What better way to embrace sunny spring and summer days than to hang out with loved ones al fresco – and sip a fruity, boozy beverage from a pretty sangria bar?
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Sangria is an easy-to-make crowd pleaser beverage. You can make a large batch, and invite your guests help themselves. They can have fun customizing their beverage by adding the fruit garnishes they like best. And you as hostess can sit back and enjoy your event – and not have to run around offering beverages and refills!
Sangria bars are the perfect beverage station for bridal showers, baby showers, and graduation parties. You can set up this drink station and turn your attention to all of your other hostess duties knowing the beverages are well in hand. (As in, taken care of an in your guests’ hands!)
In this post, I’ll share with you five essentials you need to set up a simple sangria bar, including a link to the recipe I used – and to all of the serving pieces – so you can recreate it in your own home or backyard!
In this post, I’ll share with you five essentials you need to set up a simple sangria bar, including a link to the recipe I used – and to all of the serving pieces – so you can recreate it in your own home or backyard!
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This post is all about sangria bar ideas.
#1 Essential: Drink Dispenser
A large drink dispenser is a great investment in your entertaining serveware collection. Mine is the Elsey from Crate & Barrel. The best part about this particular dispenser is the base and the top are both interchangeable – so you can easily modify as needed to your party theme and number of people you’re serving.
I recently bought this white textured ceramic base, but also have this wood one. And I have my eye on getting this stacking dispenser so I can serve two different beverages from one piece.
Using a large drink dispenser rather than pitchers for a sangria bar can be better in my opinion because you don’t have to worry about refills as often or at all. And the lid keeps bugs, etc. from getting into it.
Word to the wise: Don’t use small berries in your drink dispenser. I learned this the hard way! They get caught in the spout making it impossible for your beverage to pour easily. Instead, stick to larger sliced fruit like apples and oranges – and leave the berries for garnishes.
#2 Essential: Sangria Garnishes
True, sangria is already fruity and doesn’t really need more flavor. But garnishes are pretty. So we’re going to include them in this beverage station. 🙂
You could use any extra fruit you have from making your sangria. The garnishes for this set up are blueberries, strawberries, and sliced clementines.
To make it easy for people to help themselves, the berries are served in square bowls with mini tongs (similar). And the clementines are displayed on a slate cheese board with a cocktail fork (similar).
I also pre-loaded the glassware with a strawberry and orange wedge, since that would be a little difficult for guests to do on their own.
#3 Essential: Glassware and Straws
For this sangria drink station, I chose these tall thin clear glasses. You can find versions of these many places, but I have had great luck with this brand. I’ve had them for about six months, and they haven’t broken on me yet.
The height of the glasses makes them perfect for adding a straw. I used my favorite stainless steel straws, which to me keep beverages tasting cool and refreshing. Might be totally in my head – but I’d like to believe that it’s true!
#4 Essential: Ice Bucket
Rather than risk watering down the sangria by adding ice directly to the beverage dispenser, I opted to use an ice bucket instead. This one came as an entire bar ware set. If you are just on the market for an ice bucket, here is a similar option – and it comes with a lid and tongs! But if you’d rather a scoop, here is an option.
#5 Essential: Serving Tray
Last but not least, corral all of your smaller items onto a tray. This round brass tray is a new addition to my collection, and I love it! As a bonus, it can double as a cheese board (ok for non-acidic food according to the product description), so stay tuned for future posts on that!
Sangria Recipe
If you need a sangria recipe, I highly recommend this one from Delish. It’s easy to make, and calls for simple ingredients. Oh, and it tastes amazing!
Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope this was helpful information as you create your own sangria bar.
Please leave a comment and let me know your favorite beverage station drink. I’d love to know what you like to serve – and who knows, it might inspire future blog content!?
If you’re interested in other beverage station ideas, check out my post on styling a mimosa bar.
And I’d love to have you join our growing Hostessology community on Instagram, where we talk all things entertaining, holidays, and special occasions. Hope to see you there!
Cheers!
