Host an intimate cocktail experience with Clear Ice & Bitters

Julia Adams’ journey to becoming a cocktail specialist began with her intrigue around cocktail presentation while having drinks with friends after her choral-orchestra performances. A lifelong musician and creative, Julia was living and working in Boston when her husband built an in-home bar where she began experimenting with drinks and hosting private cocktail events for her community.

“What I’ve always found interesting are the elements of a drink—the history, the flavor pairings, the intentionality behind garnishes, the glassware,” she shared.

When her family relocated to Lancaster several years ago, Julia became a professor at Franklin & Marshall College, and in spring of 2024, she decided to take the leap and relaunch Clear Ice & Bitters.

Available to book for a variety of small events and personal gatherings, Clear Ice & Bitters offers an intimate cocktail experience, as Julia creates individualized cocktails for you and your guests in the comfort of your home or at a small venue. Based on your current mood, the music, your favorite color, or what you plan to eat, Julia builds each cocktail—sharing its history, the process, and answering any questions you may have.

“Call it education or call it entertainment, it is really an interactive exploration of each drink I serve,” she explained.

Julia loves the personal interactions she gets to share during events, and as a mother of a special needs adult, she knows people have many reasons why it may be limiting to go out. Bringing her specialty to her clients’ homes caters to a variety of people and their lifestyles and creates a slower tasting experience that she enjoys most.

As a RAMP-certified bartender, Julia brings all of the elements for an unforgettable experience—mixers, garnishes, glassware, tools—except for the alcohol. She works with clients to help them build a spirit shopping list or can work with bottles you already have. Julia is also well-versed in zero-proof and mocktail options you can choose to serve as well.

A collector of eclectic ingredients and unusual glassware, Julia will add a unique flair to each event while working with her clients to explore their vision for the evening’s drinks.

“This really is a different experience every time,” Julia said. “And that’s what I love about it.”

Ideal event sizes are 2-6 people with offerings for two, three, and four hours. Schedule your experience online for an upcoming celebration or night in.

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