A cocktail bar at an event needs more than a basic wine and beer setup. This checklist covers ice, bar tools, glassware and bar furniture so the bar functions properly on the night.
A cocktail bar at an event needs more than a basic wine and beer setup. This checklist covers ice, bar tools, glassware and bar furniture so the bar functions properly on the night.
A cocktail bar at an event needs more gear than a standard wine and beer setup. The difference comes down to ice, bar tools, and glassware. Get these three right and the bar will run well. Miss any of them and the bartenders will improvise throughout the night. Sourcing the right cocktail bar equipment hire prevents service delays and keeps drinks flowing.
Ice ranks as the most important item at a drinks station and the most frequently underestimated. A single drink takes around 200 to 300 grams of ice between the shaker and the glass. At a two-hour event with 100 guests, each having two drinks, that totals 40 to 60kg of ice just for mixing. Factor in ice buckets for bottles, presentation, and waste. Double the number you first think of. Use a commercial ice chest or a hired bar fridge to keep ice accessible but cold throughout the event. The bar equipment hire category features commercial ice chests, speed wells, and key barware items.
For a working setup, the minimum kit per bartender includes a shaker, a jigger, a hawthorne strainer, and a fine strainer for cloudy citrus drinks. Add a bar spoon and a muddler for mojitos or old fashioneds. Channel knives or a Y-peeler handle garnishes. Serving more than two or three drink types requires duplicates of the tools that cause bottlenecks. Jiggers and shakers become the usual slowdowns during busy periods.
The glass shapes you need depend on the menu. Martini or coupe glasses suit stirred drinks such as Negronis, Manhattans, and Cosmos. Highball glasses work for built drinks with mixers, including Mojitos, Collins, and Aperol Spritz. Rocks glasses hold short drinks over a large ice cube. Running a single-menu bar with one signature drink simplifies both the order and the service.
Order 2.5 glasses per guest for a standard reception. This accounts for breakages, glasses left behind on tables, and the speed at which guests lose track of their drink at busy events. Browse the full glassware hire category or the specific cocktail glass hire section for available styles. Expo Hire includes a "Send It Back Dirty" service, meaning you return all items unwashed after the event. You also get a free minor damage waiver on every order, covering accidental breakages.
The physical bar setup needs to work for both the bartenders and the guests. A hired bar unit or cocktail counter gives bartenders a flat work surface at the right height. These units feature space for bottles, tools, and ice below the counter. Bar stools on the guest side suit events where attendees want to sit and chat while they drink. Poseur tables in the surrounding area let guests set down drinks and socialise without needing a seat. The bar furniture hire section includes bar units, bottle shelving, and back-bar display options. No security deposit applies to these high-value items, keeping your upfront costs low.
A few items get missed in initial planning. Garnish trays keep citrus, herbs, and other additions accessible and clean throughout the event. Two waste bins under the bar separate ice from other waste, keeping the workspace tidy and safe. Bar mats protect the counter and catch drips. Speed pourers on spirits bottles speed up service during busy periods without the need for constant re-measuring.
Running a long event means planning for the bar team to restock mid-way through. Leave enough space behind the bar to store a second round of bottles, ice bags, and garnishes so service continues without a pause. You can also add catering equipment hire for food service alongside the drinks.
Securing your cocktail bar equipment hire takes just a few clicks. All prices display live on the site, allowing you to budget accurately without waiting for a quote. Delivery starts from £40 ex-VAT, calculated by road distance from the nearest depot. You can also collect directly from the Birmingham warehouse Monday to Friday between 7am and 3pm. Stock levels update in real time. Select your hire dates to check availability and confirm your order online.
Choose from our vast range of catering hire, furniture hire and exhibition hire products. Select from the categories listed below or use our great search function above.
