Journal
Notes from
behind the bar.
Planning guides, recipes and straight answers for hosts, event planners and producers.
How to Hire a Private Bartender in Los Angeles
A host's checklist for hiring a private bartender in Los Angeles: what to ask, what should be included, insurance, timing, and the questions that separate a professional bar service from a person with a shaker.
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What Does a Private Bartender Cost in Los Angeles?
What decides the cost of a private bartender or bar service in Los Angeles: guest count, hours, the menu, the bar itself, location and access, and how to read a quote so you can compare like with like.
How Many Bartenders and How Much Alcohol Do You Need?
Simple rules of thumb for party planning: how many bartenders per guest, how many drinks to plan for, how much wine, spirits, champagne and ice to buy for 50, 100 or 150 guests.
The Champagne Tower: How Many Glasses, How Much Champagne
How to plan a champagne tower for a wedding or party: the number of coupe glasses per tier, how many bottles to pour, the table you need, and how to build it so it actually works.
Bar Service for Studios, Premieres and Brand Events
What production companies, studios and brand teams should expect from an event bar vendor in Los Angeles: insurance certificates, load-in, branded menus, discretion, and a brief template you can send today.
Signature Wedding Cocktails: How to Choose Yours
How to choose signature cocktails for a wedding: how many to offer, balancing the two of you, matching drinks to season and setting, and ideas for vineyard, beach and estate weddings in Southern California.
Passion Fruit Sour: The Recipe, and How to Batch It for a Party
A passion fruit sour (maracuyá sour) recipe with pisco, fresh passion fruit, lime and a silk foam, plus a batch version for twelve guests and a spirit-free variation.
A Spirit-Free Bar for Wellness Events and Retreats
How to plan a non-alcoholic bar for a wellness event, retreat or daytime gathering: what to serve, how to make it feel like a real bar, and the details guests with dietary needs will notice.