8 Steps to a Perfect Holiday Bar Featuring Sternwheeler's Finest Spirits

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a perfectly stocked home bar featuring the exquisite offerings from Sternwheeler Craft Distillery? Nestled in the stunning Kootenay Rockies of British Columbia, this new distillery champions the farm-to-glass ethos, showcasing locally sourced ingredients that elevate every sip. Whether hosting festive gatherings or cozy nights, preparing your home bar can significantly impact your holiday experience. Let’s dive into eight essential steps to create the perfect holiday bar to impress your guests and make your celebrations unforgettable.

      

1. Assess Your Current Inventory
Start by carefully examining your current spirits, mixers, and glassware collection. Note what you have and what you’re running low on. Please pay attention to any bottles that might be close to empty and consider replacing them with options from Sternwheeler Craft Distillery. As you review your inventory, check the expiration dates on mixers and syrups to ensure they’re still good to use. Organizing your existing items will make identifying gaps easier and planning for the additions needed to create the perfect holiday bar.

2. Stock Up on Essential Spirits
Ensure your home bar is versatile by having a selection of essential spirits like moonshine, vodka, gin, rum, and brandy. To elevate your offerings, include Sternwheeler’s Butterfly Blue Gin, Old Tom Apple Gin, and Espresso Vodka. These craft-distilled spirits provide unique flavours that can enhance various cocktails, making them stand out. Sternwheeler's Butterfly Blue Gin adds a captivating hue, while the Old Tom Apple Gin brings a delightful twist with its apple-distilled profile. With its rich coffee undertones, Espresso Vodka is perfect for holiday- themed cocktails. Incorporating these distinctive spirits will enrich your drink options and serve as excellent conversation starters, highlighting the craftsmanship and local charm of Sternwheeler Craft Distillery.

3. Include Unique and Seasonal Spirits
To captivate your guests, diversify your bar with unique, seasonal spirits that embody the holiday spirit. The Pumpkin Gin, Jeanette Meerholz suggests, is great with eggnog during the holidays, or just sipping neat, or on crushed ice. Sternwheeler’s Pumpkin Pie Gin offers warm, spiced notes perfect for creating festive cocktails. Add a touch of heat with their Cherry Chilli Vodka, ideal for crafting bold, memorable drinks. Fruit brandies like Apple Brandy and Saskatoon Brandy introduce rich, autumnal flavours that elevate traditional holiday beverages. Explore Sternwheeler’s innovative offerings to bring a distinctive, locally sourced touch to your holiday celebrations. These spirits enhance the complexity of your drinks and showcase the artisanal, market-fresh quality synonymous with the Kootenay Rockies.

4. Gather Mixers and Garnishes

Mixers are crucial for crafting diverse cocktails—stock up on tonic water, club soda, ginger beer, and fruit juices. Fresh herbs like mint and rosemary, along with citrus slices and cranberries, can elevate your drinks' flavour and visual appeal. Look for unique mixers at local farmer's markets, such as artisanal tonic waters or homemade syrups, to pair perfectly with Sternwheeler’s spirits. Cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and even star anise can add a festive touch to your holiday cocktails. Having a variety of mixers and garnishes ensures you can cater to different tastes and create an impressive array of beverages for your guests.

5. Organize Your Glassware
Ensure your glassware is organized and ready for the holiday festivities. Have a variety of glasses on hand to cater to different drinks: highballs for cocktails, rocks glasses for spirits served neat or on the rocks, martini glasses for elegant cocktails, and stemless wine glasses for a modern touch. Consider arranging your glassware on a dedicated shelf, bar cart, or a decorative tray to keep them easily accessible and visually appealing. This setup will streamline your bartending process, making it easy to serve your guests efficiently.

6. Set Up a Bartending Station
Choose a well-lit, easily accessible area in your home to serve as your bartending station, ensuring it's spacious enough to hold all your essentials. Gather a shaker, jigger, muddler, strainer, and any other bar tools you frequently use. Arrange your spirits, mixers, and garnishes within reach for a seamless workflow. Keep cocktail recipe books or digital guides nearby for quick inspiration. Use decorative trays or bar carts to add an aesthetic touch, enhancing the visual appeal. Incorporate a small cutting board and a knife for fresh garnishes. Adding a stylish ice bucket and tongs can make the station look professional and inviting.

7. Create a Signature Holiday Cocktail Menu Design a festive and unique cocktail  menu that will dazzle your guests. Blend traditional favourites with new, creative concoctions using Sternwheeler's artisanal spirits. Imagine the warmth of a Pumpkin Pie Martini, crafted with their Pumpkin Pie Gin, or the refreshing kick of a Cherry Chilli Mule using Cherry Chilli Vodka. For those who appreciate a classic, a Saskatoon Brandy Old Fashioned can offer a local twist on an old standby. Experiment with their Butterfly Blue Gin in a visually stunning Gin and Tonic, or create a rich and indulgent Espresso Martini with Sternwheeler’s Espresso Vodka. Print or handwrite your cocktail selections on festive menus or a decorative chalkboard for a charming touch. These curated drinks highlight the versatility of Sternwheeler’s locally sourced ingredients and infuse your holiday celebrations with the authentic spirit of the Kootenay Rockies.

8. Enjoy and Share the Experience
Now that your home bar is perfectly prepped, it's time to immerse yourself in the joy of hosting. The magic of the holidays lies in the shared moments and laughter. Take the time to savour the flavours of Sternwheeler’s craft spirits with your guests, appreciating the farm-to-glass philosophy that makes these beverages unique.

Consider organizing a fun cocktail-tasting session where everyone can sample and discuss their favourite drinks. This interactive approach highlights your versatility and adds an engaging element to your gathering. Please encourage your guests to try mixing their cocktails, turning the next experience into a mini mixology class. Sharing tips and tricks on pairing different spirits and mixers educates your guests and adds an entertaining twist to the evening, making it more memorable.

Play some holiday music to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, setting the tone for an evening of festive fun. Offer tasting notes and background stories on the ingredients and inspiration behind Sternwheeler's spirits, adding depth and context to each sip. This not only showcases your knowledge but also enriches the overall drinking experience.

Be sure to share those drinks with us at Sternwheeler01@gmail.com. Place in the subject line, "8 Steps to Perfect Holiday Bar Drinks" and we will share your recipes on social media. 

Remember, the goal is to create a warm, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Engage with each guest, listen to their preferences, and tailor drinks to their tastes. Personal touches like custom garnishes or special ingredients can make guests feel valued and appreciated, enhancing the overall experience.

Most importantly, be present. Enjoy the camaraderie, the conversations, and the collective cheer the holiday season brings. Creating a memorable, heartfelt experience will ensure guests leave with cherished memories of a well-hosted holiday party.

Later, when the weather becomes colder think of a wonderful evening or future moments sitting in front of your fireplace with a Sternwheeler Brandy to warm you up; especially after skiing or working outdoors. The celebration continues as the season moves on and we look forward to another gathering.