Wedding Bar Planning: The Ultimate Checklist & Expert Tips for a Flawless Experience

Feb 16, 2025

Planning your wedding bar involves more than just mixing drinks and pouring champagne—it’s about creating an enjoyable, stress-free experience for you and your guests. At Chesapeake Bartenders, we’ve seen it all, and we know that a well-organized bar can make all the difference.

Below is a comprehensive checklist and helpful tips to ensure your wedding bar is nothing short of amazing. From logistics and add-ons to insider tips on avoiding long lines, we’ve got you covered!

For our wedding couples in Maryland, Delaware, DC and Virginia, please read through this 2- 3 months before your wedding. It is really important we have every little detail covered so we can deliver the wedding bar experience you dreamed of!


Checklist: What We Need to Know

To help us provide seamless service, please review the checklist below and send us any missing information so we can keep everything organized in your client folder.

  • Wedding Planner/Day-of Coordinator: Yes/No (If yes, what is their name and contact info?)
  • COI (Certificate of Insurance)
  • Updated Guest Count
  • Will trash cans and trash bags be provided for the bar? Yes/No
  • Who is responsible for trash removal? (Are there dumpsters on-site, or is trash driven off-site?)
  • Is the catering company providing water? Are they taking their own trash when they are finished?
  • Do you have a timeline to share with us?
  • Have you shared your vision board/Pinterest board with us so we can ensure your décor and custom menu match?
  • Load-in and vendor parking: Who is the best contact at your venue to review these details with?
  • Outdoor Bars – Is there a rain contingency plan?
  • Outdoor Bars – Is there lighting at the bar when the sun goes down?
  • Floorplan – Do you have a floorplan you can share with us?
  • Floral – Do you want floral on the bar?
  • Who should our team contact when they arrive on-site for setup?

 

Wedding Bar Checklist For Couples

You can also download a PDF to print out here:

 


Wedding Bar Add-On Ideas

Want to make your bar experience even more memorable? Here are some fun and functional add-ons to consider:

Bourbon Bar or Drink Station

Display a selection of bourbon, scotch, tequila, or dessert liqueurs (Bailey’s, anyone?) on our beautifully styled drink station—a great complement to the main bar.
Add-on for $50

The bourbon bar signage was custom made by Kate Slayton Lettering – we highly recommend checking her out as she ships throughout the United States!

Photo by Lisa K Photography

Business & Pleasure Umbrella

For outdoor receptions, this oversized and classic umbrella keeps chilled drinks cool, prevents ice from melting too quickly, and offers shade for our bartenders.
Add for $100

Lighting Solutions

Once the sun goes down, good lighting is essential to keep the drinks flowing. (Otherwise, you might end up with an orange crush made with gin—oops!) We offer a variety of lighting solutions, including venue lighting and mobile Edison string lights.

Our Favorite Solution: Battery-Charged White Bar Top Lights – you can order these online, or we can provide them for you as a rental.

Add on Bar Lights To Your Wedding Bar Service

  • $50 for 4 (2 for front bar, 2 for back bar)
  • $35 for 2 (both for front bar)

OR

Purchase these cordless lights for your wedding bar here:

*We earn a small commission if you purchase these lights, which helps support our small business. We only recommend things we love, so we hope this helps!

 

Custom Bar Menus

We work with talented artists like Kate Slayton Lettering and Lucky Kat Designs to create custom menu designs that match your wedding theme. If you prefer a fully custom menu, send us examples of bar signage you love, and we’ll provide a quote.

Pictured Below – a custom signature cocktail menu from Kate Slayton Lettering, featuring beautiful bar florals from Three Little Buds. 

Photo By: Lisa K Photography

Coffee and Cold Brew Station

We get a lot of requests for espresso martinis, but did you know we offer coffee bar packages as well? Our commercial-grade equipment can brew fresh coffee, hot cider, and hot chocolate. This package includes a custom coffee bar menu, creamers, non-dairy options, custom-color cups with lids, stirrers, and cold brew.

