As a venue manager, you know that your bar is often the life of the party. No matter what kind of event your venue hosts, the bar is where a lot of the action takes place. Ultimately, a great bar = happy guests.
So, if you want your bar (and your venue) to thrive, then you need to be offering the right drinks.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most popular bar drinks your venue should stock right now. This includes timeless classics, as well as a few more interesting and exciting drinks.
How to Create a Winning Bar Drinks Menu
Creating the perfect bar drinks menu is one of the most important things you’ll do as a venue and event manager. A well-crafted menu can boost sales, improve the guest experience, and set your venue apart from competitors.
Plus, your guests will get into the party atmosphere a whole lot more easily when you’ve got the right bar menu.
Ready to put together drink packages for your venue? Here are some key considerations to make.
Understand Your Audience
First, know who your customers are and what kind of drink experiences they want.
Are they young professionals, families, or tourists? Does your venue host more late-night parties or corporate functions? Understanding your audience is essential for selecting the right drinks.
Offer Variety
While you don’t want to stock all the bar drinks in existence, you should offer a range of drinks to cater to different tastes.
Most good event venue bar menus should include:
- Classic cocktails: Think Mojito, Martini, and Old Fashioned.
- Signature cocktails: Unique drinks that reflect your venue or event’s theme.
- Beer and wine: A selection of popular beers and wines.
- Non-alcoholic options: Mocktails, juices, and sodas for non-drinkers.
We’ll explore these drink options in more detail later on.
Keep It Simple
Although variety is important, you also don’t want to overwhelm your customers with too many choices.
A concise menu is easier to navigate and a lot easier to manage and keep in stock. The key here is to aim for a balance between variety and simplicity.
Offer Packages
A good strategy for event venues is to establish specific drinks packages for different types of events. This makes it a lot easier for clients to simply decide on a package that best matches their budget and event style.
For example, your venue could offer a long list of cocktails and drinks, and clients can choose a select few for their event. This makes it a lot easier to manage and stock the bar for each event. You’ll also side step having to keep a fully stocked bar and risk drinks going to waste.
Your clients will feel considered and more involved in organizing their event while you’ll avoid excessive preparation beforehand and wastage afterwards.
Seasonal Specials
Consider offering seasonal specials. Summer might feature refreshing drinks like Margaritas and Sangrias. Winter could offer warm drinks like Mulled Wine and Hot Toddies.
Seasonal drinks keep the menu, and your venue, fresh and exciting.
Focus on Staff Training
Ensure your staff knows the menu inside out. While it might look good to have an extensive menu, this is only going to be valuable for guests if your staff can perfectly execute it.
All staff should be able to recommend drinks and explain the ingredients confidently. And all cocktails need to be made consistently – no matter who’s working behind the bar.
Well-trained staff can upsell drinks seamlessly and enhance the guest experience.
Test and Adapt
There’s always room to improve your venue’s drinks menu, so keep it flexible.
Regularly review how your menu is performing. Keep an eye on best-sellers and less popular items, and don’t be afraid to make changes to your menu based on customer feedback and sales data.
Being flexible helps to keep your menu relevant and exciting for your customers.
Of course, there’s a lot that can go into creating a killer bar menu, and this often involves extensive drinks lists. To pull this off, you’ll need to be organized, and using the right venue management software is key to this. Check out Perfect Venue to see how our platform can help you run your bar smarter.
Popular Bar Drinks to Include on Your Menu
Can’t decide which drinks to make available for guests to order at a bar in your venue? Here are some of the best options for all kinds of venues and events.
Classic Cocktails
Classic cocktails are a staple of any successful bar menu. They appeal to a wide range of customers, from seasoned cocktail enthusiasts to those new to the bar scene.
For venue and event managers, including timeless cocktails is always a good idea. They have a broad appeal across different age groups and tastes. They’ve also stood the test of time and are widely recognized and appreciated.
Selling classic cocktails is also consistent. These drinks have well-established recipes, and customers know what to expect when ordering them. But, if you want to shake things up, then classic cocktails can be easily modified to create unique variations. This allows you to offer something familiar yet distinctive.
Here are some must-have, great-tasting cocktails for your bar menu.
Old Fashioned
- Ingredients: Bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, Angostura bitters, water, orange twist
- Why include it: It’s a timeless drink that appeals to whiskey lovers. Its simple yet robust flavor profile makes it a favorite. Plus, it’s a quick and easy drink to put together.
