How to create the ultimate “hydration station”
Whether you’re hosting an intimate family dinner or throwing a giant backyard party, setting up a hydration station is key. From a visual standpoint, it looks super-cool. From a practical standpoint, it lets your guests serve themselves, which frees you up to focus on the tasty food and gives you more time to socialize. All you need is a bit of counter or table space, a few mouthwatering mocktails, some pretty glassware and ice. Check out the delicious drink ideas below for inspiration. Cheers!
Create a hydration station
Whether you’re hosting an intimate family dinner or throwing a giant backyard party, setting up a hydration station is key. From a visual standpoint, it looks super-cool. From a practical standpoint, it lets your guests serve themselves, which frees you up to focus on the tasty food and gives you more time to socialize. All you need is a bit of counter or table space, a few mouthwatering mocktails, some pretty glassware and ice. Check out the delicious drink ideas below for inspiration. Cheers!
Create a Hydration Station: Berkshire Iced Tea
Berkshire Iced Tea is a summer favorite—it’s a drink we often enjoy while sitting on the porch at our family home in the Berkshires, all the in-laws, nieces and nephews gathered around laughing and gossiping. I whip up an adult version with a combo of both rum and vodka and also make a family-friendly spin without the alcohol. Mix up a pitcher or two and let guests decide which sip to savor. It’s flavorful and wonderfully refreshing.
Create a hydration station: Watermelon Spritzer
This chilly beverage makes use of summer’s superstar fruit: watermelon. It pairs wonderfully with a little lime and LaCroix Pastèque Sparkling Water. It hits the spot on a warm day, and it looks gorgeous on a table with other colorful options. I like to add watermelon ice cubes to glasses for a fun twist, but you can skip to keep it simple if you’re serving a large crowd.
Create a Hydration Station: Raspberry-Mint Iced Tea
Everyone loves iced tea and this raspberry mint spin deserves a spot at the top of your list. It has a beautiful red color from the fiber-rich raspberries and a crisp, fresh flavor from the mint. This will be a hit with kids and adults alike, so be prepared to make a big batch for your next gathering.
Create a Hydration Station: Pomegranate Sangria
Summer isn’t complete without a vibrant pitcher of sangria. One of my favorite sangria recipes centers around pomegranate—it features the sweet seeds and tart juice, in addition to crisp apples, juicy oranges and fresh strawberries. It’s like a fruit bowl in a glass. And the great thing about this recipe is you can make it ahead of time and stash in the fridge overnight. It’s convenient and even more flavorful that way. (I also have a colorful Red, White and Blue Sangria and a bubbly Sparkling Sangria to get your party started!)
Create a Hydration Station: LaCroix Guavarita
This drink puts the happy in happy hour, and it will put a smile on the faces of all your guests. It features one of LaCroix’s newer flavors, Guava São Paulo, combined with just two other ingredients, guava nectar and lime juice. It’s simple but surprisingly satisfying. You and your friends will love this mouthwatering margarita mocktail.
