Planning an office holiday party is a big task, but choosing the right drinks shouldn’t be the most stressful part of your to-do list. As LGBTQ+-owned, Chicago-based mobile bartenders, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-crafted cocktail can transform a standard office mixer into the highlight of the year. Since Shake & Gather operates on a dry-hire model, we know exactly how to help you curate a shopping list that hits the mark without the extra headache. Here are our top picks for holiday cocktails that are professional, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for your next corporate event.
This article covers the drink list itself. For the logistics side of a company party — staffing, timing and sign-off — see our corporate event planning guidance.
The Crowd-Pleasers
When catering to a large office, you want drinks that are approachable but still feel elevated for the holiday season.
- The Winter Spiced Old Fashioned: This is a classic for a reason. By simply adding a touch of cinnamon or orange-clove simple syrup to a traditional Old Fashioned, you give it an immediate holiday feel. It’s sophisticated, easy to batch-prepare, and always a hit with the whiskey lovers in the office.
- Sparkling Pomegranate Mimosa: If your event is earlier in the day or a lunch-style celebration, this is your go-to. It’s festive, vibrant, and looks stunning in photos. Plus, using a high-quality sparkling wine keeps things light and effervescent.
Tips for a Smooth Office Bar
Operating a dry-hire mobile bar in cities like Evanston, Skokie, or right here in Chicago means you are in charge of the alcohol purchase. Here are a few professional tips to make it happen:
- The Rule of Two: Don’t overwhelm guests with a 20-drink menu. Stick to two signature cocktails (one spirit-forward, one refreshing) plus wine and beer. This keeps the bar lines moving quickly.
- Batching is Your Best Friend: For events with 50+ guests, work with your bartender to pre-batch the base of your signature cocktails. This ensures consistency in flavor and cuts wait times significantly.
- Offer a Mocktail Version: Everyone should feel included. Most holiday cocktails can easily be made alcohol-free by swapping the spirit for a premium non-alcoholic spirit or even just sparkling water and high-quality seasonal syrups.
Perfect Ratios for Success
When you work with Shake & Gather, we don’t just show up to pour; we help you calculate exactly what you need. A common planning figure for a 3-hour office event is 2.5 drinks per person. If you are expecting 40 guests, you’ll plan for about 100 total drinks. Decide your beer and wine share first, because not all 100 will be cocktails — set the mix, then size the cocktail ingredients for the guests who will actually order them. Don't worry about the math—we provide a detailed shopping list based on your specific guest count so you don't overspend at the liquor store.
Ready to Toast to the Holidays?
Whether you are planning a small team gathering or a company-wide bash, having a professional, BASSET-certified bartender on-site ensures your event runs safely and smoothly. From our Pour package to our full Craft service, we’re here to handle the details so you can enjoy the holiday spirit with your colleagues.
Planning your Chicago office event? See our corporate event bar service and send an inquiry to check your date and build the menu.
