The Perfect Wedding Bar Menu

A row of elegantly filled champagne glasses ready for a celebratory toast.

(From a Wedding Bartender)

Planning your wedding bar can feel overwhelming. How much alcohol do you actually need? What drinks should you offer? And how do you make sure you don’t run out halfway through the reception?

After bartending countless weddings across Southwest Florida, we’ve learned that the best wedding bars keep things simple, balanced, and guest-friendly. If you’re planning a wedding for around 100 guests, here’s a helpful guide to building the perfect bar menu.

Start with the Crowd Favorites

Most wedding guests gravitate toward a few classic options. A well-rounded bar typically includes:

• Vodka

• Tequila

• Rum

• Wine (red and white)

• Beer

• Hard seltzers

These spirits cover the majority of common cocktails guests order, while wine, beer, and seltzers offer easy options for those who prefer something simple.

Add Signature Drinks

Signature drinks are one of the most fun parts of planning your wedding bar. They add personality to your celebration and give guests something unique to try.

We typically recommend two signature cocktails, often inspired by the couple’s favorite drinks.

For example:

1. Something Blue Martini: A classic dirty martini with a wedding-inspired name.

2. The Something New Ranch Water: A refreshing tequila, lime, and sparkling water cocktail—perfect for warm Florida weddings.

Signature drinks also help keep the bar running smoothly since guests tend to order from the menu rather than requesting complicated cocktails.

Don’t Forget a Mocktail Option

Including a non-alcoholic signature drink is a thoughtful touch that guests always appreciate. Mocktails allow non-drinkers, younger guests, and anyone taking a break from alcohol to still enjoy a fun drink.

Refreshing options like sparkling lemonade, Arnold Palmer twists, or citrus spritzers are always popular.

How Much Alcohol Do You Need?

For 100 guests, here is a general estimate.

Liquor	Wine	Beer	Hard Seltzers	Champagne
5–6 bottles vodka 4–5 bottles tequila 3–4 bottles rum 1 bottle bourbon 1 bottle gin	10–14 bottles white wine 8–10 bottles red wine	About 5–6 cases	3–4 cases	Approx 17 bottles

Most couples prefer to slightly overestimate their alcohol purchases since unopened bottles can usually be returned after the wedding.

A Few Pro Tips From Behind the Bar

After working so many weddings, here are a few things we always recommend:

• Keep signature drinks simple.The easier they are to make, the faster the bar runs.

• Offer a mix of options.Not everyone drinks liquor, so beer, wine, and seltzers are important.

• Think about the weather.In Florida, light and refreshing cocktails almost always outperform heavier drinks.

• Have enough champagne for the toast.This is one of the easiest things to underestimate.

A Sample Wedding Bar Menu

Indulge in our featured drinks alongside a variety of beers, wines, seltzers, and a refreshing Sparkling Arnold Palmer mocktail.

Here’s an example of a balanced wedding bar menu:

• Signature Cocktails

• Something Blue Martini

• The Something New Ranch Water

• Beer, Wine & Seltzers

• Domestic Beer

• Light Beer

• IPA

• Red & White Wine

• Hard Seltzers

• Mocktail - Sparkling Arnold Palmer

A thoughtfully planned bar helps keep guests happy and the celebration flowing all night long. With the right mix of classic options and personalized touches, your wedding bar can become one of the most memorable parts of your reception.

At Horseshoe Tavern, we love helping couples create bar menus that feel fun, personal, and perfectly suited to their wedding day.