How to save on the bar

Saving on the bar, doesn't have to be as tricky as some brides and clients make it.

1.   Creating a specialty drink can stretch pricey liquors.  The same bottle of Vodka can make 50 martini's, but only 25 Vodka tonics, which though taste good, are not as festive or fun. Make sure to create a virgin look a like for your younger guests and non-drinkers so they can participate too.  Distinguish with the garnish.  Specialty drinks are the best, why, the bar tenders can make a big batch and just pour them into the individual glasses when they are needed.

2.  Trim the cost of a full bar by skimping, using a less expensive maker of (or even foregoing) on the least requested spirits such as scotch,  bourbon, rum or tequila. If you have lots of older guests, skipping the scotch or bourbon is not a good idea.

3.   Instead of a champagne toast, have guests toast using whatever they are drinking.

4.  Ditch hard liquor altogether and just have beer and wine.  Select regional wines and some local ales.

5.  You can get away with using cheaper wines by serving sangria.  The trick??? For red wine: use apples, plums, grapes and citrus fruits with brandy, and triple sec.  For white wines: green grapes, kiwi, green melon, pears, and triple sec.

6.  Shrink your rental bill by using all purpose glass ware such as stemless wine glasses for all beverages.

7.  Tell staff to ask before re-filling glasses or clearing 1/2 consumed beverages.

8.  Consider the handiest communal method: the punch bowl.  Its retro and cheap, but can get your guests into a lot of trouble.   

 The choco/coconut Mounds Specialty  Drink

individual drink:  equal parts of the following into a martini shaker.  Shake and pour over blue sugar rimmed glass.

coconut vodka
white chocolate liqueur
Blue Curacao liqueur

each glass can have up to 3 dry ice pellets.  Add the dry ice into a dry ice stir stick called a Mysti-stick.   Yes it's safe in small quantities.  Do Not Touch the ice using your fingers.   Dry ice pellets melt fast.  Get 3-4 times the amount you think you need. i.e. 50 people, get 35 pounds, in the winter and 50 pounds in the summer. Additionally, you'll have to store in a freezer.