Choose two to four signature cocktails and one or two full-fledged mocktails as the basis for your cocktail catering menu, count on one bartender per 50 to 60 guests, and arrange for a thorough age verification beforehand, as serving persons under 18 is legally prohibited. These three choices together determine whether your evening runs smoothly: a compact menu keeps the bar fast, a well-developed alcohol-free line prevents disappointed guests, and the right staffing prevents queues.
In short:
- Give mocktails the same high-quality ingredients, garnish, and glassware as cocktails, and give them their own names rather than simply calling them alcohol-free versions.
- Plan bar setup 60 to 90 minutes in advance, divide mixing and serving tasks among staff, and bring in extra help during peak times.
- Calculate the number of servings by combining guest count, duration, and average consumption, round up, and keep prepared cocktails chilled until serving.
- Beyond age verification, the Alcohol Act prohibits serving visibly intoxicated persons and limits discount promotions; selling food and drinks involves food safety regulations.
- For a wedding, choose Aperol Spritz, Passion Fruit Martini, and Classic Mojito, supplemented with a Pornstar Mocktail and candied citrus peel as garnish.
Table of contents
- Which signature cocktails and mocktails work at an event?
- Ready-made menus by event type
- How much alcohol-free to serve alongside alcoholic drinks?
- Calculating quantities and servings for your bar
- Staff and logistics for a smooth bar service
- Which glassware and garnish suit each menu?
- When to order and what legal requirements apply?
- Practical experience: what we see working in cocktail catering
- Ordering cocktail catering without the hassle
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources
Which signature cocktails and mocktails work at an event?
A strong cocktail catering menu relies on recognizable classics with one modern twist, supplemented with mocktails that receive just as much attention as their alcoholic counterparts. The latter is no afterthought: research by Lightspeed shows that hospitality entrepreneurs are seeing a growing demand for alcohol-free alternatives.
This selection works at almost any type of party:
- Espresso Martini: creamy, coffee-intense, and ideal as an evening closer or a pick-me-up after dinner.
- Aperol Spritz: fresh, lightly bitter, and perfect for an outdoor gathering.
- Classic Mojito: minty fresh with lime, served with crushed mint leaves for extra aroma.
- Whiskey Sour: creamy due to the egg white, with a subtle acidity that pairs well with dinner.
- Passion Fruit Martini: fruity and colorful, a favorite at weddings for its festive appearance.
- Pornstar Mocktail: alcohol-free version with passion fruit and vanilla, served with a side shot of sparkling juice.
- Virgin Mojito: the same fresh mint and lime, without rum but with just as much character.
- Moscow Mule: spicy due to ginger, served in a copper mug for a visual accent.
Ready-made menus by event type
A well-thought-out menu per occasion saves time and prevents you from having to figure out all the ratios yourself.
- Wedding (60 to 120 guests): Aperol Spritz, Passion Fruit Martini, and Classic Mojito as the alcoholic line, supplemented with a Pornstar Mocktail. Serve in coupe glasses and Mai Tai glasses for a festive look, with candied citrus peel as garnish.
- Birthday: Espresso Martini, Moscow Mule, and a Whiskey Sour, with a Virgin Mojito as an alcohol-free alternative. Martini glasses and copper mugs immediately make a professional impression.
- Small group: Limit yourself to two cocktails and one mocktail, for example, a Mojito, a Spritz, and a fruity mocktail, served in spritzer glasses to keep preparation simple.
- Corporate event: Choose more subtle flavors like a Gin Tonic and a Whiskey Sour, supplemented with an alcohol-free gin tonic, served in gin tonic glasses that look professional even without alcohol.
- For more seasonal inspiration, looking at summer cocktail recipes works well, and for smaller groups, the tips on cocktails for small groups provide extra guidance.
How much alcohol-free to serve alongside alcoholic drinks?
A common mistake is treating mocktails as an afterthought: a glass of lemonade with an umbrella in it convinces no one. Lightspeed's research shows that some restaurant visitors still perceive mocktails as "expensive lemonade," even though the demand for alcohol-free is actually rising.
A few guidelines that work:
- Offer a meaningful alcohol-free choice, and expand it for a mixed or family audience.
- Use the same premium ingredients, garnish, and glassware for mocktails as for cocktails.
- Give every mocktail its own name instead of "alcohol-free version of...".
- Work with layered flavors: sour, sweet, and bitter, just like a full-fledged cocktail.
