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Raising the Holiday Bar

In the glittery blur of this holiday party season, what’s the secret to making your soiree the one to remember?

Here’s the answer, scientifically tested—a fully stocked bar.

Or, even better, multiple bars. Boozy beverages to get guests in the party mood, hot cocoa for the kids, and non-alcoholic drinks so everyone can raise a glass to good times.

Call us overdoers, but here’s how we set up a party to make it a happy holiday for everybody:

BAR #1: Cider & Beer

Get your brew enthusiasts in the party mood with a selection of frosty seasonal specialties, like Bosk Krampus Bock Spice Lager, Sierra Nevada Celebration IPA, and Yonder Cashmere Cran Cherry Cider.

BAR #2: Sparkling Station

Nothing starts a sparkling celebration like a glass of bubbly, and we’ve picked some cool ones for you to toast with. Mille Prosecco is our new favorite and for a festive blush, try Gouguenheim Malbec Extra Brut Rosé.

BAR #3 Alcohol-Free Fizzers

Special non-alcoholic drinks make your night feel like a special event, whether your guests are alcohol imbibers or not. Dry Botanical Bubbly Soda has delicate, nuanced flavors that are exciting on their own or in a mocktail, and Tost Sparkling Ginger & Elderberry Tea is a delicious alternative to a bubbly rosé.

BAR #4: Signature Cocktails

Creating a specialty cocktail for your event turns the night into a major holiday moment. This year, we’re flying high with a drink that’s equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro, and lemon juice for a perfect balance of bitter, sour, and herbal flavors—the Paper Plane.

BAR #5: DIY Hot Cocoa Bar

For the young and young-at-heart, a steamy, warming mug of cocoa is the definition of wintry coziness. And at your party, a hot cocoa bar is just plain fun. Offer up a selection of cocoa bases with Silly Cow Hot Chocolate and Hammonds Cocoa Dunking Spoons, then fill a jar with a variety of peppermint sticks and candy canes—we love classic, chocolate-filled, and butterscotch flavors. Let guests top off their cups with mini peppermint marshmallows and add some holiday magic with colorful sprinkles.

Apps and Nibbles

Need some holiday bar snacks that complement all of the above? You’ll never go wrong with Our Own Cheese Balls and Our Own Crab Artichoke Dip. Or try our recipe for crowd-pleasing baked brie. For the cocoa bar, try setting out some locally made chocolates or tiny maple leaves made of sparkling maple sugar.

Share the festiveness! Tag us in your holiday party stories on social media @tandcmarkets.

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