The Perfect Holiday Bar & Food Setup for Your Party This Year

It's the most wonderful time of the year for celebrating and socializing. As you get ready to spend some much-needed time with friends and family this holiday season, consider showing them how much you care with a holiday party. Hosting a holiday party is a fun way to connect and unwind with the ones you love most. All you need is food, decorations, and the right cocktails to get the party started.

Want to host a holiday party for your friends and family? We're here to teach you how to stock a bar cart for a holiday party, so you'll be the hostess with the mostest this season! Here's everything you need to know:

Holiday Bar Checklist: Spirits, Mixers, Ice & Garnishes

Before the big day, ensure you have everything you need to make holiday cocktails for your guests. You'll want to ensure you have the following essentials on your holiday bar cart for the occasion:

• Festive Garnishes: Cinnamon sticks, fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, marshmallows, candy canes
• Mixers: Club soda, tonic water, cranberry juice, ginger beer, apple cider vinegar
• Spirits: Vodka, Tequila, Whiskey

Before going to the grocery store, decide which signature cocktails you plan to make for your guests. This way, you have all of the garnishes and mixers on hand to batch your drinks if needed.

Map the Flow: Bar Placement, Food Zones & Guest Traffic

Once you have the essentials on your bar cart, it's time to get strategic with your party layout. You'll want to visualize the flow of the party and ensure the bar and food zones are placed in the best possible areas of the home. Here are some tips to get the best setup:

• Create two separate zones for food and drinks.
• Keep the food and drink zones away from entrances to avoid traffic jams or crowded areas.
• Make sure the space feels balanced, with a mix of different tables.
• Use the corners to create stations for batched cocktails, photo booths, and other interactive elements.
• Use decorations to fill in the gaps and make the space feel welcoming.

Signature Drinks That Fit the Season

It's not a holiday bar without a signature drink! After you've expertly mapped out the bar placement and food zones, it's time to decide which holiday cocktails you want to batch make for your guests.

Here are two signature Ignite cocktails to consider:

Ignite Peppermint Pleasure

Enjoy the intense taste of peppermint paired with premium Ignite Vodka. This is a refreshing, easy-to-make cocktail that tastes like a cup of Christmas. Here's what you'll need to make it:

• 2 oz Ignite Vodka

• 2 tsp Peppermint Schnapps

• 3 oz White Chocolate Liqueur

• Marshmallow Topping

• 2 Candy Canes

Click here for the full recipe.

Ignite Hot Chocolate

Warm up the party with a festive spin on everyone's favorite winter holiday drink. If you love the rich taste of chocolate and the intense flavor profiles of a blanco tequila, you'll love this playful spin on a Mexican-style hot chocolate. Here's what you'll need for your holiday party:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Ignite Blanco Tequila

• 0.5 oz Agave Nectar

• 4 oz Brewed Hot Chocolate

• Pinch Salt/Cinnamon

• Optional: Top with whipped cream

Click here for the full recipe.

Food Pairings for Tequila & Vodka (By Flavor Intensity)

When hosting a holiday party, it's always best to offer at least two different spirits. This will ensure there's a drink for everyone. If you decide to go with a tequila and a vodka cocktail. Here's how you can get creative with the food and drink pairings.

Tequila

• Ceviche

• Salsa

• Fish tacos

• Lamb

• Steak skewers

• Grilled meats

• Chocolate

Vodka

• Charcuterie boards

• Chicken skewers

• Salads

• Pasta salad

• Seafood

• Smoked salmon

How Much to Buy: Quantities per Guest for a 3-Hour Party

For a three-hour party, plan on stocking enough alcohol so that each guest can enjoy at least two to three signature drinks. A standard 750 ml bottle of liquor has roughly 25.4 oz, and you'll want 3 oz per guest.

To keep the math simple, here's how many liquor bottles you'll need for your chosen cocktails, based on your guest count

• 10 guests: 1-2 bottles

• 25 guests: 3-4 bottles

• 50 guests: 6-7 bottles

You'll also want to ensure you have enough non-alcoholic drinks for individuals. So, before the party, stock up on water, juice, and soft drinks. 

Setup Timeline: 48-Hour Prep Through Next-Day Cleanup

You’ll want to start your holiday party planningat least 48 to 72 hours before the big day. This will give you enough time to gather ingredients, cook food, and think through table placement. Here are five tips you can use to achieve a hassle-free party planning experience:

• Map out your food and drink zones ahead of time

• Create a grocery and alcohol checklist for the big day

• Batch your cocktails to make them easier to serve

• Prepare cocktail garnishes the night before

• Decorate your space with lighting and festive decor for the perfect finishing touch!

Do you need premium spirits for your holiday party? Use our store locator to find a retailer with IGNITE Spirits today or shop directly on our website to have it shipped to your door!

Frequently Asked Questions

What two glass types cover most holiday cocktails without overspending?

The two most popular types are highballs and old-fashioned cocktail glasses. These glass types pair perfectly with all spirits and cocktail types. 

How do I keep ice from clumping or melting too fast indoors?

Use foil dividers within an insulated cooler to keep the ice from clumping or melting for your guests. 

What serving temperatures highlight tequila vs. vodka in winter cocktails?

Tequila should be served slightly chilled or at room temperature, depending on the cocktail. Vodka should be slightly chilled for most winter cocktails.