When it comes to serving drinks at parties I’m a big fan of DIY cocktails stations. Guests always love them because they look cute and are a lot of fun to use and as a host I love them too because it means I don’t have to worry about serving drinks all throughout my party. It’s a win-win really.
My current favorite type of DIY drinks station is the ‘Mimosa Bar’ which allows guests to mix in their favorite juices and fruit with bubbly. I created one for a brunch I hosted for my girlfriends last Saturday and it was such a hit that I thought I’d share a few tips on how to create your own at home today. It’s so easy and I’m sure your guests will love it too!
♥ What you’ll need
Champagne (or sparkling wine). One bottle per every 4-5 guests is usually enough but it’s always a good idea to have an extra bottle on hand just in case. For an alcohol-free version, simply replace the champagne with soda water.
Fruit Juice. Offer 3 or 4 juices for your guests to choose from. Try to pick juices with contrasting colors to create an even more colorful display (orange, cranberry, strawberry, pineapple are all good choices).
Fresh fruit. Fruit makes for a pretty garnish and will also infuse the cocktails with their flavor. Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, oranges or pineapple always look very pretty and go well with champagne.
Champagne glasses, carafes, bowls and an ice bucket. Of course, all these items can be substituted with things you already own. Mason jars would make for a cute alternative to champagne flutes for example and if you don’t own an ice bucket then you can simply offer your guests some ice.
Labels to identify the juices. You could use store-bought labels or simply make your own. For my display, I simply wrote out the names of each juice on a small piece of white cardboard, punched a hole in the corner, and then attached it to the corresponding bottle with twine. Voila!
Optional: For an extra wow factor you could also add more decorating items to your table such as party straws, balloons, bunting, fresh flowers, serviettes, a chalk board etc.
♥ Setting up the bar
The night before the party, put your champagne in the fridge to chill.
About 45 min before the guests arrive:
- Arrange the glasses on one side of an empty table (or in an other area of your choice).
- Pour the juices into the carafes. Place them in the middle of the table and adorn them with their labels.
- Slice the fruit into smaller pieces if needed and place it into bowls near the juices. Place a spoon into each bowl.
- Add any extra decorative item you might have for the table (such as straws, flowers, bunting, a bar sign etc.) You could also use a chalk board to instruct your guest on how to make a mimosa: (i.e ‘half fill your glass with juice, top with champagne and garnish with fruit!’). My guests already knew too well how to make mimosas so I didn’t have to give them instructions. ;)
Just before your guests arrive, take the sparkling wine out of the fridge and put it either in an ice bucket filled with ice or on the table.
And…that’s it, you’re ready to party!
I hope you found these tips useful. I think this mimosa bar would not only be great for a brunch but also for any kind of party such as a baby shower, engagement bash…or even for a bride and her bridesmaids to enjoy whilst they’re getting ready on the day of her wedding!
Happy partying!
ps. Party Inspiration: a Moroccan dinner party.
