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What should be on my bar tab?

The Most Common Question: Should I Include Spirits on My Bar Tab?

A free drink is a free drink right… so why should it matter what is on your tab?

A good bar tab generally consists of at least beer, wine, champagne, spirits and soft drinks/juices.  If you’re counting your pennies, you may be inclined to omit spirits and settle for just beer, wine & champagne.

There are both benefits and disadvantages to both these option; consider the following:

Although sticking to just beer and wine may satisfy both sexes amongst your guests, beer is often primarily consumed by the male guests while wine or champ is consumed predominantly by females.*  In contrast, Spirits are universally consumed by both sexes across all age groups and some guests will be buying their own spirits anyway if they are not beer or wine drinkers.  It also offers more choice to your guests, particularly those who may not be avid beer or wine drinkers.

The inclusion of spirits (from my personal experience) can sometimes also get your party energized and onto the dance floor much quicker than if you just had beer and wine on the tab.

Will spirits effect my bar tab amount?

However, bar tabs may occasionally be consumed more rapidly if there are spirits on the tab.  So if you are trying to stretch your dollar, the inclusion of spirits may not always be the best option if your guests are hardcore vodka/scotch drinkers for example.  On the other hand, aiming to stretch out your tab may not be ideal if you have a minimum spend to reach for the night, (as most venues do) since the quicker your guests are drinking, the more likely you are to comfortably meet your minimum spend.

It is also a common misconception that spirits are more expensive than beer or wine.  But with the recent increase in prices of import and boutique beers, house spirits may often work out cheaper – even compared to tap beers on some occasions.  So check prices and compare. 

Managing Spirits on Your Tab

A good compromise may be to start your tab with spirits on it, judge how the bar tab and minimum spend is progressing after the first hour or so, and adjust your tab accordingly at the halfway mark.  Ask your bar manager or function coordinator for regular updates so that you’re not in for any nasty shocks.  Check first to ensure your venue offers this flexibility

So the best plan is work out your budget, put down an allocated amount at the beginning of the night to get everyone going, then assess and modify your bar tab if required as the night progresses.

Fine Wines, Champagne Toasts and Cocktails

Another point to consider: if catering for guests over 30years old, you may have to consider a more refined selection of wines champagnes and beers as the average VB and cheap house wines & house champagnes may not find favor with your guests.   Quality over quantity may be the better option here.  This rule may not apply to 21^sts and 18ths. 

Champagne toasts, cocktails on arrival or a round of shooters at speech time can also be a nice touch if budget allows.

See also “Managing Your Bar Tab” for more information on running a tab for your event.