With a little clever planning and creative outsourcing, these three thrifty ideas will serve up cocktails aplenty at your next party.
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How to set up
What to outsource
Spirits can be expensive, so putting on cocktails for a crowd could get exxy fast. We all have half-full bottles of vodka, tequila or gin in our cupboards. Double so for vermouth, amaro or Cointreau. So, when you’re trying to cut costs, ask a friend. See who has what in their cupboards to work with, and when someone texts, “What can I bring?” you know what to say. The cheapest way to pull of a DIY cocktail station is to get your guests to bring the booze – make it their contribution for the party, in return for all the prep, tunes and good vibes you’ll be providing.
Below, we share three ideas for DIY cocktail stations that will cost you under $30.
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The drink: Aperol Spritz
Spirits: Aperol ($27.95 right now for My Dan’s members), prosecco (get a friend to grab). $27.95
Mixers: Soda water from your dad’s SodaStream. $0
Mixing equipment: This is a pour-over drink with a super-easy recipe – 1 part soda, 2 parts Aperol, 3 parts prosecco. A jigger is helpful for the measurements, but a shot glass, egg cup or measuring jug will do. $0
Garnishes: Oranges are essential and currently going for around 80 cents each. You’ll need at least two. $1.60
Decorations: The chalkboard you bought to write your daily affirmations is finally getting its time to shine as a recipe board. Write it out followed by “Salute!”, Italian for “cheers”. Chic. $0
Glassware: A large wine glass is perfect but Spritzes are often served in tumblers in the restaurants, so use whatever you’ve got. $0
Ice: This is essential for Spritzes but only for serving, so you don’t need a lot. Remember to fill your freezer ice trays the night before, and you should be set. $0
TOTAL: $29.55
The drink: Margarita
Spirits: Blanco tequila and Cointreau, brought by your guests. $0
Mixers: You can provide fresh limes if you prefer, but a bag of 5 will set you back around $5. If you're on a budget and can't be bothered with the squeezing, a bottle of good quality lime juice is good value and enough to make 15 Margs. $8.99
Mixing equipment: All you need for a simple Marg is a measuring jigger, cocktail shaker and strainer. Beg, borrow and steal from your mates. $0
Garnishes: This is where the adventure choosing comes in. You want to offer Margs a few ways, so set up sliced jalapeños (spicy), lime rounds (classic), salt on a plate (for a salt-rimmed glasses) and some orange juice (for a Sunset Margarita). $15
Decorations: Make signs for each of the Margarita types and washi tape them to the table or repurpose those gift tags left over from Christmas. $0
Glassware: Margarita glasses are ideal, but if you're on a budget, use whatever you've got on hand. Wine glasses, tumblers, any and all of it will do. $0
Ice: This is mission critical, so grab a bag of cubes. $5
TOTAL: $28.99
The drink: Bellini
Spirits: 2 x bottles of good-but-cheap prosecco, like Rewild’s Sustainably Made Prosecco. $19.98
Mixers: You can make your own peach puree or pick up pre-made sachets for around $2.50 each. Three sachets should be enough for 12 bellinis. $7.50
Mixing equipment: This is a pour-over drink with minimum fuss (or skill) required, but for aesthetic purposes pop the prosecco bottle in an ice bucket (or regular bucket with a cute tea-towel or wrapping paper draped around it). $0
Decoration: These are called Valet Bellini’s because your guests just need to stop by and pick one up. To achieve this vibe, have the flutes pre-poured with the puree and as guests arrive, top up their glass with the prosecco and hand it to them. Have a jug of reserved puree for DIY refills, but a lot of the boujee factor will come from a fab serving tray holding all the glasses. A serving tray says “effort” and basically makes you Jay Gatsby. Raid your Nan’s cupboards or pick up one at Salvos for cheap. $2.50
Glassware: Champagne flutes are necessary, but they don’t all have to match. Ask your guests to bring what they have to get you by. $0
TOTAL: $29.98
