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Writer's pictureBrittney Dickey

Mixing It Up: How to Create a Budget-Friendly "Limited" Bar and Beverage Menu for Your Next Event.


Photo by Nomad Taphouse LLC, Beverage Menu Planning


Planning an event can be daunting, especially when it comes to deciding on your bar and beverage services. Your event's bar menu can significantly impact your budget. But sip back and relax, we've got you covered! In this blog post, we'll provide you with practical tips to help you design a beverage menu that's functional and crowd-pleasing without breaking the bank.


Are you in search of ways to make your event stand out? The internet is chock-full of fun and unique ideas, so let Your Imagination Run Wild!

There are many resources available on platforms like Pinterest and TikTok that can offer interesting and delicious recipes for your event. It is important to consider the theme of your event when searching for recipes. Do you want to serve classic and timeless drinks or are you looking to offer more rustic cocktails with natural and floral flavors? Perhaps you want to go all-out and serve glamorous, unique, and wild concoctions to your guests to make them feel like they are out for a night at the Oscars! Creating a menu that complements your event's theme can have a big impact on your guests' experience.


To get started, think about your guest list and what types of drinks they might enjoy.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you design your bar menu:

  • What do the majority of your guests prefer: local craft beer, imported, or domestic brands?

  • Are your guests typically red wine, rose', white wine, or champagne drinkers?

  • Do they tend to choose more dry wine or savor the sweeter side?

The most challenging and crucial decision you'll make is deciding how much to allocate for the bar. Do you want to offer cocktails? Keep in mind that cocktails can be the priciest part of your event's menu. However, you have several options:

  • A "Full-Open" bar with an endless array of drink options

  • A "Limited" bar with a few signature cocktails that you know your guests will enjoy

  • A beer and wine service only

  • Soda and Non-alcoholic beverages only

In this blog post, we will discuss how to offer a "Limited" bar option that is affordable and versatile for your guests.


When selecting the type of bar you want to offer your guests, there is no right or wrong answer. Whether you choose to serve classic cocktails or creative blends, your guests will appreciate the opportunity to celebrate with you and enjoy their night out.



How's your ANXIETY now? Before we dive in, take a moment to relax and grab a notebook with your favorite drink in hand.


Simplify Your Beverage Menu for Your Next Event!

To keep within your budget, it's best to offer a smaller, crowd-pleasing menu. This could include- two signature drinks, two to three beers, one red wine, two white wines, and a few non-alcoholic options like soda, coffee, and lemonade. While we all want our guests to have a fantastic time, providing too many options can be overwhelming and increase the wait times at the bar.



Let us chat about beer!

When it comes to choosing the right beers for your event, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, it's generally a good idea to choose at least one light beer and one ale or lager, regardless of whether it's locally crafted, imported, or domestic. This way, you can cater to the majority of beer drinkers at your event and ensure that everyone has something they enjoy.


Once you've selected your beers, the next step is to decide whether to purchase bottled beer or keg beer. This decision will largely depend on the size of your guest list, as well as whether the venue or bartending service has access to a draft beer system and the ability to maintain the proper temperature of the keg. For smaller events with fewer than 100 guests, it's often more cost-effective to serve bottled beer. Buying cases of beer is usually cheaper than renting a draft beer system and purchasing a keg, and it's easier to transport and store. Additionally, if there is no refrigeration available, you may need to buy extra ice to keep the beer cold, which can add to your expenses. If you do decide to serve keg beer, it's important to ensure that it's properly stored and cooled. Poor temperature control can result in excessive foam and waste, which can be a major bummer. Make sure your venue or bartending service has access to a draft beer system and the ability to maintain the proper temperature of the keg before making your decision.


By considering these factors and selecting the right beers for your event, you can ensure that your guests have a great time and enjoy some delicious brews.



It's WINE o'clock somewhere!

If you're planning to serve wine at your event, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your guests have a great experience. Firstly, it's important to keep the selection simple and not overwhelm your guests with too many choices. Offering one popular red wine, such as a Cabernet or Malbec, is a great starting point. These wines are bold and full-bodied, making them a great choice for guests who enjoy a more robust flavor.


