Apple Cider Bar: How to for Harvest Party
The Apple Cider Bar might not be your first thought for Fall beverages but maybe it SHOULD BE! The Hot Cocoa bar is a cold weather classic which I also enjoy but there's something so fun about autumn apples. Read on for fun and easy ways to bring your cold or hot apple cider bar to life!
Apple cider bars are perfect for a Harvest Party like this one I hosted, but they can also be a nice addition to Thanksgiving, or even Christmas if cocoa isn't your thing. I also love that you can add some herbal tea, apple juice, or sparkling apple to the list for a wide variety to appeal to just about everyone!
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Apple Cider Bar Decor
Decor is the first step at setting a beautiful stage and giving people an idea of what to expect. You probably even have most of what you need already, so go SHOP YOUR HOUSE! That's my favorite first step to any event or decorating project.
Check Out Your Fall Decor
As I went through my fall decor I found a great autumn wreath I picked up a Hobby Lobby a few years ago. In order to fit into my apple cider bar ideas it just needed a couple of additions. This metal “Blessed” tag and some faux apples did the trick to be ready for apple season.
Shop A Few New Things
While out and about I came across this metal Apple Cider tin and had to get it! Now that I know how fun an apple cider bar is I plan on creating one every year! So this little guy will hopefully get a lot of use. I can't find it anymore but there are lots of cute Apple Cider Signs like this Hot Apple Cider Tin Sign, or cute pumpkin patch, cider, and vintage truck sign.
I also found some apple branch garlands that worked perfectly in the background.
Apple Cider Mugs
You'll want to make sure you've got hot beverage cups ready so no one burns a hand. I found these insulated mugs at Dollar Tree {similar} and created the “Count Your Blessings” wraps with sparkly vinyl on my Cricut electronic cutting machine. I'd shrink down the text a bit next time I make them though! 😉
But autumn is a great time to gather and count your blessings. We have a bountiful harvest to enjoy and hopefully are able to gather with people we love. Even during tough times, there are always things to be grateful for.
For the cold drinks these rose gold rimmed tumblers worked perfectly. And the wood stir sticks {similar} are a great addition, especially if you try making the Apple cider Starbucks copycat recipe! {Don't worry, I'll share it with you!}
Cold Apple Cider Beverages
There are lots of ways to serve your cider. A trip to World Market's food section and you can find a host a exciting possibilities.
- Plain pressed apple juice
- Spiced apple cider
- Sparkling cider
Then to give our taste buds an apple break I also offered sparkling water and a fun non-alcoholic sparkling rose.
Hot Apple Cider Bar
After adding a cute little printable “Warm Up with some Apple Cider” bar sign I got the hot water electric kettle ready for the Caramel Apple Herbal Tea. {yum! I love tea!} I love this kettle so much I have 2 of them! One in the guest room for winter and one that I use almost daily for herbal tea, Emergen-C packets, Pero, or hot chocolate for my kiddos.
Then I heated up the hot cider on the stove and served it in a large thermal insulated beverage dispenser. I took the photos before I had it on the table {sad} but a good hot beverage dispenser is really nice to have for any cold weather events. You could even serve soup from it in a pinch!
Apple Cider Starbucks Copycat
Okay, as promised here it is! The star of the apple cider bar…….the copycat apple cider recipe for Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice!
WARNING!! It is really sweet, waaaay sweeter than what I normally serve so if this isn't your thing, just keep the caramel and Brown Sugar Cinnamon syrup off the table. But it was a HIT with my Girls Night Harvest Party last year, and anyone who's ever tried it. That Starbucks Cider is GOOD.
It's super easy, especially if using store bought cider. My favorite is Trader Joe's Spiced Apple Cider, it's the perfect blend of apple cider spices. But if you want to make apple cider homemade just heat your apple juice and add mulling spices like these.
Heat the apple cider, pour it into a thermal insulated beverage dispenser to keep it hot and invite guests to serve themselves. Once they pour their cider you add:
- 1 Tb Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup per 8oz of apple cider {or you can purchase the actual Cinnamon Dolce from Starbucks for more $}
- Top with whipped cream
- Drizzle with caramel sauce
Enjoy your Apple Cider Bar
And that's it! So easy, fun, and delicious! Are you ready to set up an Apple Cider Bar in your house this year? Even if you aren't gathering together for a large family Thanksgiving this simple beverage table makes things feel a lot more festive!
If you do try an apple cider bar this year I'd love to hear about it in the comments below. And if you share photos, I want to see it too! Please tag us @partieswithacause on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. We love celebrating all your hard work!
FollowRecreate This Apple Cider Bar
Apple Cider Bar Decor:
- Autumn Wreath – Hobby Lobby {similar}
- Faux apples Decorative
- Apple Branch Garland
- Hot Apple Cider Tin Sign
- Pumpkin patch & Cider with Vintage Truck Sign
- “Warm Up with some Apple Cider” bar sign
Apple Cider Bar Drinks:
- Travel Tumblers at Dollar Tree {similar}
- Wood Stir Sticks Round Top {similar}
- Rose Gold Rimmed Tumblers
- White Glitter Vinyl
- Cricut electronic cutting machine
- Hot Water Electric Kettle for Tea
- Large Thermal Insulated Beverage Dispenser
- Caramel Sauce for Drizzling
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup OR Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce
- Apple Juice with Mulling Spices OR Spiced Apple Cider {Trader Joe's}
Pin it for Later
ATE Days of Thanksgiving
Thank you so much for joining me for the first edition of the 8 {ate} Days of Thanksgiving! Get it!? Ha ha. I crack myself up. I'll be bringing you fun Fall party and Thanksgiving inspiration and I hope you follow along.
Next Up on Day 2….
Apple Tasting Night – A Fall Family Activity
All About Apples
- Day 1: Apple Cider Bar Ideas for a Harvest Party
- Day 2: Fall Family Activity Apple Tasting Night
- Harvest Party Girls Night Ideas
Thanksgiving Ideas
- Day 3: Butternut Squash Soup Recipe: How to Easy Recipe
- Day 4: Sweater Pumpkins DIY Dollar Tree Pumpkin Decor
- Day 5: Ideas for Rustic Thanksgiving Table Top Decor
- Day 6: Fall Gnomes! DIY Gnome Instructions
- Global Chic Thanksgiving Holiday Tablescape
Thanksgiving Food Table Ideas
- Day 7: Thanksgiving Food Table Ideas for a Rustic Holiday
- Day 8: Fall Baby? Little Pumpkin Baby Shower Ideas
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This is the most adorable set up! I loooove apple cider!
Thank you! I love cider too. It was so fun to put this together.