Creative Drink Stations for Any Gathering

Creative Drink Stations 

There’s nothing quite like a well-curated drink station to elevate any gathering. Whether hosting a cozy holiday party, a summer soirée, or a casual brunch, setting up a dedicated drink station is a fun and interactive way to let guests serve themselves and enjoy a customized beverage experience.

Below, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite drink stations I’ve created over the years -each one designed to be beautiful and effortless for entertaining.

Gin and Flower Bar

A gin and flower bar is a dreamy setup for a sophisticated and refreshing cocktail experience. Guests can mix and match floral ingredients like elderflower liqueur, lavender syrup, and edible flowers to create beautiful, fragrant gin cocktails. 

A selection of tonic waters and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme add even more depth of flavor. I use pink ice cubes for this drink station too.

Check out my hibiscus gin sour cocktail.

Cocktail Snow Cone Bar

This one is always a hit for summer parties! A cocktail snow cone bar brings a playful, nostalgic touch to adult gatherings. Set up crushed ice with a selection of homemade fruit syrups (like raspberry, mango, and passion fruit) and let guests add their choice of spirits, such as rum, vodka, or tequila.

A drizzle of sweetened condensed milk makes it extra indulgent!

Get my cocktail snow cone recipe here.

Gin and Tonic Drink Station

As featured in my book Entertaining with Charm, a Gin and Tonic station offers guests a personalized cocktail experience. Provide a variety of gins and tonic waters, along with garnishes like citrus slices, cucumber ribbons, and fresh herbs.

Try my frozen gin and tonic recipe too!

Mojito Drink Station

A mojito bar is a fresh and interactive way to serve up this classic cocktail. Provide muddled mint, fresh lime wedges, simple syrup, rum, and sparkling water, allowing guests to build their own perfect mojito. For variety, offer fruit add-ins like strawberries, blackberries, or mango.

Here’s my simple mojito recipe and my coconut mojito!

Soda Bar Drink Station

A fun non-alcoholic option, a soda bar lets guests mix up custom sodas using flavored syrups, fresh fruit, and sparkling water. Offer classic flavors like cherry, vanilla, and citrus and fun add-ins like fresh herbs and crushed ice. This is a great drink station for kids and adults alike!

Check out my Italian soda recipe for inspiration.

Hot Chocolate Bar

Nothing says cozy like a hot chocolate bar! Perfect for winter gatherings and holiday parties, this station features a rich homemade hot chocolate base with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, and cinnamon sticks. Guests can also add a splash of Irish cream or bourbon for an adult-friendly version.

Try my favorite homemade hot chocolate recipe here or the best pink hot chocolate!

Spritzer Drink Station

A light and refreshing option, a spritzer bar is perfect for brunches and warm-weather gatherings. Provide a selection of white and rosé wines, sparkling water, and fruit garnishes. Guests can mix their own spritzers, adjusting the sweetness and bubbles to their liking. Add in a few flavored liqueurs for an extra fun twist!

Make floral ice cubes for extra charm!

Here’s how I make my favorite Hugo spritz and lemon spritz!

Agua Fresca Drink Station

An agua fresca bar is a colorful and delicious option for a refreshing and hydrating station. Set out large pitchers of fresh fruit aguas frescas – like watermelon, pineapple, and cucumber lime, along with ice and optional sweeteners.

Guests can enjoy these as-is or add a splash of tequila or rum for a cocktail version.

Try my go-to watermelon juice recipe.

New Year’s Eve Champagne Station

Elevate your New Year’s Eve celebration with a DIY Champagne station. Arrange a selection of Champagnes or sparkling wines, accompanied by mixers like cranberry and tangerine juices, and liqueurs such as Chambord and Cointreau.

Provide garnishes like fresh rosemary, mint sprigs, blackberries, and pomegranate seeds for personalized touches.

Check out my favorite Poinsettia Champagne cocktail.

Mix-and-Match Garden Cocktail Station

Elevate your event with a DIY garden cocktail bar, offering guests a selection of spirits, fresh citrus juices, herb-infused simple syrups, and garnishes like herbs and edible flowers.

This interactive setup encourages creativity and socializing, allowing attendees to craft personalized, refreshing drinks in a charming garden setting.

Build A Bloody Mary Station

I love hosting brunches with a DIY Bloody Mary bar! It’s such a fun way to let guests craft their perfect cocktail. Set out a variety of vodkas, tomato juice, and garnishes like celery sticks, pickles, olives, and bacon strips. Don’t forget hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce for that extra kick!

Eden’s Tips for Creating the Perfect Drink Station

Make it self-serve: Keep everything easy for guests to mix their own drinks without needing assistance.

Use stylish glassware: The right glasses make all the difference! Provide a variety of options based on your drink station theme.

Garnish, garnish, garnish: Fresh herbs, edible flowers, fruit slices, and cocktail picks make the setup look gorgeous and elevate the flavors.

Pre-mix a signature option: If you’re worried about guests feeling unsure of how to mix their drinks, have a ready-made batch available as inspiration.

Provide ice options: Crushed ice, large cubes, or flavored ice cubes can add an extra special touch.

FAQs About Drink Stations

How do I choose the right drink station for my gathering?

Consider your theme, guest preferences, and season. A hot chocolate bar is ideal for winter, while a spritzer bar is perfect for summer brunches.

What’s the best way to keep ingredients fresh throughout the event?

Keep perishable ingredients like fresh fruit and herbs on ice or in small portions that can be replenished as needed.

How do I make my drink station look visually appealing?

Use tiered trays, decorative bowls, fresh flowers, and stylish labels to create a well-curated and inviting display.

Can I set up more than one drink station?

Absolutely! If you have space and variety in guest preferences, offering both an alcoholic and non-alcoholic option is a great idea.

Drink stations are one of my favorite ways to make entertaining more interactive and memorable. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday bash or an intimate backyard gathering, there’s always a fun way to set up a DIY drink station that will impress your guests!

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