Pro-tip: Never serve a mocktail in a cheaper glass than the alcoholic equivalent next to it; guests will notice that difference immediately.
Calculating quantities and servings for your bar
Calculate how many drinks and bottles you need in advance so you don't run out of stock halfway through the evening.
- Estimate consumption per guest based on the type of party and the duration of the event.
- Align the quantity per cocktail with the glass and the type of drink.
- Determine the total number of servings by multiplying guests, hours, and average consumption, and round up.
- Keep the measure smaller for shots, fitting the glass and the occasion.
- Keep ready-made cocktails chilled until just before serving so that taste and temperature remain optimal.
Staff and logistics for a smooth bar service
A good cocktail catering menu only works if the staffing is right. A standard rule of thumb is one bartender per 50 to 60 guests, with a setup time of 60 to 90 minutes before the start, as indicated by Stadslab Groningen.
- Divide tasks in advance: one person shakes and mixes, another serves and processes payments.
- Bring in extra help during peak hours, such as immediately after the ceremony or speech.
- Prepare a short checklist for the day itself: ice supply, cooling, glassware, and tools.
Pro-tip: Test the bar setup a day in advance if possible; you will find bottlenecks in the workflow before the guests arrive.
Which glassware and garnish suit each menu?
The right combination of glass and garnish largely determines how professional your cocktail menu appears.
- Serve Spritz and gin tonic in large, spacious glasses such as spritzer or gin tonic glasses, with a citrus slice or a sprig of rosemary.
- For Martini and Espresso Martini, choose a classic martini glass, with a twist of citrus peel or coffee beans as a finish.
- Use Hurricane glasses for tropical cocktails like a Mai Tai, with pineapple or mint as garnish.
- Pre-cut garnishes like citrus slices and mint and keep them covered and chilled, so you don't have to stop to cut during service.
When to order and what legal requirements apply?
Plan your order well in advance: the larger the group or the more specific the theme, the earlier you should reserve cocktail boxes or catering services to ensure they are delivered on time.
- Order ready-made cocktails and mocktails well before the event, and earlier if you need large quantities.
- Age verification is mandatory: the minimum age for serving and selling alcohol is 18 years, including remote sales, as explained on Ondernemersplein.
- The Alcohol Act also sets limits on discount promotions and prohibits serving visibly intoxicated persons, as described by Rijksoverheid.
- When selling food and drinks at an event, food safety and storage temperature rules also apply.
Practical experience: what we see working in cocktail catering
When putting together cocktail catering for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events, we notice that a compact, well-thought-out menu always works better than a long list. We offer ready-made cocktails, mocktails, cocktail boxes, and event catering, so you can choose between self-service or a fully provided bar. For more concrete formats, taking a look at cocktails for a corporate event works well, as do the tips on cocktails for a garden party at an outdoor location.
— Ruud
Ordering cocktail catering without the hassle
Filling an evening with self-mixed cocktails costs time, practice, and a substantial shopping list. We make that unnecessary: our cocktails and mocktails are bar-quality and ready to serve, and our cocktail boxes bundle your entire menu in one order.
The process is simple:
- Choose your cocktails, mocktails, or a cocktail box that fits your menu.
- Order online, possibly with customization options for a personal theme.
- Receive your order at home or arrange event catering for a fully staffed bar.
View the assortment and build your cocktail menu via Cocktails by Nina.
Frequently asked questions
How many cocktails should I put on my menu?
A compact selection of signature cocktails and mocktails forms a good basis for most parties. A limited choice keeps the bar fast and well-organized, even for larger groups.
How many bartenders do I need for my event?
A common guideline is one bartender per 50 to 60 guests, with a setup time of 60 to 90 minutes before the start, as indicated by Stadslab Groningen. During peak moments, such as immediately after a speech, temporary extra help is wise.
Do I need to check age when serving cocktails?
Yes, the minimum age for serving and selling alcohol is 18, including for remote sales, as explained on ondernemersplein.overheid.nl. Always ask for a valid ID if in doubt.
How many mocktails should I offer alongside alcoholic cocktails?
Provide a full-fledged alcohol-free choice alongside the cocktails. The demand for mocktails is growing according to research by Lightspeed. Give mocktails the same attention in glassware and garnish as the alcoholic versions.
Can I have a cocktail menu put together for me?
Yes, in addition to fixed cocktails, mocktails, and cocktail boxes, we also offer customization options and event catering for those who want a theme-specific menu. You choose the combination that suits your occasion, from a small birthday to a full wedding.
