How to Hire a Bartender for a Private Party | Expert Tips

A private party is not complete without the touch of a skillful bartender. With so many options, it can be daunting when looking for a professional bartender for your private party. It’s important to identify your event’s needs, in order to find the best option for you. Here are some things to consider when hiring a bartender for your private event.

Bartending Style:

There are many bartending styles, however nowadays most bartenders take an eclectic approach, combining different techniques. Below are four main styles:

Classic:

This style focuses on classic bar staples. Think Old-fashioned’s, G&T’s, Martinis, any drink pre-1970’s that is still made today, can be placed in this category. These drinks tend to be made from a core list of a few ingredients that are mixed in different proportions.

Molecular:

As technology has proliferated in hardware and content so has the art of mixology. These drink wizards combine the precision of science and engineering with the classic art of bartending. Typically seen in fine-dining spaces as the focus is on quality over quantity. The innovation of molecular bartending has resulted in the wide application of experimental techniques such as, dry shaking, foams, smokes, dry ice and multiple experimental practices.

Tropical Tiki:

Big flavors and even bigger decorations. This post-war invention is all about fantasy. These drinks focus on hard liquors blended with various fruit and spice flavorings. Although not as in fashion as it once was, the tiki style has left its imprint on modern bartending with salted rims and lime pinwheels.

Batched:

Batched drinks are pre-measured and mixed for mass consumption prior to service. This makes it an efficient option for large scale events with large guest counts. Although at times given a bad-rap, modern bartenders have been actively innovating; with batched drinks now rivaling specialty cocktails in uniqueness and flavor.

Event Theme:

Do you want to create an intimate experience for your guests?

Then you might need a bartender with a suave and sophisticated touch; that leaves an impression but doesn’t pull attention. Someone with experience in hotels and private dining, who understands the line between hospitality and discretion.

Or

Are you looking to pull out all the stops?

For a large scale extravaganza, a bartender with experience serving in high volumes may be a better fit. Perhaps a bartender who specializes in tricks, acrobatics or even magic! (Yes they do exist).

By identifying your party needs, the right bartender can contribute and enhance the overall theme.

Event Scale:

Generally, 1 bartender can satisfy the needs of an event for 50 people or under. As the scale increases you may have to consider adding more bartenders or altering the drink menu; large scale events may benefit from pourable options such as wine/beer/champagne, rather than specialty crafted cocktails.

Budget:

Consider your budget and evaluate the overall costs as pricing for a bartender can range depending on event needs and bartenders experience. Typical industry rates for a private bartender range between $60/hr - $70/hr.

The bar is the watering-hole. It is the intersection where all your guests will pass through at some point. A bartender serves as a conductor, influencing the mood and ambiance of your party.

That is why it is an important decision to consider. If this article has stirred more questions than answers, we are more than happy to schedule a free consultation in finding the perfect bartending services for your event.

Whether you indulge or not, drinks are integral to a successful party. Enjoy yourself and let a trained professional make sure everyone’s glasses are filled.  

Contact us to schedule a free consultation.