What is Shake & Gather?

Shake & Gather offers Chicago mobile bar experiences for events, weddings, gallery images, testimonials, and client inquiries across 23 pages.

The Pour Over

Tips, guides & inspiration for your event bar.

Practical advice from Chicago's mobile bartending experts — from calculating how much to buy to planning the perfect holiday cocktail menu.

Article header: a marble bar set with four cocktails, a steel ice bucket holding beer bottles, citrus on a cutting board and a chalkboard party alcohol guide, over an evening city skyline.

PlanningSep 23, 2026

How Much Alcohol Do I Need for a 50-Person Party? A Bartender’s Guide

Planning a 50-person gathering in Chicago? Learn exactly how much alcohol to purchase with this expert guide from the team at Shake & Gather.

Article header: a holiday bar with four cocktails, cranberries, pine needles and pinecones, gold bar tools and a chalkboard holiday cocktail list.

HolidaySep 16, 2026

Elevate Your Chicago Office Party: The Best Holiday Cocktails to Serve

Planning an office holiday party in Chicago? Discover the best cocktail recipes that will impress your team and keep the party flowing smoothly.

Article header: a brunch mimosa bar with juice carafes on a tiered stand, champagne flutes, bowls of berries and a gold ice bucket of champagne, with a tented garden party behind.

BrunchSep 9, 2026

How to Plan the Perfect Brunch Mimosa Bar: A Chicago Bartender’s Guide

Planning a brunch mimosa bar? Learn how to calculate quantities, choose the best juices, and elevate your event with tips from Chicago's Shake & Gather.

Article header: a bar top with cocktails, a copper shaker, citrus garnishes and votive candles, beside a chalkboard listing what affects a mobile bar's cost.

PlanningSep 2, 2026

What Affects the Cost of a Mobile Bar in Chicago?

What does a mobile bar cost in Chicago? Learn what affects pricing, from guest count to packages, and how to get the most value for your event.

Article header: two chalkboards comparing a mobile bar with a venue bar, above a bar counter set with three cocktails, a jigger and a bowl of citrus.

PlanningAug 26, 2026

Mobile Bar vs. Venue Bar: Which Is Right for Your Event?

Comparing a mobile bar to an in-house venue bar? Here's how cost, flexibility and guest experience stack up for Chicago events.

Article header: an outdoor bar counter with cocktails, shakers and candles beside a chalkboard explaining dry-hire bar service, with a tented garden behind.

PlanningAug 19, 2026

What Is a Dry-Hire Bar Service? A Host's Guide

A dry-hire bar means you buy the alcohol and a pro handles the rest. Learn how it works and why it's one of the smartest ways to save on event drinks.

Article header: a bartender shaking a cocktail behind a bar mat holding four drinks, beside a chalkboard event checklist.

TipsAug 12, 2026

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Bartender for Your Event

Hiring a bartender for your wedding or party? Ask these 10 questions first to avoid surprises and find the right mobile bar service.

Article header: a dusk outdoor bar with four cocktails, shakers and a copper bowl of ice and lemons, beside a chalkboard guest guide suggesting bartender counts by guest number.

PlanningAug 5, 2026

How Many Bartenders Do I Need for My Event?

Avoid long bar lines. Use this simple guide to figure out how many bartenders your party, wedding or corporate event needs.

PlanningJul 29, 2026

How Much Alcohol Do I Need for My Party? A Simple Guide

A simple guide to calculating wine, beer, liquor and ice for your party, with a 100-guest example from a Chicago mobile bar team.

Article header: a marble bar with cocktails and a framed signature cocktail sign, beside a chalkboard wedding alcohol guide, with an evening reception and skyline behind.

PlanningJul 22, 2026

How Much Alcohol Do You Need for a Wedding?

Plan your wedding bar with confidence. See exactly how much wine, beer, liquor and champagne to buy for 100 or 150 guests.

Article header: an outdoor evening bar with shakers, a drink dispenser and two cocktails, beside a chalkboard backyard bar essentials checklist.

PlanningJul 15, 2026

How to Plan a Backyard Party Bar in Chicago

Hosting a backyard party in Chicago? Learn how to set up a great outdoor bar, from layout and ice to weather backups and neighbor-friendly tips.

