In the world of event planning, alcohol plays an important role in transforming gatherings into lively experiences, be it a corporate event, wedding, or celebration. This guide is your dedicated resource for navigating the details of booking the perfect bar service.
Dive into this guide to learn about the many aspects of event alcohol. This guide provides a tailored overview with tips, creative ideas, and best practices. Ensure your next event succeeds by understanding all that goes into event alcohol.
What is Bar Catering?
Bar catering, also referred to as beverage catering, is just like choosing food caterers, but for your beverage service. When choosing the food options while planning your event, you expect the food to wow and delight your guests. Bar catering aims to do the same with your drinks.
A bar service includes trained and certified bartenders, alcohol, mixers, ice, equipment, glasses, and garnishes at the minimum. But, bar catering can be elevated to anything you can dream of from signature cocktails to amazing products at reasonable prices. At Peak Beverage, we focus on the bar, and know how to provide the perfect service for any event at a variety of budgets. Check out our blog Everything You Need to Know About Event Bar Catering if you’re looking for more information.
Event Alcohol Basics
Choosing what types of drinks to serve at your event can be challenging with so many different types of alcohol available. The key to hosting a memorable event is choosing the right offerings. By considering the preferences of your guests, you can ensure you are creating the vibe you envision. Whether you want a classy and elevated dinner with delicious red wine offerings, or tequila espresso martinis that will have everyone on the dance floor, selecting the right drinks is crucial.
To get an idea of what drinks to serve, check out THESE alcohol education blogs!
Terms to Know
Signature Cocktail: A unique and specially crafted drink created by a beverage expert.
Classic Cocktail: A traditional and well-known mixed drink that has stood the test of time, often based on a simple combination of spirits, mixers, and garnishes.
Learn more about the differences between signature cocktails and classic cocktails HERE.
Seasonal Cocktail: A drink crafted with ingredients that are currently in season, offering fresh and flavorful options that reflect the time of year. Check out our variety of seasonal cocktails HERE.
Table Wine Service: The practice of serving wine directly to guests at their tables, often allowing them to select from a red or white option.
Open Bar: An arrangement where guests can access a wide variety of drinks without charge, typically found at events or venues where the host covers the cost of beverages.
All-Inclusive: Our all-inclusive hosted packages include all products, TABC/TIPS-trained bartenders, glassware, garnishes, mixers, setup and breakdown. With our packages, you pay one price per guest for an unlimited open bar — a fixed price per hour at the beginning that won’t change based on consumption levels. Learn more about what makes Peak’s all-inclusive bar packages unique.
BYOB: When you choose to do a BYOB bar for an event, you’re choosing to provide your own alcohol. You can hire different bartending companies that provide ranges of service, from labor-only (where all they provide is the bartenders) to including mixers and equipment. BYOB open bars are often difficult to organize, and determining alcohol quantities, as well as managing safety issues, lies with you.
If you’re curious about which option is better for you, between all-inclusive or traditional BYOB services, read more HERE.
Glassware: Various types of drinkware are used to serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Drinks are served in different types of glassware based on their type. Glassware is used to elevate the look of the drink as well as enhance the flavors and aromas.
- Coupe: A stemmed glass with a shallow bowl, ideal for serving cocktails served “up” or champagne.
- Rocks: Short glasses, typically with a thick base, used for serving drinks over ice.
- Flute: A stemmed glass used to serve various forms of bubbles.
- Collins: Collins glasses are tall, narrow glasses typically used for serving long drinks, such as the Tom Collins.
- Wine: A stemmed glass with deep bowls used for serving all types of wine.
TIP: When choosing between plastic and glassware for serving beverages, consider factors such as the occasion, atmosphere, and environmental impact. Plastic may be preferred for outdoor events or venues where breakage is a concern, while glassware often provides a more elegant and sustainable option for indoor settings.
*Did you know that Peak Beverage automatically includes all glassware with our all-inclusive packages?
Different Types of Event Alcohol Bars
Wine & Beer: A type of bar where only wine and beer are served.
Cocktail Bar: A type of bar where only cocktails are served. These can be signature cocktails, classic cocktails, or a mix of both!
Full Bar: A bar that serves both wine and beer as well as full spirits. Guests are able to ask for any type of drink. This can also include a signature or classic cocktail feature.
Mocktail Bar: A non-alcoholic bar full of fun alcohol-free cocktails.
Interactive Bar: Bars with an interactive element where guests can personalize and customize their drinks.
Fill out a proposal HERE to explore the variety of bar options Peak Beverage has to offer!
How to Choose the Right Package for Your Bar
Choosing the perfect bar package for your event can elevate the experience for you and your guests! With so many options available, it’s important to pick the package that aligns with the vibe and theme of your occasion. Here’s some tips to help you make the right choice:
Consider Your Guests: Think about the preferences of your attendees. Are they more into wine and beer, or do they prefer craft cocktails? Understanding their tastes will guide you in selecting the most suitable bar package.
Match the Mood: The type of event you’re hosting can help set the tone for your bar selection. For casual gatherings, a wine and beer bar might be perfect. However, for a more upscale event a full bar offering a range of spirits and cocktails could be the way to go.
Embrace Creativity: Get creative with your bar options! Consider incorporating a signature cocktail that reflects the theme or personality of your event. This adds a personalized touch that guests will remember long after the last sip.
Do you want to spice things up and do something out of the norm for your guests? Take a look at our blog describing our Unique Bar Catering Options for Events!
With this guide, we hope you have gained valuable knowledge and tools to plan the best event possible. It can be overwhelming balancing the planning of an event with the safety and liability that goes into event alcohol. Let Peak Beverage handle all the hassles of planning, allowing you to enjoy the fun aspects without worrying about alcohol or liability. Cheers to a seamless, safe, and sensational event experience!
Ready to take the next step in creating the perfect bar service for your event? Fill out a proposal to get started with the planning of your next event bar! Let us help you craft an alcohol experience that will leave a lasting impression on your guests!