The Ones That Got Away: DIY Potion Bar

                                                                                                              (Photo by Brie Williams)                                                                                                                                                                        

I started this series to showcase projects that don't make it into the magazine features for which they were designed. This one was an accompaniment to the Witches Ball I did for Better Homes and Gardens: Halloween Tricks and Treats. Working with witches as a theme, it seemed only natural to have guests whip up a few potions for themselves. Plus, it gave me an opportunity to work with my husband, which is always fun for us, especially when there's tasting involved.

We started with a base of apple cider and fresh lemon juice. Then I researched the meanings of various herbs to create the appropriate potions for a fall gathering.  Need some luck in your life? Just add a cinnamon syrup to the mix. Love? Go with rosemary instead. Prosperity? Mix pomegranate and honey and add a sparkle potion as well (club soda).  There are also alcoholic potions for those who desire a little extra oomph, courtesy of either apple brandy or vodka.

To make it easy for you, I've compiled the recipes, along with printable menus to display, and numbered labels for your bottles. All of the syrups can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator (but bring them to room temperature before using) and guests can easily mix up the potions themselves. Just don't forget to supply jiggers for measuring and a couple of long bar spoons for stirring.

What will I be mixing up this year?  I can always use a little more Knowledge in my life. And you? What kind of potion do you need this Halloween?

 

                                                                                                               (photo by Brie Williams)

 
I covered a console table with a length of fabric and an overlay of black cheesecloth. If you want to use lab ware, you can generally find it on Etsy and eBay. But this idea will work just as well with any bottles and pitchers you already own.

                                                                                                                (photo by Brie Williams)

Printable menus can be displayed in frames to provide your guests with easy directions. The Potion Menu fits in an 8x10-inch frame and the smaller, numbered guide fits into a 5x7-inch frame. To make the tags, punch out numbers with a 1 1/2-inch circle punch and glue onto silver rimmed tags. To keep the striped theme going, attach them to bottles with Black Licorice Divine Twine.

                                                                                                         (photo by Brie Williams)

 
I used beakers for glassware, but a nice, modern alternative is the Marta double old-fashioned glass from CB2 ($1.95 each, with flat fee shipping available). They also have a beaker glass pitcher for the attractive price of $5.95 and a stainless steel cocktail stirrer.

Download DIY Potion Bar Graphics and Recipes

All photos courtesy of Brie Williams

Graphics for Potion Bar Menu from The Graphics Fairy

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Quick administrative note:  I've been getting tons of spam lately (boo!), so I've turned on comment moderation to enable me to better manage it. I've also been getting a lot more comments lately (yay!) and I want to make sure I respond to each. I've started responding to comments on this blog instead of sending individual emails because it's less likely that anyone will fall through the cracks. So if you haven't heard from me in the last couple of months, chances are I've responded within the post you commented on - I just keep forgetting to tell you about it. And thank you!  I love hearing from you!

Comments

[Melissa Kronlage]

This would be soo fun for a Halloween party!

[Suzonne]

Alice, I've found them at various antique malls and flea markets all over the country. I find that Etsy and eBay vendors carry them pretty regularly as well. Just look up "lab ware."

[Alice Golden]

What a fabulous idea! (can't believe this one didn't make it into the magazine!) Where did you get the beakers? they are so perfect for this.

[Suzonne]

Thanks, Sasha! It was a lot of fun to do and it all tastes good, too.

[Sasha Martin]

I adore this so much... everything from the mix and match DIY drink aspect, to the cute containers. Downloading the recipes now. Thank you :)

[Suzonne]

Paula, this is when I sheepishly admit to being rather clueless about Harry Potter other than a general knowledge. But let's just pretend that's what I was channeling!

[Paula]

This would be SO cool for a Harry Potter theme party!!! (it reminded me of the test Hermione had to solve to get to the Philosopher's stone:)

[Suzonne]

Thanks, Karen! And you NEVER have to thank me for a link. I don't know where my crafting would be without your generosity!

[Karen - The Graphics Fairy]

What a fun Vignette Suzonne!! I'm so glad you were able to use that graphic frame for your potion bar menu. Thanks so much for crediting me and for the link, that was so kind of you!