Pictured below: coffee bar set up by Chesapeake Bartenders for a Galentine-themed bridal shower at 1631 Venue on Kent Island

Florals

My most favorite wedding bars contain some element of florals. After all, florals are a significant part of your reception aesthetic, but I rarely see couple’s adding floral to the bar. I highly recommend doing so, along with these tips for adding flowers or greenery to your wedding bar:

  • Opt for a petite floral accent for the bar (big florals take away from surface area the bartenders need to build drinks)
  • As pictured below in a creation from Three Little Buds Floral of Maryland, add a gorgeous floral cloud down the side of the front serving bar. This ensures the floral is not in the way of the bartender, but makes for a stunning bar facade
  • Include small accent tables flanking the front of the bar with small floral arrangements


How to Avoid Long Bar Lines at Your Wedding

The busiest time for our bartenders is right when the bar opens—either at cocktail hour or the main reception. Why does this happen? Everyone makes a beeline for the bar, and a line forms quickly. While our bartenders are talented and fast, there are several factors that impact how quickly we can get a drink in everyone’s hands.

It’s really important to set the right expectations, and we want to be fully transparent so you receive the seamless wedding bar service you envision.

Avoid Complex Craft Cocktails During Cocktail Hour

I get a LOT of pushback on this one, but as someone with two decades of experience, I’ve seen this scenario play out countless times:

His signature drink is an old fashioned, and hers is an espresso martini. These drinks are meaningful because they were what they ordered on their first date, so naturally, they want them featured as their signature drinks. The problem? Both drinks take about three times as long to prepare compared to pouring wine or opening a bottle of beer. This slows the bar service significantly.

Does This Mean You Can’t Have Signature Drinks During Cocktail Hour?

Absolutely not! This is YOUR day, and we’re here to bring your vision to life. However, if you want more complex cocktails during cocktail hour, we’ll need to work together to make sure we have the right resources.

Our Solutions for Minimizing Bar Lines

  • Additional Staff:
    Yes, there is an added cost, but it makes all the difference. To execute a cocktail-heavy menu efficiently, we recommend adding a barback and/or another bartender to float through the cocktail hour with a tray of pre-poured drinks. This reduces pressure on the main bar and keeps the line moving.

  • Pre-Poured Cocktails:
    This is a fantastic option for mojitos, margaritas, rocks-style drinks, and martinis. Our team can begin prepping your signature drinks about 20 minutes before the bar opens to ensure they’re ready to go when guests arrive.

Why Beer and Wine-Only Cocktail Hours Are a Great Option

In my experience, many couples opt for beer and wine only during cocktail hour to avoid the stress of long lines. Beer and wine are the fastest drinks to serve, allowing bartenders to work efficiently and serve more guests in less time.


Cocktail Hour and Main Reception in Different Locations

It’s common for cocktail hour to be in a separate location—outdoor patios, porticos, or other areas separate from the main reception bar. While this is a great way to use different spaces, it does require some extra planning.

  • Set-Up Time: We essentially set up two bars instead of one, delivering ice, alcohol, and supplies to both locations.
  • Bar Back Support: A barback ensures smooth transitions between bars by moving ice, alcohol, and equipment while the bartender serves guests.
  • Glassware: If you’re opting for glassware instead of plastic, we’ll need additional tables to store it.

Trash Removal: What You Need to Know

Trash removal is often misunderstood. Our team is usually the last to leave, and if catering companies leave trash behind, guests may expect us to clean it up. Unfortunately, this is not a standard part of our service (though we do offer it as an add-on).

Key Considerations:

  • Is the catering company taking their trash upon departure? Get this in writing.
  • What are the venue’s rules for trash and recycling? Please share this information with our team.
  • Are caterers proactively clearing tables? This helps prevent buildup.
  • Will there be trash cans at the bar? If not, we rent trash cans for $25 (includes two cans + bags).
  • Off-Site Trash Removal: Available upon request; we send special vehicles for this service.

