It’s winter, and you’re already planning your next holiday party. You’ve had your fill of being the bartender for the entire night and allowing your guests to have fun, create a DIY holiday espresso martini bar where your guests can craft their own signature cocktails. This process is far less complicated than you may assume, and your guests will enjoy the unique and social experience of creating their own holiday-themed espresso martinis.
Building a Basic DIY Espresso Martini Station
Select a location with sufficient counter space to store bottles, ice, and garnishes. Kitchen islands or dining room sideboards are ideal locations. Use a holiday tablecloth or runner to cover your DIY station to protect against spills and add a little festive flair.
Create separate areas within your station for mixing, garnishing, and displaying finished drinks. Cocktail shakers, strainers, etc., should be located in the mixing area. Small bowls containing various garnishes should be located in the middle of your station. Store your martini glasses in the chilling area (you may choose to keep them stacked near the bar with a large bucket of ice under) and chill them before the party begins.
Use string lights or candles in the vicinity of the DIY station. Presentation is just as important as the cocktail itself – especially during the holidays when your guests will be taking photos.
Ingredients and Essential Tools for Creating a Holiday-Themed Bar
First, stock your bar with the basic items you’ll need to create your holiday-themed espresso martini bar. Vodka, coffee liqueur, and either freshly brewed espresso or cold brew concentrate are essential. Don’t forget simple syrup for those guests who prefer their drinks a bit sweeter. Learning about what makes up an espresso martini will allow you to design a better DIY bar.
In addition to the ingredients above, you’ll need several cocktail shakers to enable multiple guests to mix simultaneously. Include a jigger for measuring liquids, a strainer, and plenty of ice in your tool kit. Bar spoons and small tongs for garnishes are also necessary.
To help your guests prepare their drinks, print a simple recipe card and place it in a prominent location. Many experienced bartenders still find it helpful to refer to the measurements provided rather than relying on memory.
Unique & Festive Holiday Flavor Options
Now we come to the fun part of your DIY station – the flavors. Provide your guests with small bottles of flavored syrups to use in creating their own signature holiday-themed espresso martinis. Flavored syrups such as peppermint, gingerbread, and cinnamon provide instant holiday flavor.
A white chocolate liqueur can transform a standard espresso martini into a dessert-style drink. The tartness of cranberry vodka creates a unique, festive twist to a traditional espresso martini. Guests may wish to experiment with using other seasonal ingredients they wouldn’t typically associate with an espresso martini.
Heavy cream is another item you should include in your station. A splash of heavy cream can turn even the most bitter espresso martini into something similar to the cold-weather Baileys version.
Fun Holiday Garnish Ideas
Coffee beans are boring! There are many ways to be creative when it comes to garnishing your holiday espresso martinis. Crushed candy canes placed around the rim of the glass provide a peppermint kick and visually appealing presentation. Cinnamon sticks function as both a garnish and a stirrer.
Cranberries (fresh or sugared), whether used alone or with green sprigs of rosemary, add vibrant red accents that take beautiful photos. Star anise provides a subtle licorice note and looks stunning floating on top of a holiday espresso martini. A light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon is a festive touch that elevates the standard garnish.
How Much to Prepare for a Party of Different Sizes
Plan to allow each guest to have two to three drinks throughout the course of your party. If you have a party of 10 guests, you can make your espresso martinis in advance to reduce the amount of pressure you’ll feel during your event.
Stock at least one 750ml bottle of vodka and coffee liqueur for every 8-10 guests. Be sure to have double the amount of ice you think you’ll need; ice tends to disappear quickly!
Skip the Preparation with DrinkThat
Would you like the convenience of providing a holiday espresso martini bar experience without the preparation and stress involved? DrinkThat offers bottled espresso martinis that taste like they were made by a professional bartender. Simply shake, pour, and garnish! Your guests will still have the opportunity to customize their garnishes and flavors while you enjoy the freedom of not being tied to a cocktail shaker for the duration of the party. DrinkThat is available at select retailers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, or you can check to see where to purchase online.
