Bring On the Beverages
If you’re hosting a holiday party, nothing says “welcome” like a well-stocked bar! Here’s everything you need for a lively gathering.
How Much Do I Need?
For a 3-hour party and for every 6 guests, plan on:
| Alcohol Being Served | Amount Needed | ||
| Beer (12-oz cans or bottles) | Bottles of Wine (750 ml) | Bottles of Liquor (1 liter) | |
| Beer, wine and liquor | 9 | 2 | 1 |
| Beer and wine | 13 | 3 | |
| Beer | 20 to 24 | ||
| Wine | 5 to 6 | ||
Garnishes to Have on Hand
For a fun display, arrange your garnishes in small containers or a bento box. It makes it easy to grab what you need so your guests can help themselves at a make-your-own drink bar.
- • Stuffed cocktail olives
- • Maraschino cherries
- • Cocktail onions
- • Fresh fruit (lemon, lime and orange wedges or slices; berries)
- • Celery sticks
- • Whole hazelnuts
- • Granulated, coarse and powdered sugar
- • Coarse salt
- • Black pepper
- • Fresh mint or basil
Add a Little Jolly to Your Holiday Cheer
With a simple festive garnish, even water can look special. So don’t limit these just to boozy concoctions—garnishes are also great with hot chocolate, eggnog or even juice.
- • Edgy Sparkle: Use colored sugar, toasted coconut, sprinkles or even a coarse salt–seasoning mixture for savory drinks. Wet the glass edge by dipping it in water, or use a wedge of lemon or lime for sugar or salt rims. Or when using heavier sparkles like coconut or shaved chocolate, dip the edge in a heavier mixture like simple syrup (see below) or melted chocolate (see Elf-Tinis).
- • Frozen Beauty: Fill ice cube trays with berries, herbs or edible green leaves before adding juice or water. Or for a punch bowl, create an eye-catching ice ring; see Spiced Tea Punch (see recipe) for inspiration. It’s beauty and function, all in one!
- • Whipped Cream Fun: Spoon a dollop of whipped cream onto a drink, and then add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, candy sprinkles or crushed candy canes. Or freeze the whipped cream, and cut it into shapes with small cookie cutters (see Chai Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Cream).
- • Dazzle with Drizzle: Before pouring eggnog or light-colored drinks like milkshakes into glasses, squirt the inside of the glass with thick chocolate or caramel ice-cream topping to make interesting shapes (see Eggnog-Toffee Milkshakes).
Simple Syrup: In a 2-quart saucepan, mix 2 cups water and 2 cups sugar. Heat over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Cool before using. Use in cocktails or to rim glasses. Store covered in refrigerator up to 1 month. Makes 3 cups.