Water Station: Keep Your Guests Hydrated

Having enough water is crucial, especially for outdoor or summer weddings. Here’s how to ensure your guests stay hydrated:

  • Filtered Water: Included in our classic wedding bar package for guests passing by the bar before the ceremony.
  • Self-Serve Water Station: We can set up a station near the bar that bartenders will replenish throughout the evening.
  • Tin Bins with Bottled Water: A great grab-and-go option.

Rain Contingency Plan

If your cocktail hour or reception is outdoors, have a solid rain contingency plan. This includes protection from wind, as items like menus, cups, and garnishes can easily blow away without proper shelter.


Final Thoughts

Effective communication is key to a successful wedding bar experience. Our team wants to help make your wedding day seamless, beautiful, and stress-free. If you have any questions or special requests, don’t hesitate to reach out.

> Request a wedding bar quote here 

Happy Wedding Planning!


—Courtney


This 2024 holiday season gift guide is for those who love to drink (and make) excellent cocktails. While going out to one’s favorite bar is fun, sometimes staying in and showing off mixology mastering is even more fun and rewarding. If you immediately thought of someone who fits the description and you have not figured out what to gift them this holiday season, read on. There is something for everyone who loves to mix and sip delicious cocktails at a variety of price points below.

How did we create this list? Well, we are professional bartenders after all, so we have tested A LOT of bartending tools, ingredients and supplies. Some are great, some are “meh” and some just did not impress us. This list was inspired by the items we love and think other cocktail enthusiasts will love as well! We do earn a (very) small commission for any purchases resulting from clicking on the links below. We appreciate your support as it helps our small business a lot.

Happy shopping!


Cocktail Gifts Under $20

 

Craft Mix Cocktail Mixers

Price: $14.99

Why We Love Them: 

These ready-to-make cocktail mixers pass the taste test! They make great stocking stuffers and require MINIMAL effort to whip up a great cocktail (or mocktail). You can grab individually-sized  mixer packets that are perfect grab and go options when you don’t have time to whip out a bartending kit and build a cocktail the traditional way. There are so many cocktail types to choose from, so you cannot go wrong. My favorite is “Strawberry Mule”


At Home Bartender Book

Price: $11.27+

Why We Love It: 

Ask any bartender what book they bought when they started bartending (okay maybe I am dating myself here?). When I started bartending, decades ago, I had the little black book of bartending – which came in handy many times when I was behind the bar. For cocktail enthusiasts, part of the fun is learning new cocktails and making them for friends! Learn how to dry shake egg whites (yes eggwhites!), how to make simple syrup, how to make the classic Old Fashioned, etc. Plus, this book caters to “at home” bartenders and relies on minimal ingredients. It is available in a variety of formats, from Audible to a hardcover version. What’s not to love?


Sphere and Square Ice Cube Trays

Price: $15+

Why We Love Them:

Cocktail enthusiasts who pride themselves on making great drinks will love the ability to make fancy ice at home for that old fashioned or rocks drink. Why? It’s the way the professionals serve them! And it adds that refined flare at home that you would get in a fancy cocktail bar. Coming in at under $20, these cocktail ice trays are a must for those who love bourbon, old fashioned cocktails and spirits on the rocks.


Blue Henry Dehydrated Oranges 

Price: $14.95

Why We Love Them:

Dehydrated oranges, lemons, limes and fruits make a cocktail look professionally-made. There is just something gorgeous about a cocktail with the right garnish. Now here’s the best part. Blue Henry is located in Maryland (where we are headquartered) and we discovered them a few years ago when looking for garnishes for our seasonal cocktail kits. The company’s dehydrated garnishes are all natural with NO additives. Personally, I love that and the high quality of Blue Henry’s entire line. The owner is a gem, and you’ll be supporting a small business when purchasing their products (which is pretty cool!). They have an entire line of garnishes, so be sure to check them out!


