The best preparation gives you less to organise once your guests arrive. Keep the plan focused on the drinks, the space and the people.
Choose a small menu
Start with a few drinks that share some ingredients and tools. A focused menu is easier to prepare and leaves more time to spend with your guests.
Include water and a non-alcoholic option. Ask about preferences before the evening so you can plan a welcoming selection.
Make a short checklist
Write down the ingredients, ice, tools and glasses for each drink. Check the contents of your bar set rather than assuming every accessory is included.
Gather a jigger, the shaker or mixing glass you plan to use, the appropriate strainer and any garnishes. Keep an area ready for used tools.
Set up the space
Choose one place for preparing drinks. Keep ingredients and tools close together, with enough clear counter space to work comfortably.
Put serving glasses within easy reach and leave room for people to move around. A small, organised setup can work just as well as a dedicated bar cart.
Prepare what you can
Read the recipes in advance and make a plan for the order of preparation. Set out the tools, glasses and serving pieces before guests arrive.
Follow appropriate storage guidance for the ingredients you are using. Keep fresh ingredients and ice ready for when they are needed.
Make it easy to share
Let guests know what is on the menu. If someone would like to try making a drink, bring the tools together and walk through the recipe at an easy pace.
Keep the evening flexible. The menu and the bar setup should support the gathering, leaving room for conversation and the people around you.
Finish with a simple reset
After the evening, follow the care instructions for each tool and component. Dry and store the pieces as directed so the setup is ready for next time.
Keep a note of the drinks people enjoyed. The next gathering can start with a familiar favourite and one new idea.
