A Host’s Guide to Beverage Catering Services in Los Angeles
Beverage catering plays a major role in shaping the guest experience at any event—whether it’s a wedding, a corporate gathering, or a private celebration. Offering more than just drinks, a well-curated beverage service can reinforce your event’s tone, theme, and overall quality. This guide breaks down what beverage catering includes, how it works, and what to consider when hiring a beverage catering company.
What Is Beverage Catering?
Beverage catering refers to the professional preparation, presentation, and service of drinks—alcoholic and non-alcoholic—at events. It includes everything from planning a drink menu and providing bartenders to supplying glassware, mixers, garnishes, and even necessary permits. While food catering focuses on meals, beverage catering ensures your guests stay refreshed, social, and engaged throughout your event.
Many beverage catering providers, such as Crateful Catering, offer both full-service food and beverage packages, making it easier to manage all aspects of hospitality with one cohesive team.
Types of Beverage Catering Services
Beverage catering can vary based on the level of service and the nature of the event. Here are the most common service types:
| Service Type | Includes |
|---|---|
| Hosted Bar | All drinks are paid for by the event host; guests enjoy an open bar. |
| Cash Bar | Guests purchase their own drinks; bartenders handle service. |
| Limited Bar | A pre-selected drink menu is offered—often beer, wine, and a few cocktails. |
| Dry Bar + Bartending Only | Bartenders provided, but clients supply their own alcohol. |
| Soft Drink & Mocktail Bar | Non-alcoholic drinks served with flair—ideal for family or wellness events. |
Event planners often choose hosted bars for weddings and galas, while dry bars and limited options are more budget-conscious or casual alternatives.
What’s Included in a Full-Service Beverage Catering Package?
A professional beverage caterer typically provides:
Bartending staff (licensed and experienced)
Menu consultation
Beverage supply and ordering (if permitted by law)
Mixers, syrups, and garnishes
Glassware or disposable drinkware
Bar setups (portable bars, cocktail stations)
Serving permits and insurance support
Some providers also offer mixology services, like custom cocktails, cocktail “graffiti,” and interactive drink stations. Crateful Catering, for instance, specializes in elevated mixology that pairs with their culinary offerings, delivering both flavor and presentation.
Beverage Planning Based on Event Type
Weddings
Weddings often involve multiple drink services—cocktail hour, dinner, and late-night pours. The focus is typically on:
Champagne or sparkling wine for toasts
Signature cocktails representing the couple
Red and white wines with dinner
Light spirits and mixers for general service
Planning tips:
Consider flow: cocktail hour should have quick-serve options to avoid crowding.
Offer at least one non-alcoholic signature option for inclusivity.
Factor in venue restrictions or alcohol policies.
Corporate Events
Corporate gatherings demand reliable, polished service. Goals often include minimal disruption, light social engagement, and brand alignment.
Suggested setup:
Limited bar with beer, wine, and two signature drinks
Water and mocktail station for non-drinkers
Optional branded elements (e.g., custom napkins or drink names)
Private Parties
Celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or home-based events allow for more creativity.
Ideas include:
Seasonal cocktail menu (e.g., summer spritzers or winter toddies)
Self-serve stations with mix-and-match options
Custom drink garnishes or live mixology displays
Key Considerations When Hiring a Beverage Caterer
1. Staffing Ratios
A general guideline is one bartender per 50–75 guests, depending on complexity. High-volume or cocktail-heavy menus may require additional staff to prevent delays.
2. Permits & Licensing
Depending on your venue and location, alcohol service may require a catering license, ABC permit, or liquor liability insurance. A qualified beverage caterer will handle these legal requirements and help avoid issues during your event.
3. Menu Design
Balance is important. A strong beverage menu includes:
Two signature cocktails
One red and one white wine
A local or craft beer option
At least one elegant mocktail
Still and sparkling water
Avoid overly complex menus that slow down service or confuse guests. Work with your caterer to design offerings that reflect your event theme and guest preferences.
4. Budgeting
Costs can vary widely based on the number of guests, service duration, and beverage selection. While we’re not listing exact prices, it’s good practice to:
Set a per-person beverage budget
Determine if you’re covering all alcohol or just certain types
Compare package options vs. à la carte selections
Providers like Crateful offer custom packages based on duration and level of service, helping clients stay within budget while delivering a high-quality experience.
Beverage Trends to Consider in 2025
Keeping up with trends can make your event feel modern and thoughtfully planned. Here are a few gaining popularity:
✦ Signature Mocktails
As more guests reduce alcohol consumption, creative non-alcoholic options—like cucumber elderflower coolers or hibiscus iced tea spritzers—are in high demand.
✦ Sustainable Ingredients
Sourcing locally, using reusable glassware, and limiting waste through efficient batching are important to many modern hosts.
✦ Themed Stations
Interactive setups like DIY mimosa bars, whiskey tastings, or garnish-your-own cocktails provide entertainment and customization.
✦ Infused Ice and Edible Garnishes
Bartenders now use ice as a design element—frozen herbs or fruit within cubes, or crystal-clear spheres for elegant presentation.
✦ Cocktail Graffiti & Molecular Mixology
Crateful Catering incorporates visual artistry into drinks through edible images and foams—perfect for events that prioritize detail and innovation.
Questions to Ask Your Beverage Caterer
Before booking a service, get clarity with these essential questions:
Are your bartenders certified and insured?
Do you provide all necessary glassware and bar tools?
Can you customize a drink menu for our event?
Are permits included in your services?
What’s your process for setup and breakdown?
How do you handle underage guests or over-consumption?
These questions help ensure transparency and align expectations well before the event date.
Final Thoughts
Planning a successful event comes down to the details—and beverage service is one detail that can’t be overlooked. When everything is done right, guests enjoy a smooth, memorable experience with drinks that feel thoughtfully chosen rather than just stocked.
If you're organizing an event in Los Angeles or anywhere nearby, working with a provider like Crateful Catering means you’re not just serving beverages—you’re offering a curated experience. From seasonal flavors to signature cocktails, beverage catering done well is less about pouring and more about hospitality.
