The Recipe for Event Bartending Success with Flair Project
Planning drinks for a wedding reception can be tricky with so many options to choose from and so many considerations. What type of variety will you offer to guests? What quantities are appropriate? And, most importantly, what signature cocktails will you create to add a personalized touch to your bar?
When making your decisions, it’s best to listen to the experts. Which is why we asked Flair Project’s owner, Ivo Peshev, to let us in on all his bartending and cocktail secrets.
How does the couple’s personality influence how you create a signature cocktail?
Their personality is directly correlated with the taste in drinks. They want to see the presentation and the way their guests will be served. We work with all of our clients one-on-one to understand who they are, what they like and what their guests are like - we take that information and we base our cocktails, garnishes, glasses and even who works the event to make sure expectations are met.
How do you pick the glassware for signature cocktails?
Glassware is always based on the cocktail selection and client preference. Glass size is also important - if glasses are too small then your guest will be running to the bar every second. But if they are too big, all of a sudden you end up with half empty drinks, or making strong drinks that run the risk of getting your guest intoxicated as well as running the risk of running out of alcohol.
What is the best way for a couple to personalize their bar?
Communicate with the bartending company about their likes and dislikes. Choose a bartending company that understands but can also execute your visions. If you are completely lost, make sure your bartending company has a track record of producing beautiful events. Lastly, make sure that all pieces of the puzzle are communicating – the client, bar company, planner, and rentals.
How much does the catering menu affect what you serve at the bar?
A lot. We really believe that an event is as successful as the individual and collective success of all vendors. That being said, communication between caterer, bar provider, and rental company is a must.
What are ways couples can get what they want while staying on budget?
There are many ways to cut costs:
Choose cheaper, but still respectable brands of alcohol
Limit the type of glassware - less variety means less quantity
Have fewer bar locations - more bars means more production, more fees, more bartenders, more glassware, and longer hours
And here is one that is rather creative - contact your neighborhood liquor store and ask them if they will be willing to accept returns. The reality is that you ALWAYS buy more alcohol and wine for events that you need - you can save hell of a lot of money if you can return the leftover alcohol. So, talk to your local liquor storeowner, we might agree to take back all the extras, especially if you order brands that the store already carries, so they can sell it later. It's a win-win situation. In Santa Barbara, Bob from Talevis Wine & Spirits does just that.
What are 3 tips for couples to keep in mind when creating a signature cocktail (season, type of liquor, etc?)
Tip 1: The guests. As a bride and a groom, you are very important to please but do consider your guests. Their age, background, and even social status will affect the type of drink they will enjoy. Make sure you have options that correspond with their preference because, at the end of the day, a wedding is as much celebrating your commitment as it is making friends and family feel included.
Tip 2: Use freshly pressed juice and choose seasonal ingredients. That will make your cocktail not only taste better, but it will save you money trying to hunt down ingredients from specialized stores that cost a lot more when they are not in season.
Tip 3: Keep the selection of craft cocktails somewhat limited - lengthy menus require more bartenders, more production, more glassware and more ingredients, which in turn produces additional waste and a more expensive service.
