Set Up A Bourbon Tasting Bar
The tradition of the greatest two minutes in sports continues the first weekend of May. But the tradition I see continuing is hosting a fabulous party that gallops way past the finish line. We've planned ahead for you to ensure your elegant affair is the best it can be. Our favorite idea this year is a bourbon tasting bar, fully stocked with classic mint julep, various types of bourbon, and a fresh mint plant. Here's how to set up your own Bourbon Tasting Bar.
What you need:
Signage and decor:
- Silver Beaded Charger Plates
- chalkboard paint
- white paint pen
- mini picture frames to label the sections of the bar
- red roses
Mint Julep:
- 10 oz Fluted Clear Plastic Drinking Cups
- 5.9" Round Bamboo Skewers
- Grosgrain Ribbon: Red, Royal Blue, Turquoise and Purple
- 64 oz Reusable Plastic Pitcher
- fresh mint plant
- Taipei Cocktail Napkins
Bourbon Tasting:
Signage and decor: To make the sign for the bourbon tasting bar, use a silver charger. Paint the center of the charger with black chalkboard paint and write Bourbon Bar. We used a paint pen instead of chalk to create bolder letters. We also used three mini silver picture frames with signs to label each part of the bourbon tasting bar. Add a few red roses to your bar for a festive touch.
Mint Julep: A fresh mint plant serves as both decor and mint for the drinks. You can find a mint plant at your local grocery store. Leave the mint plant in the container it comes in and wrap a napkin around the bottom of it for a simple but stylish display. Here's our favorite mint julep recipe, pitcher-perfect when multiplied and garnished with fresh mint leaves.
To make drink picks, cut ribbons into 6-inch pieces and tie around the ends of bamboo picks. Add a drink pick to each cup.
Bourbon tasting: Set out tasting glasses so your guests can try various types of bourbon. Display several bottles of bourbon according to how many guests you are expecting. Provide a bucket of ice for any guests that may prefer their bourbon on the rocks.
For recipes to go along with your bourbon tasting bar, check out our Kentucky Derby Party Recipes blog! Much Party Love, Smarties! Ashley Featured Products 1. Silver Beaded Charger Plates 2. 10 oz Fluted Clear Plastic Drinking Cups 3. 5.9" Round Bamboo Skewers 4. Grosgrain Ribbon: Red, Royal Blue, Turquoise and Purple 5. 64 oz Reusable Plastic Pitcher 6. Taipei Cocktail Napkins 7. 4 Qt Plastic Ice Bucket 8. 4 oz Clear Mini Plastic Shot Flutes Styling: Ashley Dolan and Brandi Wills