Next, you'll want to include two white wines in your selection. It's a good idea to choose wines with different levels of sweetness to cater to different tastes. A "sweeter" wine like Moscato or Late Harvest Riesling (which would be a more unique option) is a great choice for those who prefer a more fruit-forward flavor. On the other hand, a "dryer" wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for guests who prefer a more crisp and refreshing taste. By offering a selection of wines that cater to different tastes, you're sure to keep your wine enthusiasts happy and ready to party all night long!



Two shots. One moment captured forever. Don't Waste a Single Drop!

Choosing the perfect drinks to serve your guests can be challenging, as each event and guest has their preferences. However, by selecting cocktails that are sure to please everyone, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable event. As someone who has bartended at many events, I have learned that certain cocktails are consistently popular for each type of spirit.


For those who enjoy light spirits like gin, vodka, and tequila, I recommend serving drinks with tonic or soda. These types of drinks are refreshing and perfect for a warm summer evening. Margaritas and Palomas are also excellent choices, as they are fruity and easy to drink. White Rum Punches, Mules, Cape Cods, and Dirty Shirleys are popular crowd-pleasers that are sure to get your guests on the dance floor.


For those who prefer dark spirits like spiced rum, whiskey, and bourbon. Classic drinks like rum and coke, old-fashioned, Manhattan, whiskey and ginger ale, or bourbon on the rocks are always popular choices. These drinks are rich, flavorful, and perfect for sipping slowly. They are also great for colder weather and more formal events.


When selecting drinks for your event, it's important to consider the occasion, the season, and the preferences of your guests. By doing so, you can ensure that everyone has a great time and leaves with happy memories of your event.



How Much Alcohol Should I Buy?

Make your next party a hit by making sure you have enough alcohol for everyone. Don't leave your guests wanting more - Running out of drinks can be a major buzzkill, so it's best to plan ahead and buy the right amount! So, how much alcohol should you buy?


As a general guideline, you should plan for each guest to have at least one drink per hour. However, keep in mind that some guests may want to consume more, especially as the night progresses and the party heats up. It's always a good idea to have a variety of drinks on hand to cater to different tastes and preferences.


Does (Bottle) Size Truly Matter?

It's important to understand that every bartender has their own preferences when it comes to the tools they use. To ensure a smooth and efficient bar service, it's highly recommended that you discuss this with your bartender beforehand to ensure that you're both on the same page.


If you're looking to save money, purchasing your alcohol in bulk 1.75L bottles from stores like Sam's Club or Costco can be more cost-effective. However, you should keep in mind that pour spouts may not always fit the larger volume bottles as they do with the standard 750ml bottles. This can delay your bar service if your bartender is not able to pour efficiently. It's also important to note that using the wrong tools can affect the amount of alcohol you planned to use. If the bartender is not able to pour correctly, it could result in over-served guests or extra waste from spilling, which could be problematic.



Enjoy Yourself While Ensuring Your Guests' Safety!

Therefore, it's crucial that you discuss all these details with your bartender before the event to ensure that everything runs smoothly. While it's important to keep your guests satisfied and entertained, their safety should always be your top priority. Make sure that the bartenders are monitoring your guests' alcohol consumption and that everyone is having a good time, but not at the expense of safety. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can host a memorable budget-friendly event that your guests will be talking about for weeks to come.



Fun isn't dependent on alcohol - you can have an amazing time without it!

It's always best to be thoughtful and considerate of guests who may not drink alcohol or prefer non-alcoholic beverages. Offering a variety of options ensures that everyone can enjoy themselves. You can start by providing basic and simple drinks such as soda, lemonade, and coffee.


However, if you want to make an even bigger impression, you can offer a selection of mocktails that are sure to impress your guests. Mocktails are non-alcoholic cocktails that can be made from a wide range of ingredients, such as fresh fruit, herbs, and syrups. You might consider creating a signature mocktail for your event that reflects the theme or mood of your gathering. You can also add a fun and creative touch by giving your mocktails playful names. Get imaginative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a unique and exciting drink menu for your guests. With a little effort and creativity, you can provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone at your event.



Planning an affordable bar and beverage menu for your event can be easy. To create a menu that satisfies your guests and saves money, keep these tips in mind: consider your guests' preferences when selecting drinks, provide a small but delicious assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and communicate effectively with your bartending staff. By doing so, you can design a menu that is both practical and enjoyable without exceeding your budget.


Stay tuned for more guidelines on planning your event's bar and beverage menu to deliver a smooth guest experience.

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