Mixology Gifts Under $50

 

At Home Bartending Kit

Price: $34.99

Why We Love It:

Every cocktail enthusiast needs a GREAT bartending kit. From the cocktail spoon to the muddler and the shaker to the jigger – great tools make great drinks. There are a ton of bartending kits for sale online, but this one is a favorite for our team. Our bartenders are required to have their own bartending kits, and this is our go to. The quality of this kit for the price point is fantastic. Personally, I love the shaker. It has a great seal when shaking drinks, which is important!


Whiskey and Old Fashioned Glass Set

Price: $27+

Why We Love This Set:

Cocktails taste better when they are paired with their ideal glass. Sours go in coup glasses, mixed drinks in Collins glasses and Old Fashioned’s belong in a beautiful rocks glass. This set of 4 looks elegant (especially when paired with the sphere/square ice cubes we recommended above). We have this exact set and use them often in our styled shoots because the glasses are beautiful.


Woodford Reserve Bitters Kit

Price: $25+

Why We Love It:

In our humble opinion, having assorted bitters are a staple ingredient at any home bar. Of course bitters are a must-use to make a classic old fashioned, but there are so many wonderful cocktails where bitters are necessary. Aperol Spritz? Need bitters. Manhattan? Uses bitters! Negroni? Yes, uses bitters. You get the point. The word “bartender” and “bitters” go together like peanut butter and jelly!


DIY Cocktail Gifts Under $100

 

DO YOUR GIN l DIY Gin-Making Infusion Kit | Cocktail Kit

Price: $59.90

Why We Love It:

I once got this as a gift for someone and THEY LOVED IT. What could be more fun that literally making your own gin? This kit is highly rated due to the high quality inclusions and ease of use. Any gin-enthusiast will enjoy learning about the gin-making process – after all, they can quite literally taste the fruits of their labor!


Premium Cocktail Smoker Set

Price: $99.99

Why We Love It: 

Any cocktail aficionado wants a great cocktail smoker as part of their home bar collection. The presentation is impressive, it looks cool and it tastes incredible. Smoked Old Fashioned anyone? My recommendation is not to go cheap when buying a smoker set. You want a premium set that has high quality ingredients (like this one which features a solid oak smoker top. This kit is super easy to use and comes with a variety of smoking chips (apple, cherry, pecan and oak). This is one of those gifts any bar enthusiast would love to receive!


 

Barillio Bartender Kit Bag with Cocktail Shaker Set

Price: $97

Why We Love It:

This is the ultimate bartending kit – hands down. Instead of buying everything a la carté, this travel-friendly kit has everything a great mixologist needs in one fashionable bag. What won me over about this kit are the peeler, lemon zest tool, mint julep strainer and citrus squeezer. For those who love making craft cocktails, the aforementioned tools are must-haves. Also, the Boston Shaker is one of the highest quality shakers. Oh heck, I love everything about this kit. It literally is the “everything but the kitchen sink” of bartending kits. Cheers!


We hope this list of BEST HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR COCKTAIL LOVERS AND MIXOLOGY ENTHUSIASTS helps with gift ideas this holiday season. As I mentioned before, we have tried a lot of the mixology gifts listed here ourselves and we chose the ones we thought were worthy of sharing and those that offer great quality and value. We are currently working on a gift list for wine lovers, so stay tuned for all things related to wine. Did we miss anything that you think should be on this list? If so, please drop a comment below so we can check it out. Happy shopping and as always, CHEERS!

 

 – Courtney 

It’s beginning to look a lot like…THE HOLIDAYS! Now I don’t know about you, but this time of year is one of my favorites. From Christmas parties to family gatherings, the more holiday cheer, the better. Each year, the Chesapeake Bartenders team curates a list of customized, festive cocktails and mocktails that we serve during corporate holiday parties, Christmas parties and various events. Below you will find a list of fun, crafty and unique cocktail ideas that check all the “holiday cheer” boxes. I hope you enjoy these recipes, please let me know if you make them in the comments below. Also, we have included some links to Amazon products we use regularly in our bartending services and at home when making up signature drink menus – we earn a very small commission if you purchase items based on the included links (which really help support our business).