- Serving tip: Use a large ice cube instead of a few smaller ones to prevent dilution and garnish with a fresh orange twist.
Margarita
- Ingredients: Tequila, lime juice, triple sec/orange liqueur, salt
- Why include it: A classic margarita is a refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for various occasions, from casual gatherings to celebrations. It’s also always a crowd-pleaser – everyone loves a margarita.
- Serving tip: You could offer variations such as frozen or flavored margaritas (eg. add fresh or frozen strawberries) to make your menu more exciting. Consider serving in a chilled cocktail glass.
Martini
- Ingredients: Gin or vodka, dry vermouth, olive or lemon twist
- Why include it: The Martini is synonymous with sophistication and can give your venue that James Bond feel of elegance. It’s a versatile drink that can be tailored to personal taste. It’s also straightforward to make and a staple for any venue that’s serious about cocktails.
- Serving tip: Have options for gin or vodka martinis and ask guests about how dry they want theirs. You could also offer an espresso martini (just add coffee) for a popular variation.
Mojito
- Ingredients: White rum, sugar, lime juice, club soda, mint
- Why include it: This light and refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm weather and pairs well with a variety of dishes. It’s the perfect cocktail for all kinds of occasions.
- Serving tip: Use fresh mint and lime for the best flavor. Muddle the mint gently to release its aroma without making it bitter.
Negroni
- Ingredients: Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth
- Why include it: The negroni’s bold and bitter profile appeals to adventurous drinkers and has gained a dedicated following. It’s also a very trendy cocktail that appeals to young and old.
- Serving tip: Like the Old Fashioned, serve your negronis with a single large ice cube and an orange peel.
Daiquiri
- Ingredients: White rum, lime juice, simple syrup
- Why include it: This simple yet balanced cocktail is a favorite among rum lovers.
- Serving tip: Serve it well-chilled in a coupe glass and garnish with a lime wheel. You could also make fruity variations of this classic cocktail.
Whiskey Sour
- Ingredients: Bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white (optional)
- Why include it: The whiskey sour is a well-balanced drink that combines sweetness, sourness, and the rich flavor of whiskey. If your venue can make a good whiskey sour, it’s a clear sign of being a quality cocktail bar.
- Serving tip: Shake with an egg white for a silky texture and garnish with a cherry and orange slice.
Long Island Iced Tea
- Ingredients: Vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, cola
- Why include it: The Long Island iced tea is a powerhouse cocktail known for its high alcohol content and refreshing taste. It’s a popular choice for anyone looking for a strong yet balanced drink that can be enjoyed on the beach or at a party.
- Serving tip: Serve it in a highball glass over ice, topped with a splash of cola, and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Fruity Drinks
Fruity drinks are a fun and refreshing addition to any bar menu.
These cocktails are popular for their exciting colors, sweet flavors, and refreshing qualities. If your venue has an outdoor space or a party atmosphere, then including vibrant fruity drinks is always a good idea.
For venue and event managers, a selection of fruity drinks can help you boost the guest experience and attract a more diverse crowd, as these drinks are exciting. Besides being fun, you can also slightly modify some of your classic cocktail recipes to offer fruit versions.
Here are some must-have fruity cocktails for your bar menu.
Pina Colada
- Ingredients: Rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, crushed ice
- Why include it: This tropical drink is a crowd favorite, perfect for creating a vacation-like atmosphere.
- Serving tip: Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry to boost its tropical appeal.
Strawberry Daiquiri
- Ingredients: Rum, lime juice, simple syrup, fresh strawberries, ice
- Why include it: A fruity twist on the classic daiquiri, it’s sweet, tangy, and refreshing.
- Serving tip: Blend with ice for a frozen version and garnish with a fresh strawberry.
Mango Margarita
- Ingredients: Tequila, triple sec, lime juice, mango puree, ice
- Why include it: This drink combines the tanginess of a margarita with the sweetness of mango, making it a delicious and exotic choice.
- Serving tip: Rim the glass with chili powder and salt for an extra kick and garnish with a lime wedge. This is a great pairing for spicy food.
Peach Bellini
- Ingredients: Prosecco, peach puree
- Why include it: A sophisticated yet fruity option, perfect for brunch or elegant events.
- Serving tip: Serve in a champagne flute and garnish with a fresh peach slice.
Blue Lagoon
- Ingredients: Vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade, ice
- Why include it: Its bright blue color and citrusy flavor make it a fun and refreshing drink. You can also liven up this tropical cocktail with funky straws, mini umbrellas, and fruit garnishes to make it a real showstopper.
