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When it’s cold outside, a mug of something warm is the best welcome you can give a guest. A warm drinks bar is also one of the easiest ways to host: you make a couple of big batches, set out mugs and toppings, and let everyone build their own. It works for a holiday open house, a game night or a quiet weekend with family.
This guide shows how to set up a warm drinks bar that’s zero-proof first, with spirits served on the side for adults who want them. If you offer alcohol, it’s only for guests 21 and over.
Why zero-proof first works best
Most warm drinks are delicious without any alcohol, and a bar built that way works for every guest, including kids, drivers and anyone who isn’t drinking. Keep the base drinks alcohol-free and put any spirits in a separate, clearly labeled spot with a jigger. Each adult can add a measured splash, and nobody gets a stronger drink than they wanted.
What you’ll need
- A slow cooker or two set to “warm” to hold cider and cocoa for hours
- An electric kettle or a thermal carafe for hot water and tea
- Heat-safe mugs, more than you think you need
- Ladles, spoons and napkins, plus a small bowl for used tea bags and spoons
- Labels for every pot and topping, including which ones contain dairy, nuts or alcohol
Set the bar on a sturdy surface away from the edge of the counter, and keep cords tucked away. If you have room, put the mugs and toppings at one end and the pots at the other, so the line moves in one direction.
Four warm bases
Mulled cider
Warm fresh apple cider with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice and strips of orange peel. Keep it just below a simmer; boiling makes the spices bitter. Strain out the whole spices before serving, or tie them in cheesecloth so they’re easy to remove.
Hot cocoa
Whisk cocoa powder and sugar with a little hot water to make a paste, then add milk (or an oat or almond milk) and heat gently, whisking. A pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla make it taste richer. Keep it on low and stir now and then so it doesn’t scorch.
Spiced tea
Brew a strong pot of black tea or rooibos with sliced ginger, a cinnamon stick and a little honey. Lemon and orange slices on the side let guests brighten it up.
Hot toddy base
A classic hot toddy is a spirit with honey, lemon and hot water. For a self-serve bar, keep a pot of hot water infused with lemon peel and a little honey, then let guests add their own lemon, more honey and, for adults who want it, a measured splash of whiskey or brandy. Without the spirit, it’s a soothing honey-lemon drink anyone can enjoy.
Toppings and garnishes
- Whipped cream and mini marshmallows
- Cinnamon sticks to stir with
- Grated nutmeg (a fine rasp works well; see our guide to citrus garnishes and zesters)
- Orange and lemon wheels
- Crushed peppermint or chocolate shavings
- Honey, maple syrup and a simple syrup
Spirits on the side
If you’re serving alcohol, set out one or two bottles that suit the bases, such as a whiskey or brandy for toddies and cider, and a rum for cocoa or cider. Put out a jigger and a card suggesting a small measure. Our guide to using pour counts explains why measured pours matter, even at home.
If eggnog is on the menu
Homemade eggnog is a favorite, but traditional recipes use raw eggs. FoodSafety.gov recommends using pasteurized eggs in dishes that contain raw eggs, including eggnog, and the FDA says dishes containing eggs should be cooked to 160°F. Either choose pasteurized eggs or a cooked-custard recipe, or buy pasteurized eggnog, and keep it refrigerated until you serve it.
Warm drinks and the cold
Warm drinks are a great way to welcome people in from the cold, but alcohol isn’t. The CDC’s guidance on hypothermia lists people who drink alcohol among those at higher risk and says that when warming someone up, warm drinks can help but alcoholic drinks should not be given. If guests are heading back out to shovel, skate or drive, the zero-proof pots are the better choice.
Hot-liquid safety
- Keep slow cookers on “warm,” not “high,” once the drinks are ready.
- Put the bar where kids and pets can’t knock into cords or pots.
- Use mugs with handles, and don’t fill them to the brim.
- Turn everything off and unplug it when the party is over.
Our picks
A big recipe book, spirited and zero-proof
Cocktails Illustrated from America’s Test Kitchen has more than 400 recipes across 15 categories, from spirit-forward classics to non-alcoholic drinks, with clear technique notes.
For the ingredients that make warm drinks shine
The Bartender’s Pantry by Jim Meehan and Bart Sasso, with Emma Janzen, covers non-alcoholic drink ingredients, with chapters on spices, dairy, coffee, tea and sugars, and more than 100 recipes.
A jigger for the spirits station
The Vibhsa 4-Piece Bar Tool Set (Black) includes a jigger, stirring spoon, shaker and flat opener. The jigger is what keeps a self-serve spirits station measured.
Shop the gear
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FAQ
How do I keep drinks warm for a party?
Slow cookers on the “warm” setting hold cider and cocoa for hours. Stir now and then, and top up as needed.
What’s a good zero-proof warm drink?
Mulled cider, spiced tea and honey-lemon hot water are all great without alcohol. For more ideas, see our zero-proof and low-ABV holiday drinks.
Can I set this up next to a cocktail bar?
Yes. Our guide to holiday party bartending covers batching and a self-serve cocktail station.