Cheers!

Courtney


Smoked Cinnamon Old Fashioned

A sophisticated twist on the classic Old Fashioned with a smoky cinnamon flair.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon
  • 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup (made by simmering cinnamon sticks with sugar and water or you can buy Monin cinnamon syrup)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Cinnamon stick (for smoking) – you can light this with a lighter and then blow out the flame, or use a cocktail smoker and dome
  • Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass, combine whiskey, cinnamon syrup, and bitters with ice.
  2. Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
  3. To create smoke, light the cinnamon stick with a torch until it starts to smolder. Place it under a glass dome or cover it with a rocks glass to trap the smoke.
  4. Once the glass has filled with smoke, lift the dome or glass and garnish with the smoked cinnamon stick and orange peel.

Tip: The cinnamon syrup can be made in advance by simmering cinnamon sticks with equal parts water and sugar until the syrup is infused with the spice.

*You can also do it the easy/fast way and buy Monin Syrup from Amazon which is what I do!

 


2. Fig & Sage Sour

A unique, herbaceous, and fruity twist on a classic whiskey sour, featuring fig and fresh sage.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz fig syrup (made by simmering dried figs with water and sugar or purchase an already made fig syrup like the one I use here)
  • 1/4 oz simple syrup
  • 1 egg white
  • Fresh sage leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine bourbon, lemon juice, fig syrup, simple syrup, and egg white.
  2. Dry shake (shake without ice) to emulsify the egg white and create foam.
  3. Add ice and shake again until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a fresh sage leaf.

Tip: If you want a more pronounced sage flavor, you can lightly muddle the sage leaves in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.


3. Maple-Pecan Butter Sour

A rich and decadent cocktail combining the flavors of maple syrup, pecans, and bourbon, with a buttery mouthfeel.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 3/4 oz maple syrup
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz pecan butter (blend toasted pecans with a bit of oil to make a smooth paste)
  • 1 egg white
  • Toasted pecans for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, pecan butter, and egg white.
  2. Dry shake first to emulsify the egg white and pecan butter.
  3. Add ice and shake vigorously to chill.
  4. Double strain into a coupe glass and garnish with toasted pecans on top or around the rim.

Tip: You can create your own pecan butter by blending toasted pecans with a small amount of vegetable oil or neutral oil until smooth and creamy.

Easy/Fast Tip: Use this pre-made pecan syrup in lieu of the homemade version


4. Mulled Wine Negroni

A holiday twist on the classic Negroni, incorporating mulled wine flavors for a spiced and aromatic cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz gin
  • 1 oz Campari
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2 oz mulled wine (warm red wine simmered with cloves, cinnamon, and orange peel)
  • Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass, combine gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and mulled wine.
  2. Add ice and stir gently to combine.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
  4. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Tip: To make mulled wine, simmer red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, along with orange slices and a bit of sugar. Strain before using it in cocktails.


5. Winter Spice Highball

An elevated highball cocktail that combines the spiciness of rye whiskey with the bright flavors of ginger beer and citrus.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz rye whiskey
  • 1/2 oz ginger syrup (make a spiced ginger syrup with ginger root, sugar, and water)
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • Club soda
  • Fresh thyme and crystallized ginger for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass, combine rye whiskey, ginger syrup, and lemon juice.
  2. Add ice and stir to chill.
  3. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice and top with club soda.
  4. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and a piece of crystallized ginger.

Tip: For a stronger ginger flavor, you can muddle fresh ginger in the shaker before adding the liquids.

Easy/Fast Tip: Use this Monin ginger syrup instead of the DIY version. Trust me, it works really well!


