday accents. Nestle sprigs of greenery or berries in an interesting vase or glass to add dimension and color to your bar. Add a cozy glow with a tabletop tree, wreath, or fairy lights in a clear bottle or cloche.