Beer, Wine or Cocktails: Choosing the Right Drinks Menu for Your Event

One of the more enjoyable parts of planning an event bar is deciding what's actually going to be poured. It's also one of the easiest things to overthink, so here's a simple way to approach it.

Start with your crowd. A big, relaxed backyard wedding or a festival crowd generally leans toward beer as the main event, with wine and a couple of easy cocktails on the side. A smaller, more intimate dinner or a corporate long lunch often works better with a stronger focus on wine and a couple of well-made cocktails, with beer available but not the headline act. However! There are exceptions to the rule. For example; we have done several corporate events for male dominated industries such as constructions and mining where beer was 80% of stock. The point is…there's no wrong answer here, it's about matching the drinks to the vibe and you're going for and the crowd you’re expecting.

Season and venue matter too. A summer beachfront event calls for lighter, more refreshing options, crisp lagers or session ales, a good sauvignon blanc, maybe an espresso martini or a margarita for something with a bit more punch. A cooler-weather or evening event can carry heavier styles, richer reds, darker ales, and cocktails with a bit more depth.

If cocktails are on your radar, we make a proper espresso martini and a mean margarita, both popular for a reason, they suit almost any event style and age group. We can also build a custom cocktail menu if you'd like something a little more tailored to the occasion, whether that's a signature drink named after the happy couple or something that ties into your event's theme.

Don't feel like you need to offer everything either. A tight, well-chosen menu of four or five options usually serves guests better than an overwhelming list. It's easier for us to serve efficiently too, which matters when there's a queue at the bar during peak times like right after the ceremony or during the first hour of a party.

The easiest way to land on the right mix is to talk it through with us directly. Tell us about your guest list, your venue, and the feel you're going for, and we'll help build a menu that fits.

Get in touch to start building your drinks menu.