Raising the Bar: The Ultimate Girls’ Night Experience in Belgrade

There’s something about a afternoon of exploring that makes you crave a moment to slow down, sip something delicious, and just be. That’s exactly what we got with Raising the Bar, a mobile bartending service that quite literally elevated our entire evening.

This experience was part of the Rest & Reset creators trip hosted by Lyndee of the Belle of Belgrade, where we stayed at the dreamy Water Dance Farm in Belgrade. After a afternoon spent at Harvest Thyme Farm, we came back ready to unwind and that’s when Payge from Raising the Bar stepped in and completely transformed the space.

When we walked into the dining room, everything was already set up at each seat like our own personal cocktail station.

I’m talking shakers, strainers, gorgeous glassware, and all the ingredients perfectly laid out. It felt elevated but also approachable like we were about to learn something new without it feeling intimidating.

Once we were all seated, Payge walked us through what we’d be making: a Lavender Lemon Drop Martini. (Ill add the recipe below) If you know me, you know I’m already sold at lemon… but add lavender? I was all in.

We started by running a lemon slice around the rim of the glass and dipping it into sugar. One of those small details that makes the whole drink feel a little extra special. Then it was time to shake things up.

Into the shaker went lemon vodka, fresh lemon juice, lemonade, and the star of the show lavender syrup (which I now absolutely need in my life). Then came the fun part: shaking. And let me tell you, there’s something oddly satisfying about shaking a cocktail like you know what you’re doing… even if you don’t.

There were definitely a few laughs (and a few struggles getting the shaker back open), but that was half the fun.

Once we strained the cocktail into our glasses, we finished it off with dried lemon and a touch of lavender. It looked beautiful and tasted even better. Light, refreshing, slightly floral… exactly what we needed after a full afternoon of exploring.

But Payge didn’t stop at cocktails.

She brought along a creative twist. We each got notebooks to decorate, turning the experience into this perfect mix of crafting, chatting, and sipping. It was one of those moments where you look around the table and realize everyone’s designs somehow matched their personalities. It felt personal, relaxed, and genuinely fun.

That’s what makes Raising the Bar stand out. It’s not just about the drinks, it’s about the experience. It’s interactive, thoughtful, and brings people together in a way that feels effortless.

I can already picture doing this again. Whether it’s a girls’ night, a bachelorette, or any kind of celebration where you want something a little different (and a lot more memorable).

Highly recommend Payge and Raising the Bar if you’re looking to elevate your next event.

Kate

Raising the Bar - Mobile - Central Maine

LAVENDER LEMON DROP MARTINI RECIPE

This refreshing, relaxing martini requires you to fill your shaker with ice and combine 2 ounces of Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, 2 ounces of lemon juice, l oz of lemonade and 1.5 ounces of lavender syrup. Shake vigorously and strain into sugar rimmed martini glass. Garnish with a dehydrated lemon, and dried lavender