How to Host a Cocktail Hour Private Event at Your Restaurant

As a restaurant operator, you're always looking for ways to diversify your revenue streams and attract new customers. One overlooked opportunity is hosting private cocktail hour events.

By saving space for intimate gatherings with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, you can tap into a lucrative market while building a stronger relationship with your community.

Cocktail hour events offer numerous benefits for restaurants. They provide additional income, help fill slower periods, and allow you to showcase your amazing business to new customers. A well-executed cocktail hour can drive repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.

In this article, we’ll outline how to plan, execute, and market cocktail hour private events at your restaurant. 

How to host a cocktail hour at your restaurant

Let’s start planning!

Identify your target audience

The first step in planning a successful cocktail hour event is determining your ideal clientele. What kind of events do you want to host? What type of customers are you trying to attract?

Consider the types of private events that would complement your restaurant's ambiance and menu:

• Corporate events: Companies often host cocktail hours for team-building activities or holiday parties. Businesses are also always looking for a space to host post-conference receptions.

• Social gatherings: Birthdays, anniversaries, wedding parties, and other milestone celebrations are prime opportunities. These types of events give your business the opportunity to become a key memory for a customer celebrating a milestone.

• Community events: Local organizations, nonprofits, and professional associations may be interested in hosting networking happy hours or fundraisers. These are great for expanding your local audience.

By identifying your target audience, you can tailor your event experience offerings from the cocktail selection to the ambiance.

Plan the event space

Next, evaluate your restaurant's layout and available spaces to determine the optimal setup for a cocktail hour event.

Consider the overall capacity, seating arrangements, and flow of service. Ensure the designated area provides sufficient standing room, easy access to the bar, and any necessary ADA accommodations.

If you have multiple rooms that could work, weigh the pros and cons of each. A more intimate, private space may be preferable for smaller gatherings, while a larger area could accommodate bigger groups. Carefully plan the use of any furnishings, decor, or technology to create an inviting atmosphere.

Invest in new serveware, utensils, and glassware to be used for cocktail hour only. This way, events don’t disrupt standard service and the restaurant doesn’t run low on essentials. This also provides an opportunity to set up a beautifully decorated event space that reflects your brand at its absolute best.

Craft a customized cocktail menu

The centerpiece of any cocktail hour event is, of course, the drinks. Work with your bartenders to develop a signature cocktail or two that reflects your restaurant's brand. Balance classic cocktail options with seasonal or unique creations to appeal to a range of tastes.

For larger events, check out our Bartender's Guide to Pre-Batched Cocktails to save your bar time and create consistent recipes.

Beyond alcoholic beverages, consider offering non-alcoholic mocktails. This approach makes sure all guests feel included in the celebration. When crafting mocktails make sure to include personal touches like attractive garnishes and presentation to make guests feel included in the signature drink service.

Craft a cocktail party food menu

Cocktail hour food is often just as important as the drinks. Work closely with your culinary team to develop a customized menu of finger food and food stations that complement the cocktail selection.

Passed appetizers - For an interactive vibe, opt for a selection of passed hors d'oeuvres that servers can pass through the event space. This encourages mingling and conversation. Some tasty passed options might include:

• Mini crab cakes with lemon aioli

• American slider burgers with cheese and aioli

• Caprese skewers with balsamic glaze

• Vegetable spring rolls with sweet chili sauce

• Mini charcuterie cups filled with cheese and meat

For passed apps, make sure servers are equipped with cocktail napkins and circle the space after to clean up any trash throughout the event.

Stationary small plates - For a grazing experience, set up a variety of stationary small plates that guests can enjoy at their leisure. This allows for a wider range of flavors and dietary needs. Consider offering:

• Artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards

• Roasted vegetable platters with hummus

• Asian-inspired lettuce wraps or dumplings

• French soup cups served with toast

Sweet bites - Don't forget to include some sweet treats! Passed or stationary, dessert bites can provide a delightful conclusion to the event. Consider including:

• Mini cheesecake cups

• Chocolate-dipped strawberries

• Salted caramel brownie bites

• Sundae bar with a variety of toppings

The key here is to curate a selection that guests can consume while standing that still showcases your amazing menu offerings. With a thoughtfully crafted food menu, you can elevate the cocktail hour experience for your guests.

Staffing and service

Dedicated, attentive service is key to the success of a private cocktail hour event. Ensure your restaurant is staffed with sufficient servers and bartenders for each event. Make sure staff is trained on specialty cocktail recipes and event procedures.

Your staff should be prepared to provide knowledgeable recommendations, promptly refill drinks, and address any guest needs or requests. Consider assigning a dedicated event coordinator to oversee the logistics and liaise with the host or organizer.

It’s also important to establish clear communication between the front-of-house and back-of-house teams to maintain seamless service. Just because you’re hosting an event doesn’t mean the rest of the dining room gets neglected. Make sure your kitchen staff is ready for the volume.

Promotion and pricing

Determine a pricing structure that aligns with your event format and target audience. Consider offering a variety of different package options that bundle cocktails and appetizers at different rates, depending on the quality of alcohol, food quantity, and guest count. Or, allow guests to purchase drinks individually. Be transparent about any minimums, gratuity, or other applicable charges.

Promote your cocktail hour events through your website, social media channels, email marketing, and local community outreach. Highlight the unique experience you can provide, and consider offering incentives for referrals.

Cocktail hour ideas for your restaurant reception space to market:

• Wedding cocktail hour

• Business cocktail hour

• Pregame cocktail hour

• Holiday party with a cocktail hour

Execution and follow-up

On the day of the event, have a detailed timeline agenda and checklist to ensure everything runs smoothly. Maintain open communication between your front-of-house and back-of-house teams to address any issues that arise.

After the event, collect feedback from your guests to evaluate its success. Follow up with attendees, expressing gratitude and seeking referrals for future bookings. Use the insights gained to refine your approach and continually improve the cocktail hour experience.

Cheers to cocktail hour

Hosting private cocktail hour events at your restaurant can be a profitable way to diversify your revenue and attract new customers. Make sure to update your website with your new offerings and your reservation availability accordingly. Start exploring this opportunity today and watch your events calendar and bottom line flourish.

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• How to Host a Private Party at Your Restaurant

• How To Create Online Menus For Special Events

• How To Price a Menu for Restaurant Events