- Serving tip: Garnish with a lemon wheel, or pineapple slice, and a cherry for added color and excitement.
Mai Tai
- Ingredients: White rum, dark rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup
- Why include it: This is one of the most famous tiki cocktails, packed with fruity flavors, and is always a popular choice at parties and events.
- Serving tip: Garnish with a mint sprig and a pineapple slice.
Sex on the Beach
- Ingredients: Vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, orange juice, ice
- Why include it: It's a sweet and fruity cocktail, which makes it a popular choice for all kinds of guests.
- Serving tip: Serve over ice in a highball glass and garnish with an orange slice.
Signature Cocktails
Signature cocktails are the unique drinks that only your venue serves. These cocktails can help differentiate your venue and keep guests coming back for something unique.
Not only will unique cocktails set your venue apart from the competitors, but you could also offer custom recipes for specific events to match the theme. For example, if your venue hosts weddings, you could offer signature cocktails named after the couple.
Signature cocktails can also be a powerful marketing tool that shows off your venue’s creativity and draws in curious customers.
Here are some ideas to help you create signature cocktails for your bar menu. Of course, customize the exact ingredients and cocktail names to match your business.
The Local Twist
Use a locally distilled spirit, a seasonal fruit puree, fresh herbs, and homemade syrup. This showcases local flavors unique to your venue’s area and supports local businesses.
Seasonal Sipper
Change the ingredients seasonally to feature the freshest produce. For example, you could offer a standard daiquiri base but flavor it with berries in summer and spiced apples in autumn. This keeps the menu fresh and exciting throughout the year.
Herb Infusion
Combine a base spirit with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary, along with a complementary fruit juice or puree.
This is a simple way to offer a fresh, aromatic experience that stands out from standard cocktails. Be sure to garnish the drink with a sprig of the herb it's infused with.
Exotic Escape
Use exotic fruits like passionfruit, dragonfruit, or lychee combined with a tropical spirit like rum or tequila. This is always fun, exciting, and a great way to mix up something unique.
Again, you can start with a classic cocktail base (like a margarita), and simply customize it with exciting fruits.
Smoky Sensation
Incorporate a smoky element using mezcal, smoked syrups, or smoked glassware to give your cocktail an edge. This adds a complex flavor profile, and you can add a flash of excitement when preparing and serving the cocktail using smoke.
Citrus Mixers
Citrus mixers are an essential component of any successful bar menu. Their bright flavors and versatility mean they’re useful for mixing into cocktails, as well as acting as a soft drink on their own.
Benefits of Citrus Mixers
Here’s why a good selection of citrus mixers is essential for any venue’s bar:
- Flavor enhancement: Citrus juices like lemon, lime, and orange can brighten up a cocktail, adding a zesty kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Versatility: Citrus mixers can be used in a wide range of cocktails, from classics like the Margarita and Mojito to modern creations.
- Freshness: Fresh citrus juice can make a significant difference in the taste of a cocktail. It adds a natural sweetness and acidity that can't be replicated by bottled juices.
- Health appeal: Many guests appreciate the use of fresh, natural ingredients. Citrus juices are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which make them appealing to health-conscious customers.
- Aroma and presentation: Citrus peels and slices not only enhance the flavor of drinks but also add a great aroma and visual element. Garnishes like lemon twists or lime wedges can take the presentation of a cocktail to the next level.
Flavors of Citrus Juices Used in Bars
From fresh lime juice to zesty lemon and orange, it’s important to understand the essential citrus flavors and how they contribute to your bar.
Lemon Juice
- Flavor profile: Tart and tangy with a bright, clean finish.
- Popular cocktails: Lemon juice is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, including the Whiskey Sour, Tom Collins, and Lemon Drop Martini.
Lime Juice
- Flavor profile: Sharp and zesty with a slightly bitter edge.
- Popular cocktails: Essential in drinks like the Margarita, Mojito, and Daiquiri.
Orange Juice
- Flavor profile: Sweet and tangy with a slightly bitter undertone.
- Popular cocktails: Used in the Mimosa, Screwdriver, and Tequila Sunrise.
Grapefruit Juice
- Flavor profile: Bitter and tart with a slight sweetness.
- Popular cocktails: Grapefruit juice, and even grapefruit soda, are featured in drinks like the Paloma, Greyhound, and Sea Breeze.
Shots and Shooters
Nothing gets the party started like the right shots and shooters – a staple of any lively bar scene.
