Teacher Appreciation Soda Bar: How I Did It Again in 2026 (+ Free Canva Template)

Okay we know. Utah and soda. We've heard it. 😅 But every time I post a soda bar the rest of the country wants in and honestly I get it.

Haven't seen the original? Start there first — I broke down the full budget and every supply.

Last year I shared how I pulled off a soda bar for 80 teachers on a $125 budget and that post blew up. So when Teacher Appreciation Week rolled around again, obviously I had to do it. This year we leveled a few things up and I'm sharing everything.

Same idea. Better execution.

What Was New This Year

The drink menu got a real glow up. Every drink was named after a teacher. The Vance. The Christopherson. The Plowman. Each one with their own custom combo of soda, syrup, fruit, and creamer. Watching them find their name on that menu was the whole thing.

We also upgraded the cups. Glass cups with bamboo lids and glass straws that they got to keep. The sign next to them said "This cup's a keeper and so are you." I did not write that and I cried a little. Come back for refills all day. You deserve it.

What I Used

Same core setup as last year. Inflatable cooler tubs on the tables packed with ice. Two-liter bottles laid right in. Torani syrup rack with pump bottles so people could just grab and go. Fresh fruit in bowls on ice. A Yeti cooler off to the side with extra ice for refills.

Sodas: Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Dr Pepper, Dr Pepper Zero, Sprite, Fresca, Root Beer, Diet Mountain Dew, Minute Maid Lemonade.

Syrups: Torani Peach, Vanilla, Raspberry, Coconut, Pineapple, Watermelon. All sugar free.

Mixins: Fresh lemon, orange, lime, pineapple, blueberries, raspberries, frozen strawberries, fresh mango, maraschino cherries. Coco Real cream of coconut. Coffee mate French Vanilla creamer.

Fresca and cream of coconut were the favorites again. Some things never change.

The Signs

Label everything. Seriously. "Grab your cup." "Fill your cup with ice." "Add in your mixins." "Add in your drink." People feel awkward at these things and the signs walk them right through without anyone having to explain it. I updated the Canva template with all the little station signs plus the drink menu so you have everything you need.

Quick Supply List

• Glass cups with bamboo lids and glass straws — the keepers they take home (20 pack, best value)
• Glass cups with bamboo lids and glass straws — slightly thicker glass option
• Clear disposable cups with lids and straws — the budget friendly grab and go option
• Inflatable cooler tubs
• Torani syrups
• Cream of coconut
• Handheld citrus juicer
• Full Amazon list

Grab the Free Canva Template

I updated it for 2026 with the station signs and the drink menu. Drop your email below and I'll send it straight to your inbox. Or grab everything from the Amazon list.