Specialty Bartenders Add Flair
Looking for something a little special for your reception? Something beyond “the usual” that will really make an impression with your guests? Maybe you should consider mixing it up.
Shaken and stirred.
Any bartender can make a gin and tonic, but fewer and fewer know how to make classics like the Sidecar, Old Fashioned and Manhattan. Perhaps that’s why specialty bartenders have been experiencing such resurgence in recent years, and why hiring one for your wedding day is a great way to “wow” the liquor aficionados in attendance.
Go over your guest list and consider your own tastes, and think about what kind of drinkers you’re inviting. If it’s a mostly wine-with-dinner crowd, all you need are the standard bartenders provided by your caterer. Even if Dad’s a big martini fan, your open-bar service can take care of his needs. Where specialty bartenders come in handy is if you want a mixologist: Typically a bartender who specializes in fabulous, custom-made drinks, often of the pre-prohibition variety. These bartenders are like chefs who wince when you ask for your steak well-done. They’re especially great if you’d like a signature cocktail for your big day—discuss with them what kind of drinks you like, and they’ll take care of the rest.
Shake it up.
Some specialty bartenders are as concerned with balancing bottles as they are balancing ingredients. If you’ve seen “Cocktail,” you also know about the fancy, acrobatic bartenders who love the technique as much as what’s in the glass. They’ll twirl bottle high in the air and balance glasses on their head while serving—no sneaking a few shots for these pros. While the cocktails they juggle will taste great, their energetic performances are more akin to theater than food service.
Lush life.
Both types of bartenders are a blast: Mixologists work wonders at formal affairs; physical bartenders are great for summers and anywhere with a large reception site with plenty of room to show off. In either case they are often hired in addition to a standard bartender, and considered part of the entertainment. Many couples have them dazzle the crowd for a small period of time, like towards the end of dinner or during dessert, and allow the regular bartenders to serve up wine, beer and more common drinks throughout the evening.
Since caterers don’t generally have specialty bartenders, you will probably need to hire them separately. (Some catering companies don’t require you use their bartenders—some do.) A good specialty bartender is going to cost you around $300 a night (this varies depending on where you live, etc), so plan accordingly. He should be tipped between 15-20%, knowing not to accept tips from guests. Also, you should provide him with a meal and give him ample break time.
Specialty bartenders are easy to find with a quick Google search, through your caterer, through your site, and, of course, through your friends. If you love the way a local establishment makes drinks, call them up and ask if some of their staff can be hired for the evening. Then sit back, and have a drink and relax.