They’re quick, fun, and add flair to any night out. For venue and event managers, offering a range of interesting shots can be a quick way to boost sales and keep the atmosphere vibrant. Shots can also keep the party going for longer, which means more drink sales.
Here are a few essential shots that your bar should offer. If you’re already serving cocktails, then you should have all of these drinks in your bar already.
Tequila Shot
A classic and universally recognized shot. It’s a staple for any bar. Serve it with a lime wedge and salt on the side.
Jager Bomb
A combination of Jägermeister and energy drink (typically Red Bull), this one’s popular for its energy-boosting properties and fun drop-in method.
Serve the Jägermeister in a shot glass and the energy drink in a small tumbler. Drop the shot glass into the tumbler before drinking.
Lemon Drop
For a lemon drop, you’ll need vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a sugar-coated lemon wedge. This creates a sweet and tangy shot that’s easy to drink.
Kamikaze
Combine vodka, triple sec, and lime juice to create a kamikaze.
This is a simple and flavorful shot that’s been a favorite for years. Shake it in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain it into a shot glass for a chilled, refreshing shooter.
B-52
This shot’s a tasty combination of Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Grand Marnier. It’s a layered shot that looks impressive and tastes delicious.
Irish Car Bomb
Combine Irish whiskey, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Guinness for a fun and energetic shot that involves dropping a shot glass into a pint.
Serve the whiskey and Bailey’s in a shot glass and the Guinness in a pint glass. You then drop the shot into the pint before drinking.
Chocolate Cake
Who doesn’t love chocolate cake? This shot combines hazelnut liqueur and vodka for an indulgent drink. We’d recommend serving it with a sugar-coated lemon wedge for an interactive twist.
Beer and Wine
No bar would be complete without a good range of beer and wine.
Beer and wine appeal to a broad audience. They’re staples at most social gatherings and events. Both beer and wine also pair well with food, so they’re a must for any restaurant that runs events.
There are countless varieties of beer and wine out there, which means you could offer a diverse and customizable menu.
Crafting Your Beer Selection
Include a range of beer types such as lagers, ales, stouts, and IPAs. Having a variety like this ensures there’s something for everyone.
You’ll probably want to feature a few local and craft beers for any enthusiasts. Supporting local breweries is also good for your venue’s reputation. Even with a great selection of craft beers, it’s still essential to keep popular mainstream brands on hand. These are reliable sellers and cater to customers who prefer familiar choices.
If your bar is serious about beer, you may want to rotate seasonal beers to keep the menu fresh and interesting.
Crafting Your Wine Selection
It’s easy to get carried away with your wine list. Before you stock a wide range of specialty wines, make sure you first offer a balanced selection of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines. This should include options to match different price points, with an affordable house wine, mid-range options, and a few higher-end selections.
Try to include wines from different regions and varietals. Diversity appeals to wine enthusiasts, and it will help compliment a well-rounded menu. However, it’s still always best to feature local wineries to support regional businesses and offer unique flavors that guests might not find somewhere else.
Just like your beer list, you can rotate wines based on the season and special occasions.
The Importance of the Right Glassware
Now that you’re prepared to serve a diverse bar menu, you need to make sure you’ve got the right glassware to do it.
Different glass shapes can enhance the flavor and aroma of drinks. For example, red wine glasses are wide to allow the wine to breathe, while white wine glasses are narrow to preserve the delicate aromas. A Martini glass’s wide rim enhances the aroma of the drink, while the stem prevents the drink from warming up.
The right glassware can make a drink look more appealing too. For example, highball glasses are tall and elegant – perfect for cocktails like Mojitos and Gin & Tonics. Rocks glasses are short and sturdy, ideal for serving spirits neat or on the rocks.
Certain drinks are also traditionally served in specific glassware, which adds to the authenticity of the experience. Drinks like champagne or margaritas just wouldn’t be the same if they came in the wrong glasses.
Conclusion
There are endless bar drinks your venue can offer. If you’re smart about the spirits and mixers that you stock, you can serve an enormous range of cocktails and shooters - which is important for keeping your venue and events exciting.
However, while there are endless drink options to choose from, you’ll want to make sure that your bar menu is refined and carefully selected to best match your venue and customers.
Stocking the right drinks is just one part of running a successful events venue. You’ll also need to make sure that your systems are highly organized to help you run your venue smarter. This is where using the right event management software comes in. Try Perfect Venue to see how the platform can transform your operations and help you operate more efficiently - no matter what kind of venue you run.
