As planners, we want every aspect of an event to be flawless and well thought out, from the lighting to the flow and design of the space and the carefully curated menu. This same thinking and foresight should also be reflected in the bar service.

But first, it is important to understand the difference between a “mixed drink” and a “cocktail”! Any bartender can whip up a mixed drink such as a Vodka Tonic or Whisky Ginger, but a mixologist or “Cocktail Consultant” as some around the country are being called, really know how to create a true cocktail which combines liquor(s), a sweetener, possibly bitters and water (ice or another dilution).

Craft cocktails are similar to the artisan food concept, using a high level of care in selecting ingredients as well as preparation and typically includes custom and homemade aspects. You can be as creative as possible and it really starts with, what tastes great together? Mixing sweet and sour as an aperitif signature cocktail awakens the guests and gets them ready for the event ahead, whereas something sweet and salty may be more appropriate towards the end. Near as important as the ingredients and flavor is the often-forgotten glassware. It is important to consider, what type of glassware is required for the requested cocktails, the theme of the event or better yet, the client’s budget. Ask your mixologist to play with flavors and colors to get something truly unique to your client, and don’t forget to ask for a tasting appointment! We request those from our catering partners, why wouldn’t we do the same for signature, crafted cocktails?

Remember to always consider when and where the event is being held. While planning may take place many months or even years in advance, stay true to the time of year and availability of ingredients for that season. As it’s currently fall, some fabulous ingredients to consider using in any crafted cocktail would be: apples, cranberries, figs and pears. These are not only great as fall seasonal ingredients in food! For example, you could recommend a Hard Cider Sangria using a locally sourced hard cider (in place of wine) with lemon juice and apple brandy. For those requesting a darker alcohol offer up a Stone Wall, mixing rum, ginger beer, and apple cider. Now, for those missing the warmer weather and the over-abundance of Aperol, suggest a Cranberry Spice Cocktail featuring cranberries, earthy bitters and Aperol. Aperol lovers will rejoice in this fall equivalent of the summer Spritz!

Let’s be honest, the drinks may be the lifeblood of a good event! The bar is where many guests spend most of their time and interacting with the bartenders, and it can extend far beyond asking, red or white. Therefore, you want to be sure you have the best, most well-equipped staff and ingredients possible. For this reason, there are many Cocktail Caterers, such as Happy Camper Cocktail Company in Seattle, WA or Cocktail Caravan in Denver, CO popping up all over the country, specializing in energetic bar service using high-quality products. They are pushing themselves far beyond the typical “6-foot banquet table with black linen” and making it a beautiful, tailored experience. These such companies create an entirely personalized cocktail menu, designed to pair harmoniously with the event theme and style. For these reasons alone, we strongly recommend researching cocktail catering companies in your area to see what they may offer your next event!