The holiday party is the one event of the year where your whole team gets to celebrate together. A great bar turns it from a mandatory office gathering into the party everyone talks about in January.
Book early
December weekends fill up fast in Chicago. Availability varies year to year and we can't promise that any particular window guarantees a date, so it's worth checking your date early rather than waiting — the sooner you ask, the more options you'll usually have.
What to serve, at a glance
For the full cocktail list with ingredients and ratios, see our holiday cocktail guide. The drinks below are the short version, so this article can stay focused on the logistics of running the party.
- Winter cocktails. Think cranberry mules, spiced whiskey sours, pomegranate spritzes and hot toddies for chilly nights.
- An espresso martini bar. Popular at evening parties and a natural conversation piece at the bar.
- A champagne welcome. Greeting guests with a glass of bubbly sets a celebratory tone the moment they walk in.
- Festive mocktails. A sparkling cranberry-rosemary spritzer or a ginger-pear fizz makes sure non-drinkers feel just as celebrated.
Keep the menu focused
Two or three seasonal cocktails, plus beer, wine and non-alcoholic options, keep service fast and costs predictable.
Add a personal touch
Name a cocktail after your company, a big win from the year or a beloved team tradition. It's a small detail people remember.
Hosting in the office?
A mobile bar transforms a conference room or open office into a party space. Check building rules about alcohol and event setup before booking.
Celebrating with Northalsted businesses and beyond
Shake & Gather is proud to serve small businesses and companies across Chicago, from Northalsted to the Loop. See our corporate event bar service or send an inquiry to check your date, or reach us at info.shakeandgather@gmail.com or 217-374-9985.
