bubbles & bourbon bar….

What’s a party without a bar set up?!? Not very festive, that’s for sure! My favorite bar to set up is a bubbles and bourbon bar. It is simple and yet elegant, and offers something for everyone, even non-drinkers.

You can make it as elaborate or as simple as you would like, but I usually land somewhere in the middle….a few homemade simple syrups, a couple of juices (orange, cranberry, pomegranate, cherry, ect.), and your bourbon (or vodka, or gin, or all three!), bubbles (champs or prosecco), and some sparkling water….Let your guests mix and match to their desire, and let the party begin!

Here are a few recipes for my favorite simple syrups to make….

Lavender Thyme

1/4 cup dried lavender

1 bunch fresh thyme

1 cup sugar (If you like your cocktails sweeter, feel free to up this amount, but I prefer just a hint of sweetness so that the herbs really shine!)

4 cups water

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and let steep for 2 hours. Strain and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Rosemary Clove

1 tablespoon whole cloves

1 bunch fresh rosemary

1 cup sugar (If you like your cocktails sweeter, feel free to up this amount, but I prefer just a hint of sweetness so that the herbs really shine!)

4 cups water

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and let steep for 2 hours. Strain and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Cinna-Mint

1 bunch fresh mint

2 cinnamon sticks

1 cup sugar (If you like your cocktails sweeter, feel free to up this amount, but I prefer just a hint of sweetness so that the herbs really shine!)

4 cups water

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and let steep for 2 hours. Strain and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The sky really is the limit when it comes to these syrups….Get creative and try different combos that sound good to you!!!