6. Cranberry Sage Julep

A holiday twist on the traditional Mint Julep, featuring tart cranberry and aromatic sage.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/4 oz cranberry syrup (made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and water)
  • 1/4 oz simple syrup
  • 4-5 fresh sage leaves
  • Crushed ice
  • Fresh cranberries and sage sprig for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a julep cup or glass, muddle the sage leaves with cranberry syrup and simple syrup.
  2. Fill the cup with crushed ice, then pour in the bourbon.
  3. Stir well to chill and combine.
  4. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of sage.

Tip: For an extra touch of flavor, lightly torch the sage leaves before garnishing to release the oils and add a smoky aroma.


These crafted cocktails are perfect for elevating your holiday menu with complexity and creativity. They incorporate techniques such as smoking, shaking, and muddling, along with seasonal ingredients that will surely impress guests at your events. Don’t feel like making these drinks, and prefer our team of certified bartenders does it for you?

* some products contain affiliate links and we earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Request a Quote Today! 

As the days grow shorter and Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect time to shake up your cocktail game with drinks that embody the dark and mysterious vibes of fall. Whether you’re hosting a spooky gathering with friends, a Halloween-themed corporate event, or just enjoying a cozy night in, these Halloween and fall-inspired cocktails will cast a delicious spell on your taste buds. From the eerie allure of blackberry liqueur and smokey mezcal to the warm embrace of tequila and bourbon, these drinks will have you sipping your way into the spirit of the season. The best part? You don’t have to be a mixologist or experienced bartender to build these drinks. Just follow the recipes below and leave a comment letting us know how they turned out!

Perhaps our most favorite part of being event bartenders for hire in the greater DC area, is the opportunity to create custom cocktails and curate beverage menus for themed corporate events, weddings and of course fall/Halloween parties. We love getting creative and coming up with Halloween and fall-inspired cocktails based on our decades of experience in hospitality, restaurants and hotels. We had so much fun creating this year’s Halloween-themed cocktail recipe list and hope you and your guests enjoy them too.

Here are six unique cocktail recipes that blend rich flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a hint of mystery to make your fall festivities truly magical.


1. Sanderson Sisters’ Sangria

Channel the enchanting magic of the Sanderson sisters with this rich and flavorful sangria. Dark red wine combined with the sweetness of blackcurrant liqueur, the tartness of pomegranate juice, and the burst of blackberries creates a mystical potion fit for a spellbinding soirée.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle (750ml) dark red wine (Malbec, Shiraz, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1/4 cup Crème de Cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)
  • 1/4 cup Brandy
  • 1/4 cup Freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 cup Pomegranate juice
  • 1/4 cup Simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 Orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 Lime, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Blackberries
  • 1/2 cup Pomegranate arils
  • 1-2 cups Club soda (optional, for a little fizz)
  • Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
  • Black sugar (for rimming glasses, optional)

Directions:

  1. In a large pitcher, combine the dark red wine, Crème de Cassis, brandy, orange juice, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup. Stir to combine.
  2. Add the orange slices, lime slices, blackberries, and pomegranate arils. Let the mixture sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.
  3. Before serving, stir in club soda for a little fizz (optional).
  4. Rim glasses with black sugar if desired, and serve over ice with a cinnamon stick for garnish.

2. Nevermore Nightcap

Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s mysterious works, this rich, espresso-infused cocktail will be your perfect nightcap. The bitter complexity of Averna Amaro, the smooth sweetness of Kahlua, and the frothy egg white make for a bold yet balanced drink that pairs well with dark literature. So grab your favorite Poe literary work, shake up your Nevermore Nightcap and enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Averna Amaro
  • 1 oz Fresh espresso (cooled)
  • 3/4 oz Kahlua (coffee liqueur)
  • 1/2 oz Simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 2 dashes Orange bitters
  • 1 dash Chocolate bitters
  • 1 Egg white (optional, for froth)
  • Coffee beans or chocolate shaving for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a shaker, combine the Averna, espresso, Kahlua, simple syrup, and both bitters.
  2. If you are using egg white, Dry shake (without ice) the egg white for 10-15 seconds (this is what builds froth), then add ice and shake again until chilled.
  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with coffee beans or a chocolate shaving.

