Lifestyle, Recipes & Entertaining

How To Set Up A DIY Vodka Bar

Hosting a cocktail party does not have to be stressful. Follow these simple steps to set up an elegant and easy DIY vodka bar. Then instead of being stuck as bartender for the duration of the party, you can mix, mingle, and have fun with all of your guests.


Ready to Party!

Last weekend, I hosted a happy hour party and decided to make a DIY vodka bar. It was easy to prepare, looked beautiful and chic, and was a great way for my guests to meet one another and chat while they made their drinks. Here is how I set up this elegant and easy DIY vodka bar.


Offer a variety of Signature Cocktails.

I reccomend choosing 3 different vodka drinks to appease every taste. It is good to choose one cocktail that is juice based, one that is soda based, and one that is strong and not for the faint of heart. For my party I chose to serve Greyhounds, Moscow Mules, and Vodka Gimlets.

Make drink stations.

Organize drink stations on a countertop or table for your guests to make their cocktails. Be sure to set out recipe cards, shot glasses, cocktail stirrers or a cocktail shaker, and all the recipe ingredients.

Don’t Forget the Ice.

An ice bucket is a necessity for a successful vodka bar. Keep a well stocked ice bucket at your drink station, We kept a small cooler filled with ice nearby so it was easy to refill the ice bucket as needed.

Snacks are a MUST.

Your guests will be thoroughly enjoying your elegant and easy vodka bar so it is super important to serve heavy appetizers to counteract the effect of all the alcohol. For my party, I made a charcuterie board, stuffed mushrooms, and cheese stuffed dates wrapped in prosciutto for my guests to enjoy.

Stay Hydrated

Even more important than serving yummy snacks, is keeping your guests well-hydrated. Set out small bottles of water for people to help themselves as needed.


Creating a DIY vodka bar is easy and fun. Your guests will love this unique way to have cocktails and you will be able to enjoy your party as well. Cheers!

The Greyhound was my favorite signature cocktail.