Every holiday season needs its warm drinks to fend off the winter chill. Whether you’re hosting a holiday family gathering, hoping to keep your employees warm and happy, or just want an excuse to drink all the hot chocolate, setting up a hot beverage station is a great way to share your warmth and cheer with everyone around you. Plus, you get to show off your amazing mug collection. (You don’t have to lie. We know you have one.)
So without further ado, let’s jump right into it! It’s time to grab your favorite mug and get started. Here’s a guide to creating the ultimate DIY hot beverage bar, complete with a few other tasty tips.
Step 1: Find Your Space
First thing’s first: you need a spot for this hot drink station. Think about where you want your guests to gather. A dining room corner? A section of your kitchen? Or maybe you want to bring a rolling beverage cart to a cozy area of your living room. The key is to choose a space that is both easily accessible to guests and able to house all your warm drink essentials. Bonus points if it’s near an outlet so you can plug in the coffee maker and electric kettles.
But it’s not just about the drinks. It’s about creating a vibe! Your hot beverage station should be the centerpiece of a warm and welcoming atmosphere. These few cozy touches will make it extra special:
- Blankets and Throws: Place a basket nearby filled with soft blankets or holiday-themed throws. Guests can grab one and cozy up with their warm drink while chatting by the fireplace (or the TV playing a crackling Yule log).
- Seasonal Scents: Add a pot of simmering spices like cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and cloves on a nearby stovetop to fill the air with festive scents. Or, you can use holiday-scented candles.
- Comfy Seating: Set up a few extra pillows near the hot beverage station, especially if your station is in a communal space like the dining room or living area.
- Mini Warmers: Include hand warmers or even a heated tray where guests can keep their drinks warm.
- Holiday Tunes and Lighting: Pair the experience with a playlist of holiday classics and an ongoing stream of Christmas movies on your TV (with the volume down so you can chat).
Step 2: Gather Your Beverages
This is where the magic happens! Stock up on these base drinks:
- Coffee lovers can’t resist a good coffee bar setup with a variety of K-cups, a French press, and/or a classic drip machine. If you have a milk frother, bust it out. It’s perfect for cappuccino-style drinks.
- Hot chocolate enthusiasts will swoon over jars of cocoa powder or premade hot cocoa packets. Don’t forget to offer almond milk and other dairy alternatives for those who prefer non-dairy options.
- Tea aficionados will appreciate a selection of herbal, green, and black teas. A cute little drawer organizer works wonders to keep tea bags sorted by type.
- Specialty beverages like apple cider can bring something unique to the table, especially if you warm it up in beverage dispensers.
Step 3: Add the Fun Stuff
By providing toppings and add-ins, you’ll take your hot beverage bar from “nice” to “next level”. Be sure to include:
- Sweet Toppings: Mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and crushed candy canes are classic. Don’t forget bowls of chocolate shavings, toffee bits, or cocoa nibs for variety.
- Spices: Offer cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for those who love a hint of warmth. These make for perfect additions to hot cocoa or even apple cider.
- Syrups: Flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and peppermint are popular choices for jazzing up coffee or hot chocolate.
Step 4: Style It Up
Create a visually appealing setup that makes the whole experience more fun. Stick to clean lines and organize your beverage area to keep things neat. Here are some styling tips:
- Use tiered trays to display toppings and syrups without taking up too much space.
- Label jars and containers to make it easier for guests to find what they need.
- Add festive decor, like fairy lights or garlands, to give your station holiday charm.
Step 5: Keep It Warm and Cozy
Make sure your warm drinks stay warm. Set up electric kettles for hot water. Use a small crockpot for apple cider or a carafe to keep the hot chocolate steaming. If you have a coffee maker with a warming plate, use it to keep brewed coffee ready to go.
Bonus: Pair Your Hot Beverage Station with Snacks
You can’t have hot beverages without something tasty to snack on. (Well, you can, but that’s just sad.) Elevate your hot drink station by pairing it with snacks to complement each drink perfectly.
For Coffee:
- Biscotti or coffee cake slices for dipping.
- Chocolate-dipped spoons for stirring and snacking.
- Doughnut holes stacked on skewers.
For Hot Cocoa:
- Classic pairings like gingerbread men or sugar cookies.
- Mini chocolate bars or peppermint bark for melting directly into the cocoa.
- Popcorn drizzled with caramel or chocolate for a salty-sweet treat.
For Tea:
- Shortbread cookies or tea biscuits are a natural fit.
- Scones with jam for a fancy touch.
- Fresh fruit slices, like orange or apple, to double as garnish and a snack.
For Apple Cider:
- Cinnamon sugar donuts or donut holes.
- Cheese and cracker platters to balance the cider’s sweetness.
- Candied nuts or spiced pecans for a warm, crunchy treat.
Keep the snacks near your beverage bar on a separate tiered tray or cake plate to make everything easy to grab while keeping your setup neat. A snack station paired with warm drinks will solidify your reign as the best host ever.
What Hot Drinks & Snacks Will You Offer?
Who are you looking to entertain? Friends? Family? Coworkers? Whoever it is, that’s the beauty of a hot beverage station. It’s as flexible as you want it to be!
What will you include in your drink station? Will your snacks be homemade or store-bought? We love to know all the details of your festive holiday going-ons. Be sure to leave us a comment letting us know how you’ll be entertaining, and if you used any of these hot drink station tips! ☕🎄