DIY Sparkling Bar

Sparkling Wine: Because you obviously need the base product, right? Rather than grabbing your usual bubbly, we recommend offering up a few variations of bubbles for your guests to experiment with. A dry Cava, fruit-forward Prosecco or fizzy sweet Moscato d’Asti will have all of your dry-sweet bases covered, as well as a varying range of textural bubbles.

 

Mixers: Take your OJ to the next level by adding some additional juice options and fresh-fruit purées to your bar. Peach purée is a classic; your same Bellini lovers will also appreciate the juicy goodness of a sweet apricot purée. Apple juice, orange juice and red grapefruit juice are necessities, though if seasonally available, swap out that apple juice for a freshly squeezed cider.

 

 

Fresh Fruit: The only time we’re happy to be finished with a drink is if there’s booze-soaked fruit at the bottom. Providing an array of fresh raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and blueberries will provide a sweet finish to your guest’s glass. Keep a stash of frozen berries on the side to double as ice cubes; fresh, fruity and won’t water down your bubbly creations.

 

Herbs: Adding fresh herbs to your creations will add a layer of flavor complexity to the beverage, as well as provide it with stunning aromatics. Fresh basil, rosemary and mint leaves are great choices for those who’d normally be intimidated by adding greens to their glass — though once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

 

Lemons & Limes: A fresh squeeze of lemon or lime not only provides garnish to the glass; it actually plays off the other components that make up cocktails as well. The acid in citrus meshes with alcohol in wine and sugar in juices to create an equally balanced final product. Slice up some lemon and lime wedges for a pop of flavor — and color — to add to your guest’s creations.

 

St. Germain: St. Germain is an elderflower-based liqueur produced in France. The light, floral flavors add a classy component to any of your sparkling wine cocktails. Plus, the bottle will look gorgeous on your creation station bar cart.