Tip: If you are not keen on adding egg whites to this cocktail, the recipe stands on its own without them. However, egg whites add a wonderful velvety consistency that really brings the cocktail together and offers a beautiful presentation as well. Dry shaking simply refers to shaking the egg whites in a martini shaker without ice or any other ingredients. Once you have done that, you can add ice and the rest of the ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain the ingredients into a martini or coup glass. The egg whites will be the last ingredients out of the shaker, making the perfect top layer of the cocktail. For a vegan option, you can try aquafaba.


3. Bellatrix’s Blood Orange Bliss

This cocktail inspired by Bellatrix Lestrange has a wickedly beautiful color and a delicious mix of bitter, sweet, and sparkling elements. With Aperol, blood orange syrup, and Prosecco, this is the perfect drink to toast to the darker side of Halloween.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz Blood orange simple syrup (see below to make it yourself or substitute Monin Blood Orange syrup)
  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 2 dashes Orange bitters
  • Black sugar rim or blackberries for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine Aperol, blood orange simple syrup, and orange bitters. Shake well.
  2. Strain into a chilled flute or coupe glass.
  3. Top with Prosecco and garnish with blackberries or a black sugar rim for an extra spooky touch.

4. Hocus Pocus Potion

With the magic of autumn in every sip, this cocktail blends crisp apple schnapps, bourbon, and ginger to create a drink that’s perfect for fall. Whether you choose sparkling water for a light touch or ginger beer for extra warmth, this potion will leave your guests spellbound.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Apple Schnapps
  • 1 oz Bourbon
  • 1/2 oz Ginger liqueur (or Monin ginger simple syrup)
  • 1/2 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • 2 oz Sparkling water (or ginger beer for extra spice)
  • 1 dash Angostura bitters (optional)
  • Apple slices or candied ginger for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine apple schnapps, bourbon, ginger liqueur, and lemon juice. Shake well.
  2. Strain into a glass filled with ice, then top with sparkling water or ginger beer.
  3. Garnish with apple slices or candied ginger.

5. The Raven’s Revenge

Dark, mysterious, and beautiful, this gin-based martini draws inspiration from “The Raven.” The use of Empress Gin brings a purple hue that, when combined with blackberry puree and Crème de Cassis, creates a deep, dramatic cocktail perfect for Halloween.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Empress Gin (purple gin)
  • 3/4 oz Crème de Cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)
  • 1 oz Blackberry puree (or muddled blackberries)
  • 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz Simple syrup
  • 1 drop all-natural black food coloring (optional)
  • Edible glitter (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine Empress Gin, Crème de Cassis, blackberry puree, lemon juice, simple syrup, and black food coloring.
  2. Shake until well-chilled and strain into a martini glass.
  3. Garnish with a skewer of blackberries.

6. Hexed Cocktail

Looking for a tequila cocktail with a fall twist? The Hexed Cocktail combines the smoky warmth of Reposado tequila with the tart freshness of grapefruit and a hint of cinnamon. Perfectly balanced, this craft cocktail is neither too sweet nor too boozy, making it a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Reposado Tequila
  • 1 oz Fresh grapefruit juice (preferably ruby red)
  • 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 oz Cinnamon simple syrup
  • 1/4 oz Honey syrup or Monin Honey Syrup (optional)
  • 2 dashes Orange bitters
  • Cinnamon stick and grapefruit twist for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine reposado tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, cinnamon simple syrup, honey syrup, and orange bitters.
  2. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass over ice.
  3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a grapefruit twist.

This Halloween, impress your guests with these hauntingly delicious cocktails. From the dramatic Raven’s Revenge to the sweet and spiced Hexed Cocktail, these drinks are sure to leave a lasting impression. Perfect for cozy fall evenings or a spooky celebration, each recipe has its own bewitching charm. Cheers to a hauntingly good season!