Treat your guests to a margarita bar at your next celebration. Whether you’re throwing a fiesta themed party or having a few friends over for a happy hour, margaritas a super simple cocktail to serve. Read on for all the details!
This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a commission if you make a purchase through our affiliate link at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
Like the sangria bar and mimosa bar I shared, a margarita bar is a perfect crowd pleaser beverage that is easy on the hostess. You can set it up, and guests can happily help themselves!
In this post, I’ll share how to set up this simple DIY margarita bar, complete with tissue paper flowers. If you’re hosting a fiesta party, I’ll also link up some of my decor picks to make your celebration extra special!
I’ll share how to set up this simple DIY margarita bar, complete with tissue paper flowers. If you’re hosting a fiesta party, I’ll also link up some of my decor picks to make your celebration extra special!
This post is all about how to set up a margarita bar.
Margarita Bar Essentials
Let’s start with the basics. Margarita bars require just a few simple ingredients and supplies.
Glasses
You can opt for traditional margarita stemware, or use tumbler glasses, like the ones I used in the photos.
Margarita Mix
Pre-made margarita mix is delicious and simple. You can go the fresh route, but if you’re tight on time, this is a great option.
Tequila
If you’re serving the spiked variety of margaritas, you will need a booze to mix. Traditionally, tequila.
Salt
Who doesn’t love the mix of sweet and savory!? I used a flaky kosher salt, which is both aesthetically pleasing and yummy!
Garnish
Pick a fruit or herb to complement the margarita flavor you’re serving. In this case, strawberries and clementines.
Styling Your Margarita Bar
If you present the simplest of beverages like a pre-mixed margarita in a beautiful, thoughtful way, you will elevate the entire experience for your guests. Certainly, you don’t have to go over the top. On the contrary, a few simple steps can help you easily accomplish this look.
Firstly, I picked an adorable rattan tray (similar) to display the carafe and glasses. Depending on the number of people you are serving, you may need a larger tray. But this one will do for small cocktail hours.
Secondly, a blue and white striped table runner (similar) was folded in half and placed on an angle so the tassels hung down. I love the effect the nubby cloth has.
Thirdly, bright tissue paper flowers in various sizes were placed on either side of the cocktail set up. I’m a big fan of the pop of texture and color this brings to the overall look. They are a simple, inexpensive DIY party decoration, or you can purchase pre-made options like those linked below.
Bonus: In the same vein, tissue paper flowers work for many other celebrations – birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers. Just switch up the color palette to coordinate with your party theme!
Finally, I added garnish – strawberries and clementines. Sprinkle a few around the table for added effect. Additionally, place some people will actually use in containers with serving utensils. The splash of citrus in the strawberry flavored margarita mix was actually really delicious, in my opinion!
Margarita Party Planning Tips
Here are a few things to keep in mind to set your party up for success:
Tip 1: To create a margarita bar so guests can help themselves, pre-mix the cocktail and salt the glass rims. Doing this work ahead of time will make your gathering run more smoothly and give you more time to enjoy the party. Who doesn’t want that!?
Tip 2: If you’re offering garnishes, wash and cut them before everyone arrives. Have backup in your refrigerator so you can easily replenish as they run low.
Tip 3: Have extra clean salt-rimmed glasses “off stage”. As glasses run low on your margarita beverage station, you can pop in fresh ones without much effort.
Tip 4: If your margaritas are served on the rocks, prep an ice bucket and scoop with ice. That way, you don’t water down the margarita mix too much with a ton of ice in the carafe or pitcher. Bonus points if you pre-make ice in festive shapes. I used this stick ice – but how fun are these pineapples!?
Tip 5: Set the mood with lighting and music. While these are sometimes an afterthought, they are super important to elevating your party. Amazon Music has tons of playlist options. To clarify, I would avoid open flames near the tissue paper flowers. Just saying! You can try battery powered candles in pretty holders instead, for instance!
Margarita Bar Video
Next, to get a better idea of my margarita bar, take a closer look via video. Pardon the poor editing because I’m just starting to figure out how to actually shoot and clearly have a long way to go! However, I hope this will give some additional context and help spark inspiration for your party!
Fiesta Party Decor
In case you’re hosting a fiesta party, here are some additional decor ideas you can check out for your celebration!
Save These Ideas to Pinterest
Read This Next
If you enjoyed these margarita bar ideas, you’ll also find these posts useful:
NACHO BAR IDEAS: ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO KNOW
HOW TO HOST A TROPICAL THEME DINNER
HOW TO SERVE A POMEGRANATE MIMOSA
Thanks so much for stopping by today! Before you go, please join the Hostessology party and sign up for my email newsletter. You’ll stay up-to-date on all the latest party planning fun. Plus, you’ll receive exclusive freebies and content delivered right to your inbox. Sign up form is just below this post.
Until next time, cheers!
