Bar Ideas + Popular Drinks

I always get questions regarding best options for large crowds and planning what to purchase for the bar! 4 years and 80 weddings later... I feel like I finally have the answer.

To make it short and sweet... keep it simple. Here are my tips for alcohol options and my experience!

How to make a large crowd happy

The key to making a crowd happy with the bar is finding the happy medium between diversity + number of options. People tend to get overwhelmed with a large amount of options and you end up going home with more alcohol than you know what to do with! However, you also want to make sure you have an option for everyone.

This is a great starting point for planning!

2 specialty cocktails

4 liquor options

6 mixers (soda and juices)

2 beer options

3 wine options (1 dry red, 1 dry white, and 1 sweet white)

1 seltzer

Popular specialty Cocktails

It is generally best to offer 2-3 specialty cocktails to make it easier for the indecisive. Here are the most popular that are big hits!

Moscow Mule
Margarita
Old Fashioned
Rum + Coke
Berry Mojito

Paloma
Whiskey Sour
Lavender Lemonade
Sex on the Beach
Dirty Shirley

Recommended spirits

I have many conversations about how to get the best bang for your buck, while also pleasing your guests. I will always suggest getting big box store branded liquors (I promise it tastes super similar to name brands). Kegs are usually only ideal for guest counts over 200. Many people end up drinking mixed drinks with the nature of an open bar, and kegs can be super sensitive.

Common

Vodka
Whiskey
Rum
Tequila
Domestic, Light Beer
Seltzer
Cabernet
Chardonnay
Moscato

Uncommon

Gin
Craft Beer
Wine Coolers
Flavored Liquor
Fruity Wine