Choosing the perfect drinks for your event can set the tone and elevate the experience for your guests. Whether you’re planning a tailgating party, graduation celebration, corporate event, or wedding, TAPT Event Services is here to help you craft the ideal bar menu. With their mobile bar rental options and expertise, TAPT ensures you have just the right drinks to match your event’s vibe. Here’s a guide to help you decide what to serve, including insights into the latest trends like “cocktails on tap.

1. Consider the Event Type

• Tailgating Party: For a casual and energetic atmosphere, consider offering beer on tap and a selection of simple, refreshing cocktails like Vodka-lemonade or Margaritas. Canned drinks also work well for ease and convenience.
• Graduation Party: Celebrate the milestone with a mix of fun and festive options. Sangria and spiked ciders are popular choices, along with non-alcoholic options like mocktails or craft sodas for younger guests.
• Corporate Event: Professional yet enjoyable, a corporate event might call for a full bar offering both classic cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Consider having a signature cocktail that aligns with the company’s brand or theme of the event.
• Wedding: For a wedding, a full bar with a curated list of signature cocktails, wine, and champagne is often expected. Signature drinks that reflect the couple’s personalities or the theme of the wedding are a nice touch.

2. Cocktails on Tap: A Trend Worth Considering

Mobile bars with draft systems are embracing the trend of “cocktails on tap.” This innovative option involves pre-batching a cocktail into an empty keg and pressurizing it to serve directly from the faucet over ice. It’s a simple and efficient way to serve high-quality drinks quickly, making it ideal for large events.

Popular Cocktails on Tap:

• Vodka-lemonade: A refreshing, crowd-pleasing option.
• Margaritas: A classic that’s always a hit, especially for outdoor events.
• Sangria: Perfect for summer celebrations.
• Spiked Ciders: Ideal for fall or winter gatherings.

The advantage of cocktails on tap is the consistency in flavor and the speed of service, ensuring your guests spend more time enjoying the event and less time waiting for their drinks.

3. Draft vs. Canned Drinks

Draft drinks offer a fresh, customizable experience, while canned drinks provide convenience and variety. For more casual events like tailgates or casual parties, a mix of both can be a great way to cater to different preferences.

4. Liquor vs. Non-Liquor Options

It’s essential to offer a variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to cater to all guests. Mocktails, flavored waters, and craft sodas are excellent non-alcoholic alternatives that can still be served with flair.

5. Full Bar vs. Curated Drink List

A full bar gives guests the freedom to order their preferred drinks, but a curated drink list can streamline service and add a unique touch to your event. Consider a themed drink menu or a few signature cocktails to make your event memorable.

6. How Much to Order

Estimating the right amount of drinks is crucial to avoid running out or over-purchasing. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about two drinks per person for the first hour and one drink per person for each additional hour. Adjust based on the length of your event and the drinking habits of your guests.

Example Quantities:

• Beer: Plan for one to two kegs for a party of 100 people.
• Wine: One bottle per two to three guests.
• Cocktails on Tap: One keg typically serves about 90 drinks (depending on the keg and cup size).

Final Thoughts

Choosing what to serve at your event is about understanding your guests and the atmosphere you want to create. With the rising trend of cocktails on tap, mobile bar services like TAPT event services in New Jersey offer innovative and efficient ways to keep the drinks flowing and your guests happy. Whether you go for a full bar or a curated selection, the right drink choices can make your event a memorable one.