When it comes to parties, a drink station is the perfect way to ensure you have time to mingle instead of getting stuck mixing behind the bar. Plus, this is a fun interactive activity that allows guests to make a drink to fit their tastes!
Your ultimate guide to drink stations
When you decide to host a party, it’s likely because you have something to celebrate or people you want to see. And while a signature drink can be an amazing addition to any get-together, you have to consider who will mix them up. You?
Honestly, as much as I love making drinks, the last thing that I want to do as a host is spend the entire occasion behind the bar! Even if I’m just hosting happy hour at home, it makes it hard to carry on a conversation and the flow of people needing drinks can mean you’re there for ages.
Pitcher drinks are one way to prevent this entrapment from happening. Mixing up a big batch of one drink can save you so much time. But even better than that? Setting up a drink station!
If you’ve never set up a drink station, don’t worry! It’s easy to pull together and something you and your guests will love. Make sure you’ve stocked your bar (you can stock your bar for $100 or less) and you’re already halfway there.
Drink stations, explained
A drink station is pretty much what it sounds like. It’s an area that has all of the drink fixings a guest could need to create a specific drink — or even two — on their own.
While it may feel like you’re giving attendees a job to do, it’s almost the opposite. Drink stations are a showstopper (when done correctly) and allow everyone to get a beverage that fits their tastes.
It can be a great icebreaker, since the opportunity to chat while completing an activity feels much less intimidating and gives an easy topic of conversation. (“Ooh what kind of mimosa did you make? I’m going to make that next!”)
Quick tips for drink stations
- Select your space. You can use a countertop, a table, an outdoor bar cart — pretty much any flat surface will do. Consider somewhere with plenty of room to set up your ingredients with space for guests to mix their drinks.
- Offer options. Hosting a cocktail party? Beer & wine can be included in the drink station as an easy grab-and-go. Serving coffee or cocoa? Add a cold option like juice for variety. Is there a non-alcoholic option? Add zero-proof spirits, a mocktail or something else non-alcoholic so everyone can partake.
- Give guidance. Signage explaining how to assemble a drink and a recommended recipe can be helpful for those who may be unfamiliar with what you’re serving. You can keep it simple or theme it to your event. (I’ve got a printable one you can purchase!)
- Prepare for the season. The time of year you’re hosting can change up your drink station. You’ll stock your bar for winter cocktails differently than you would for summer sippers, and you may need different serving setups for warm drinks vs. cold.
- Lean into the theme. A drink station for a baby or bridal shower is probably going to look different than one for a cookout. You can opt for elegance, from the serving system to the cups, or stay laid back with something like a pitcher of strawberry lemonade and plastic cups.
What you need for a drink station
The basics: Drink stations don’t have to be complicated! Setting up a self-serve drink dispenser * filled with lemonade and/or iced tea with a stack of cups totally counts! (In fact, this would be a great setup for a cookout that comes together last minute.)
Make a statement: Try using a tall glass pitcher * or a set of glass carafes *. For an engagement party, bridal shower or baby shower (anything upscale, really), a pretty punch bowl set * would be an elegant option.
party essentials
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → *
Consider the type of drinks: If it’s something that requires bar tools, like a margarita or mojito bar, you’ll want to set out a basic bar set with a bar spoon, jigger *, muddler, maybe even a mixing glass. An ice bucket * is another staple at all my beverage stations.
Don’t forget about garnishes! From cucumber slices to lime wedges to strawberries and herbs like basil or mint, there are so many fun additions to offer your guests! For a tropical vibe, add some fun cocktail umbrellas. Bamboo cocktail picks * are another great add for your drink station, allowing guests to build their own garnish.
Glassware, the final detail: If you have enough matching glassware like regular highball glasses * or copper Moscow mule mugs, go for it. You can also use 16-ounce mason jars * for an easy set of matching glasses. I’m also a fan of using compostable cups * or paper cups for easy clean-up.
Drink station signs
Elevate your drink station with a sign to help guests know how to prepare their drink.
Our stylish and customizable printable signs are here to help! Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, wedding or birthday bash, these editable Canva templates are designed to seamlessly fit any theme. (Purchase matching sign templates or a design bundle in our cocktail shop.)
How it works: Purchase and install the template into Canva (no Pro account required). Simply edit the text, colors and icons. Then print, and you’re ready to impress your guests!
The best drink station ideas for parties
Next time you’re celebrating something, set up one of these drink stations to wow your guests:
Leave a Reply