All Bottled Drinks Recipe

Select and chill bottles

Choose a mix of bottled drinks from the base options (sparkling water, still water, iced tea, lemonade, cola, and juice) to suit your guests. For a party size corresponding to the ingredient quantities, plan on one bottle per guest. Chill all bottles in a refrigerator or in ice buckets/coolers for at least 2 hours before service.

If any bottles are carbonated (sparkling water, cola), keep them sealed until serving to preserve fizz. Place still water and juices in a cooler with ice to keep cold but avoid diluting sealed bottles.

Prepare garnishes and simple syrup

Wash lemons, limes, and mint. Slice lemons and limes into thin rounds or wedges. Make simple syrup (if not using store-bought) by combining equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan (e.g., 1 cup water + 1 cup sugar) and heating gently until the sugar dissolves; cool to room temperature. Measure out bitters and optional grenadine or soda syrup.

Create pre-mixed enhancers (optional)

For a flavored bottled-station option, prepare two small pitchers: 1) Citrus infusion - combine 1/2 cup simple syrup, juice of 2 lemons, juice of 1 lime, and 1 cup water; stir and refrigerate. 2) Berry/grenadine splash - combine 1/2 cup grenadine (or soda syrup) with 1/2 cup water. Label each pitcher so guests can add 1–2 tablespoons to their bottled drink if desired.

Fill small bowls with lemon and lime slices and a jar with mint sprigs. Place bitters and syrups nearby with small spoons or droppers for easy service.

Set up service station

Arrange chilled bottles in ice buckets or on a serving table. Place open bottles on stands or in a second cooler to keep them accessible. Provide a bucket of ice and tongs so guests can add ice to glasses if they pour bottled drinks, or to chill already opened bottles in an ice bath for a few minutes before returning to service.

Set out glassware, reusable straws, stirrers, garnish bowls (lemons, limes, mint), small serving spoons, and pitchers of pre-mixed enhancers. Include a small sign explaining suggested additions (e.g., "Add 1-2 slices citrus, a sprig of mint, or 1 tbsp citrus syrup; bitters: 1–2 dashes").

Serving and pairing suggestion

Recommend pairings: sparkling water with citrus and mint; iced tea with lemon and a dash of simple syrup (if unsweetened); lemonade with a splash of juice or grenadine for color; cola with a lime wedge; and juice served chilled or over ice. For guests who want alcohol, suggest adding a spirit (not included) like a shot of vodka to cola or sparkling water.