Are you hosting this holiday season and need tips on stocking a bar cart? We’re sharing tips on how to stock a non-alcoholic bar cart and a holiday mocktail your guests will enjoy.
How To Stock a Non-Alcoholic Bar Cart
As we enter another holiday, something different has happened regarding the glass in people’s hands.
Instead of the intense Long Island ice tea, Christmas margarita, and other delicious cocktails, people opt for something lighter.
The Sober Nation has turned into a strong movement, proving to the world you don’t have to have drinks made with alcohol to have a good time.
While you’re getting ready for the holidays, remember the type of mocktail to make with a holiday theme.
And if you’re hosting, you want alternative options for the kids and guests who don’t drink.
This is why we’re sharing how to create a non-alcoholic bar cart with everything you need to put on it and the ingredients to have on hand to create mocktails.
Equipment
Bar Cart. This is a popular item you can find at local home decor stores, boutiques, and online shops.
We want our mocktail bar cart to be visually stunning but functional. We want a cart that is durable and with wheels.
This way, the cart can be easily moved to follow guests but sturdy enough to lock in place.
As entertainers, we own a few, some for indoor and outdoor parties.
Other items you will need:
- Cocktail Shaker (a mason jar with a lid also works)
- Long-Handled Bar Spoon
- Jigger
- Strainer
- Cocktail Shaker
- Ice Bucket
- Attractive Glassware
Ingredients to have on hand
When it comes to the ingredients, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Fresh fruit and herbs are great for garnishes.
Apples, pears, oranges, fresh mint, rosemary, and whole cranberries should be on your list for this mocktail.
We suggest having non-alcoholic spirits in your lineup and juice, such as Simply Cranberry, Simply Apple, and Simply Orange.
You will also want ingredients to mix with your juice, such as non-alcoholic bitters and syrups.
And don’t forget about adding ingredients that mix well with any drink, like Sprite.
Non Alcoholic Liquor Options For Your Bar Cart
If you’re looking to stock your bar cart with non-alcoholic options, plenty of choices can cater to different tastes and be used in various mocktail recipes. Here are some popular non-alcoholic options to consider:
Non-Alcoholic Spirits. Brands like Seedlip and Lyre’s offer non-alcoholic versions of gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey, which can be used to make non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails. They come in different flavors and are excellent for making sophisticated mocktails.
Non-Alcoholic Aperitifs. Aecorn and Ghia are popular brands that offer non-alcoholic aperitifs that are great for making spritzes or enjoyed with tonic or soda water.
Bitters. Though bitters contain a small amount of alcohol, they are generally considered acceptable for non-alcoholic beverages due to their small quantities. They add a lot of depth and complexity to mocktails.
Sparkling Juices. Options like sparkling grape juice or non-alcoholic apple cider can be a great base for mocktails or enjoyed alone.
Herbal Teas and Infusions. These can create interesting and flavorful mocktails, especially when served chilled with added fruits or herbs.
Tonic Water and Soda. Essential for mixing and adding fizz to your mocktails.
Non-Alcoholic Wine and Beer. Many good quality non-alcoholic wines and beers can be enjoyed alone or used in mocktail recipes.
Syrups and Mixers. Various syrups (like simple syrup, grenadine, or flavored syrups) and mixers (like ginger beer or lemonade) can add sweetness and flavor to your mocktails.
Remember, the key to a great mocktail is balancing flavors, so having various options on your bar cart will allow you to experiment and cater to different tastes.
With these non-alcoholic options, you can create delicious and sophisticated mocktails for everyone.
For the holiday season, Coca-Cola has released two new products, which we love: Coca-Cola® Cinnamon and Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry.
Initially, I wasn’t sure about the Coca-Cola® Cinnamon, but after a few sips, I was sold. You might think the cinnamon will overpower the Coke, but it doesn’t.
The flavors blend, giving this cola a refreshing holiday hint.
And the Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry is a holiday party in your mouth. The sweet mix of cranberries and Sprite blend well together, making any mocktail an instant favorite.
Coca-Cola is known as the #1 brand associated with the holiday season, and for good reasons.
The classic Coca-Cola bottles with the winter vibe always remind me of the holidays spent with my grandma and extended family.
Holiday Fizzy Sangria Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce Blood Orange Syrup
- 1 ounce Cherry Syrup
- 2 ounces of Ginger Beer
- Top off the mocktail with Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry
- Apple slices
- Pear slices
- Whole Cranberries
One serving. Double this recipe to make two servings.
Directions:
- Add ice, blood orange and cherry syrups, ginger beer, and Sprite Cranberry into a mixing glass.
- Mix thoroughly using a long-handled bar spoon.
- Strain the mixture into a serving glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with apple and pear slices and 2-3 whole cranberries.
- Serve.
This mocktail is easy to assemble, and everyone, including the kids, can enjoy it.
Other items to consider adding to your bar cart are the savory, crunchy, or sweet things people love to munch on.
This includes peanuts and olives, and adding a few holiday crunchy items like pralines and peppermint sticks is always a good look.
Don’t forget to grab a few bags of ice.
We like using bags of crushed ice because we don’t have to worry about running out of ice cubes, and it looks visually stunning.
Kandi Chock says
I love this, thank you for sharing. Where did you get your bar cart, may I ask? and your shaker?? :O)
T Worthey says
Hi Kandi- thanks for stopping by! I got the cart from Wayfair, and the shaker is a Rae Dunn shaker from Home Goods. I went back and linked them both in the post for you! Thank you!