What Does a Mobile Bartender Service Include? A Complete Guide
Whether it be a wedding, corporate event, backyard BBQ, or a birthday party, hiring a mobile bartender could make the greatest difference in giving that extra zing to your event. But for many who may never have used such a service, one of the first questions becomes: what exactly does booking a mobile bartending service entail?.
In this blog, we will outline everything you can expect from a mobile bartender service so you can kick back and relax while letting the pros handle the drink service for your event.
1. Professional Bartenders
The heart of any mobile bartending service is a team of professional bartenders able to mix everything from classic cocktails to custom creations. They also know how to handle large crowds without sacrificing customer service-a way that allows each guest to get their drink quickly and just the way they want it.
Bartenders also bring professionalism and energy to your event through interactions with guests, making sure that everyone has a great time. You’re not just getting someone who will actually pour drinks, but you’re also getting someone who knows how to enhance the experience.
2. Bar Setup and Equipment
A mobile bartender service usually brings their bar setup, which may vary depending on the style and needs of your event. This might include:
- Portable bar stations: Anything from a sleek, modern setup to a rustic-themed bar that speaks to your event’s aesthetic.
- Bar tools and equipment: From cocktail shakers and strainers down to blenders and ice buckets, they’ll be providing them.
- Glassware or disposable cups: Some mobile bartending services offer these in the case you need them; high-quality disposable cups or glassware-whichever your event calls for.
Logistics aren’t an issue, either-they’ll show up prepared with everything needed to keep the drinks cold and flowing!
3. Drink Menu Customization
One of the coolest things about hiring a mobile bartender? The drink menu is completely customizable. Whether you want to stick to a few classic cocktails, serve up some of your signature drinks, or go for a fully themed beverage menu, mobile bartenders will work with you to create a personalized experience.
Here are some popular customization options:
- Signature cocktails: Create a custom cocktail to represent your event or personal taste.
- Mocktails: Non-alcoholic versions of popular drinks that can be made to please any guest.
- Themed drinks: Tropical, vintage, or holiday-themed-drinks are all fair game at creating a menu that fits the mood of your event.
4. Mixers, Garnishes, and Other Essentials
In addition to the alcohol-if you have provided it-mobile bartenders usually provide a selection of mixers, garnishes, and non-alcoholic drinks to accompany the drinks. Some of these staples may include:
- Soda, tonic water, and fruit juices
- Fresh fruits and herbs for garnishes
- Simple syrups, bitters, and other flavorings
- Ice (in some cases)
This means you won’t need to worry about picking up a bunch of extras-your bartenders will have everything needed for a fully-stocked bar.
5. Flexible Drink Service
Mobile bartending services will give you flexibility in the way drinks are served at your event. Depending on your budget, your bartending service may provide the alcohol or work off of the alcohol you supply. They’ll usually go over with you whether it’s better to have an:
- Open bar: This is where guests can have unlimited drinks at no charge to them.
- Cash bar: This is where guests pay for their own drinks.
- Limited bar: Only certain beverages will be served, such as beer, wine, or signature cocktails. This allows each customer the flexibility to choose what best suits their event size and budget. 6. Alcohol Permits and Licensing
This flexibility allows you to choose the best option for your event size and budget.
6. Alcohol Permits and Licensing
Depending on where you are, there might be special permits or licensing to serve alcohol at an event. Most of these mobile bartending services will either assist in securing these permits or at least help guide you in how to obtain them. Some bartenders even carry their own permits and insurance to make sure everything is taken care of legally and safely.
It is always good to check the legal requirements for your region, but an experienced mobile bartender will help guide you through this process.
7. Cleanup and Tear Down
One of the commonly overlooked benefits of hiring a mobile bartending service is the clean-up afterward. A bartening service will clean up their end-meaning, after an event, that part of the bar area will be clean, and they’ll pack all their equipment. This leaves you with one less thing to take care of once the party is over.
What’s Not Always Included?
While mobile bartenders offer a number of services, here are just a few things that are often not included:
- Alcohol: Some mobile bartending services provide nothing more than mixers and the bartender himself, meaning the client buys all the alcohol themselves.
- Decorations: Bartenders bring bar setups, but decorations and personalized touches-like floral arrangements-are not typically part of the package.
- Catering: Bartenders keep you in drinks, but usually, if you want food service, you’re going to need to hire a separate catering team.
Final Thoughts
One of the easiest ways to ensure that the event will run as smoothly as possible, and that your guests will be taken care of, is by hiring a mobile bartender service. From customized drink menus and professional bartenders, a full bar set up, and breakdown are all aspects in which a mobile bartending service can ensure your event is a complete success.
If you want to host an event and would like to eliminate the headache of providing drinks service, then look into hiring a mobile bartender. That will help create a better experience among all your guests from first to last!
