Drinks Recipe

Serve chilled cans/bottles

Chill unopened cans or bottles of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, and Root Beer in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or in an ice bucket for 20–30 minutes. When ready, pour 1 cup (about 8 fl oz) into a chilled glass over ice if desired. Optionally garnish with a lemon slice for Ginger Ale or Sprite.

If serving multiple varieties, label glasses or provide a small chalkboard sign so guests can identify each soda.

Lemonade

If using store-bought chilled lemonade: pour 1 cup into a glass over ice and garnish with a lemon slice. If making quick fresh lemonade: combine 1 cup cold water, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1–2 tsp sugar (adjust to taste), stir until sugar dissolves, then add ice and a lemon slice.

Iced Tea

If using pre-made iced tea: pour 1 cup over ice and add lemon slice or sweetener to taste. If brewing quick iced tea: steep 1 tea bag in 1 cup of boiling water for 3–5 minutes, remove tea bag, let cool slightly, pour over a glass filled with ice and top with cold water or chilled tea to reach 1 cup; sweeten if desired and garnish with lemon.

Coffee (single cup)

Brew 1 cup (8 fl oz) of coffee using your preferred method (drip, pour-over, French press). If using a drip brewer, use the machine’s standard coffee-to-water ratio (about 1–2 tbsp ground coffee per 6 fl oz water) scaled to 1 cup. Pour into a mug, add milk and sugar or sweetener to taste, stir and serve hot.

Hot Cocoa (single cup)

Option A — Instant mix: Heat 1 cup water or milk until hot but not boiling (about 30–60 seconds in microwave or on stovetop). Whisk in 2–3 tbsp hot cocoa mix until smooth. Option B — Homemade: In a small saucepan, whisk together 1 cup milk, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1–2 tsp sugar (to taste) and a pinch of salt. Heat gently until steaming, whisking until combined. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.

Serve hot drinks immediately in pre-warmed mugs to keep them hot longer.

Prepare ice in advance and keep in a cooler or ice bucket for self-serve. Slice lemons and place in a small bowl near the drink station. Provide spoons or stirrers, napkins, and optional additions (milk, sweeteners, whipped cream, marshmallows). Label hot and cold beverages for guest convenience.