Categories: Autumn Christmas Cocktails

How To Create an Apple Cider Bar Perfect for the Holidays

Apple Cider Bar Pin with text that reads "How To Make A Cozy Holiday Apple Cider Bar" on a sheer block, in front of cascading images of apples, apple cider donuts, apple cider, and star anise

Most people are familiar with the popular Hot cocoa bars. But hot cocoa is not everyone’s thing or sometimes does not fit the mood. What about those holiday events taking place where the temperatures are not quite low enough? Enter, the Apple Cider Bar!

The Apple Cider Bar is a perfect way to provide beverages and a fun interaction for guests, during those transitional periods. Apple cider bars leave open the option for cold and hot beverages, regular or spiked delights, and so much more.

So, how does one create a super fun apple cider bar that leaves everyone feeling warm and cozy? Keep reading and stay to the end for a convenient list already made for you!

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Gather Your Supplies!

The first order of business is to determine what you will need. This will be based on what you want to provide. If you want to serve cold cider, a container that is insulated or can be chilled works perfectly. If you want to serve warm cider and keep it warm, something like an insulated coffee dispenser will work well. This thermal coffee carafe does both and can keep your liquids cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours, which is perfect for setting it up and leaving it be for the apple cider bar!

You will need supplies such as serving trays, containers to hold garnishes, and cups! Try to think of anything you or a guest could want to add to, or eat with, their apple cider. Then think about what supplies are needed for those reasons. Want to have extra cinnamon sticks, you will need a container to put them in.

There’s Options in Apple Cider?

Apple Cider is good all on its own, but if that is not why you are here. So let’s talk options. You can opt for a variety of choices, or keep it simple with an original Apple Cider Recipe and lots of garnishes. If you want to offer more than one, here are some options to consider! You can do a Mulled Apple Cider which lends itself to a warm and cozy atmosphere.

You can add alcohol to the bar so people can create their own spiked ciders! good options to consider are bourbon and processco! If you want to opt for a specialty drink, consider having a premade apple cider cocktail ready to go.

The key things on an apple cider bar will be delicious garnishes and add-ins. Here are some items that work well with warm, cold, and spiked ciders!

Apple Cider Add-Ins

  • Cinnamon Sticks
  • Flavored Syrups (Like Brown Sugar Cinnamon, Hazelnut, or Caramel)
  • Maple Syrup
  • Caramel Sauce
  • Fresh Orange Slices
  • Fresh Apple Slices (Spritzed with Lemon Juice To Keep From Browning)
  • Fresh Rosemary
  • Fresh Cranberries
  • Whipped Cream
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Ground Nutmeg

Snack Time!

What’s the point of serving beverages if there is no food? You will want to add some nibbles to the mix, especially if the cider bar is the focal point. If you aren’t serving other food, consider something more substantial but still easy to grab. If you serving other food or if you just want a smaller setup, serve some small bites that go well with apple cider.

Some easy, crowd-friendly options include fall-themed cookies, Apple Cider Donuts, Or something portable like these Sweet Potato Cream Cheese Danishes. Looking for savory? Add in a seasonal cheese and a complimentary cracker!

Finishing Touches!

To put the finishing touches on your apple cider bar, think about decor, last-minute supplies, and anything you can use to further the look or theme! Things that work well include leftover Fall decor you have around the house, A plaid tablecloth, apple-themed serveware, or orange, red, and brown decor are all good places to start!

Consider the mechanics of your bar by walking through the steps to using it. This is the time to consider whether your bar is easy to use and flows well. Consider the tools you use, such as ladles or sugar dusters for things like cinnamon!

The best part about these types of bars is that they are completely customizable! Ultimately, you can make it as involved as you would like. Ultimately, if you have cups and apple cider, people will be happy!

Recommended Apple Cider Bar Items

As Amazon Associates and affiliates of several brands, the use of some of our links can be a potential financial benefit to us. To learn more about affiliates and to see the full disclosure you can click here

Tools

Add-Ins

Decor

Looking for more seasonal content? Be sure to check these out!

text that reads " How to make an apple cider bar for the holidays" on front of images of apple cider routes and apple cider in mugs

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