Article header: a dusk outdoor bar with cocktails and bar tools beside a chalkboard party bar checklist.

TipsJul 8, 2026

The Ultimate Party Bar Checklist

Don't forget the corkscrew. Use this complete party bar checklist covering drinks, mixers, garnishes, tools, ice and supplies.

Article header: an ice bucket holding bottles, a bowl of ice with a scoop, three cocktails, a jigger, limes and mint, beside a chalkboard ice guide, with a city skyline behind.

TipsJul 1, 2026

How Much Ice Do I Need for a Party?

Ice is the most underestimated party supply. Here's how much to buy for drinks and chilling, with quick numbers for 25 to 150 guests.

Article header: a wooden tray holding four cocktails in assorted glassware, beside a chalkboard of signature cocktail ideas.

CocktailsJun 24, 2026

Signature Cocktails for Your Wedding: How to Choose Them

Signature cocktails make your wedding bar personal. Learn how to pick flavors, name your drinks and keep service fast for every guest.

HolidayJun 17, 2026

Planning a Chicago Office Holiday Party: Logistics and Timing

Planning your company's holiday party in Chicago? Get festive bar ideas, from winter cocktails to espresso martini stations, plus booking tips.

Article header: a bartender preparing a cocktail at a marble bar with copper tools and three cocktails, beside a chalkboard of corporate bar tips.

TipsJun 10, 2026

How to Keep a Corporate Event Bar Professional (and Still Fun)

Serve drinks at your company event without the worry. Tips on drink tickets, menus, timing and responsible service from a Chicago mobile bar.

BrunchJun 3, 2026

Beyond the Mimosa Bar: Building a Full Brunch Menu

Host an unforgettable brunch with a mimosa bar, a build-your-own Bloody Mary station and fresh mocktails. Ideas and tips from Shake & Gather.

Article header: two espresso martinis in coupe glasses topped with coffee beans, bottles of vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso, and a copper ice bucket, beside a chalkboard espresso martini bar menu.

CocktailsMay 27, 2026

Why an Espresso Martini Bar Is the Best Party Upgrade

Add an espresso martini bar to your wedding, holiday party or celebration. Learn why guests love it and fun flavor twists to try.

Article header: three martinis on a black bar mat garnished with an olive, a lemon twist and a cocktail onion, with bowls of olives and pickled onions, beside a chalkboard dirty martini bar menu.

CocktailsMay 20, 2026

The Dirty Martini Bar: Olives, Brine and Everything In Between

Olive lovers, this one's for you. Discover the dirty martini bar: gourmet olives, custom brines and martini styles your guests will talk about.

Article header: five mocktails on a black bar mat with citrus, berries, a shaker and candles, beside a chalkboard listing five mocktail ideas with their ingredients.

CocktailsMay 13, 2026

Mocktails Everyone Will Actually Want to Drink

Non-alcoholic drinks deserve better than soda. Try these crowd-pleasing mocktail ideas that make every guest feel included at your event.

Article header: three cocktails on a wooden bar with a gold jigger and fresh blackberries, beside a chalkboard of seasonal cocktails, with a lawn event behind.

CocktailsMay 6, 2026

Seasonal Cocktails for Every Chicago Season

From summer patio spritzes to cozy winter warmers, here are seasonal cocktail ideas for Chicago parties, weddings and events all year long.

Article header: four cocktails on a black bar mat with rainbow napkins and a small pride flag, beside a chalkboard of tips for an inclusive celebration, with a couple embracing near a LOVE sign in the background.

TipsApr 29, 2026

Planning an Inclusive Celebration: Tips from an LGBTQ+-Owned Bar Company

Tips for planning celebrations where every guest feels welcome, from an LGBTQ+-owned Chicago mobile bar serving weddings, Pride parties and more.

Article header: four cocktails with gold shakers and a jigger on a bar counter, beside a chalkboard signature cocktail list, with a pergola-lit patio at sunset behind.

PlanningApr 22, 2026

Planning an Outdoor Party in Chicago: Where to Host and What to Know

Planning an outdoor party in Chicago? Explore backyard, rooftop and park options, plus permit and alcohol tips before you book.