Where To Serve The Most Consumed Beverage In The United States? At Home.

 

Can I Offer You A Beverage?

One of the most common questions asked of guests after they arrive. What beverages should you keep on hand? According to Zippia who included statistics from the CDC, beer is still the most popular alcoholic drink in the United States. However, water still wins the most popular beverage in the non-alcoholic category as well as overall. You might want to keep an under-counter refrigerator well stocked with both.

You don't have to stop there. With so many beverages to choose from you can customize your beverage station to your liking. Include items like tea, hot chocolate, coffee, and spirits. Don't stop there! Include fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits for juicing with under-counter refrigerator drawers. Your beverage station will be a one-stop shop for fun, wellness, and cozy relaxation. 

LET'S BUILD IT!: The elements of a well-designed beverage station...

Cabinet options are the first thing to wade through. To help cut through the overwhelm, make a wish list of everything you want to be able to make and do at your station.

• Are you going to need storage for hot chocolate packets?
• Will you carry a variety of teas? Looseleaf or in a bag?
• Is coffee going to be stocked? Pre-ground or will you need room for a grinder?
• Do you want to be able to reheat your beverages?
• Do you prefer a teakettle to heat water instead of a microwave?
• Do you need refrigeration for creamer etc?
• Are you someone who juices? Will you need room for a juicer?
• Refrigeration for fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits?
• Storage for tinctures?
• Pull out composting bin for mastication?
• Sink for clean-up? Do you prefer a pot filler? What about water filtration?
• Storage for glasses and utensils?
• Mini dishwasher for clean-up if the station isn't in the kitchen?
• Are you into wine? Do you need a chiller or just dry storage?
• What about stocking spirits, mixers, and garnish?
• Is an ice drawer on your wish list?
• Will beer be included? Do you have a "go-to" that would justify a tap?
• How much lighting do you need to work and illuminate features?
• What about cultural beverages? Any special needs there?

Take a look at some of the cabinet options below.

SURFACES MATTER: Surface materials that make a difference.

When it comes to surfaces that might come in contact with food or beverage, Lynn's preference is Cambria quartz. The number one feature is that it is NSF51 food safe. This means that it is non-porous and does not absorb bacteria like other surfaces. As tough as granite is, it still needs to be sealed once year. You might argue that the number one feature is the beautiful variety of patterns that Cambria quartz comes in. The fact that it is stain resistant is pretty awesome too. Not only does it make a great countertop but, it is a pretty elegant backsplash too. 

For a little contrast, Ann Sacks has some pretty incredible tiles. They are nothing short of elegant. Into Mid-Century Modern? Try Tiles by Fina out of Palm Desert or Palm Springs. Of course, Bedrosian's and D'Mundo Tile have luxurious options too that suit the desert lifestyle. If you feel like your beverage station won't be too busy or you want to change it up above floating shelves, wallpaper can be a spectacular option. 

CAMBRIA SURFACES USA: QUARTZ

ANN SACKS: TILE

DECORATOR'S BEST: DESIGNER WALLPAPER

TILES BY FINA

APPLIANCES: No Rosie the robot but, they make life easy...

Other than the right storage for the cabinetry, appliances are what make a beverage bar function. The most obvious to you might be a coffee pot or espresso maker. Then of course there is the teapot. Where there is liquid there are spills so throw in a sink and faucet. You might find a bar glass rinser attachment a blessing. Since there is a water line, you might consider adding a 15" - 18" dishwasher, cultivator, and ice drawer. What about a wine cabinet or an under-counter fridge for soda and mixers? It can be so easy to pack a lot of convenience into a small space with the right organization.

HERE IS A LITTLE INSPIRATION FROM LYNN'S FAVORITE BRANDS: Wolf-SubZero | Gaggenau | Monogram | Miele | Jenn-Air | Cafe | Thermador | Delta

FINAL THOUGHTS: Things to remember when you meet with your kitchen and bath specialist...

It is easy to forget topics that you wanted to bring up with your designer. Here are the main points to hit when planning your beverage station:

• Based on your lifestyle, where is the best location for your beverage station?
• What beverages will you be making?
• What appliances will be needed to conveniently make and store the drinks?
• Will you need pull-out drawers with power to hide some of the appliances when not in use?
• What sort of task lighting will you need?
• What do you want to feature with the lighting design?
• What is the best cabinet configuration to meet the needs of the design?
• What are the best surface materials and finishes for easy maintenance and resistance to bacteria?
• Will you want built-in compost or disposal for organics and trash?

Beverage stations have come into their own with our evolved lifestyle. When there isn't time to grab a bite, a hydrating and mineral-rich drink will help. Relaxing in our favorite nook with a hot beverage on a cold day. Having a dedicated station to juice for our health be it a detox or an immunity boost. Being able to offer a beverage to our guests without disturbing the rest of the house. It takes just a little space to feel the finer points of luxury.