Bar Service

Calculate Alcohol Needs for Event – A Smart Host’s Guide by Susan’s Kitchen Planning drinks for a party shouldn’t feel like guesswork. Whether you're organizing a wedding, a business reception, or a backyard celebration, knowing how much alcohol to order can save you stress, money, and last-minute runs to the liquor store. At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, we help NYC hosts confidently plan bar service that feels complete — without going overboard. Start With the Basics: Guests × Hours The standard starting point is simple: one drink per guest per hour. For example, a 4-hour event with 60 guests means roughly 240 total servings. You can get more nuanced with our full breakdown on how to calculate alcohol needs for an event, but that baseline keeps you from under- or over-estimating when building your list. Understanding Guest Preferences Next, think about what your guests are most likely to drink. Are they more into wine, cocktails, or craft beer? A common mix is 40% wine, 35% beer, and 25% spirits, but this can shift depending on your group and setting. You’ll find helpful context in our bar package pricing overview, which walks through typical

Alcohol Service Policies – Hosting Responsibly with Susan’s Kitchen Serving alcohol at an event isn’t just about stocking the bar — it’s about knowing how to serve safely, legally, and professionally. At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, we’ve supported NYC hosts for years with bar services that balance hospitality with responsibility. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or holiday gathering, understanding alcohol service policies can protect your guests, your venue, and your peace of mind. Why Clear Alcohol Service Policies Matter When alcohol is present, good intentions aren't enough — structure is key. That’s why we start every planning session by reviewing our alcohol service policies. These guidelines cover everything from ID checks and pacing to service cut-off times and staff protocol. For example, we help clients estimate realistic quantities using our alcohol needs calculator. Serving the right amount — and not over-ordering — is one of the most effective ways to avoid safety issues while managing costs. Training and Staffing Behind the Bar Our bar teams are trained not just to pour, but to observe. They monitor guest behavior, pace service, and know when to slow things down. We also teach basic

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Why Wine Belongs at Every Celebration At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, wine isn’t just a beverage—it’s a detail that elevates the entire experience. Whether poured during a wedding toast, paired with a custom corporate dinner, or served beside hors d’oeuvres at a rooftop gathering, wine creates connection and sophistication. Yet it’s one of the most overlooked elements in many event bar plans. Our team integrates wine into event planning with intention. We align varietals with your menu, match selections to your guest list, and serve each bottle with the care it deserves. Wine is more than what’s in the glass—it’s a cultural statement, a hospitality moment, and often, a guest’s lasting memory. To understand how we prioritize wine inside curated bar packages, see our feature on NYC bar catering. Understanding Wine Types and Global Names To make informed wine choices for your event, it helps to know the basics. These are the major wine types and how they might appear under different names or traditions: White Wine: Made from green or yellow grapes, no skin contact during fermentation Red Wine: Crafted with skin-on red or black grapes, adding tannin and body Rosé: Light

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Understanding Liquor Types – A Smart Host’s Guide to Spirits If you're planning an event with a bar, chances are you'll be choosing more than just red or white wine. From signature cocktails to simple mixed drinks, understanding liquor types helps you create a well-rounded beverage menu that suits your guests, your theme, and your budget. At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, we believe education makes planning easier — and more fun. The Six Core Spirits Every Host Should Know When we talk about liquor at events, we’re usually referring to six main types: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, and brandy. Each one brings its own flavor profile and traditional uses: Vodka: Clean and neutral — great for mixing in almost anything Gin: Botanical and dry — key for martinis and citrus cocktails Rum: Sweet, often spiced — ideal for tropical or tiki-style drinks Tequila: Earthy and bold — best in margaritas or paloma-style cocktails Whiskey: Rich and deep — excellent for sipping or bold mixed drinks Brandy: Fruity and warming — perfect for after-dinner or upscale events If you’re still learning the basics, we’ve created a helpful breakdown on understanding liquor types to

Beer Basics Guide – Serve It Right with Susan’s Kitchen Beer may seem simple on the surface, but there's a lot more to it than cracking open a cold bottle. Whether you're planning a large-scale event or a backyard gathering, understanding beer basics helps you offer something for everyone — and serve it the right way. At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, we help NYC hosts choose and present beer with just as much care as wine or spirits. Know Your Beer Styles Start with the categories. Most beers fall into two families: lagers and ales. Within those, you’ll find recognizable styles like: Lagers: Light, crisp, clean. Think pilsners and American lagers. IPAs: Hoppy and bold, ranging from citrusy to bitter. Wheat Beers: Smooth and hazy, often with fruit notes. Stouts and Porters: Dark, rich, and roasted — perfect for cooler months. Sours: Tart and fruity — a conversation starter for adventurous guests. If you’re not sure where to start, our complete beer basics guide breaks down each style, how to serve it, and what food it pairs best with. Serving Beer Like a Pro Temperature matters. Lighter beers like lagers and pilsners should

NYC Bar Package Pricing by Susan’s Kitchen At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, we offer curated bar packages designed to elevate weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, and private parties across New York City. Our full-service approach covers everything—from mixology expertise to logistics—so you can focus on your guests while we take care of the drinks. Our team of experienced bartenders delivers more than just beverages. Each bar package includes a complete setup with ice, cups, equipment, mixers, and full liquor liability insurance. Whether you need a classic beer and wine bar or a deluxe liquor spread with specialty cocktails, we have options tailored for your needs and budget. All packages come with staff trained in essential drink-making techniques, so your guests receive consistent, high-quality service throughout the event. What’s Included with Every Bar Package 5 hours of continuous open bar service Licensed and professional bartenders Full bar setup: delivery, ice, mixers, plastic cups Bar equipment and prep materials Liquor liability insurance included We also offer guidance on alcohol party planning to help you estimate how much wine, beer, and liquor you’ll need based on guest count and event type. Full Liquor Bar Packages Our Full

Do You Need Liability Insurance for Bar Catering Services? When alcohol is part of your event, liability goes beyond legal obligations—it’s about safety, responsibility, and reputation. Whether you're planning a wedding, a corporate mixer, or a rooftop celebration, understanding how liquor liability insurance works can help you host confidently and avoid costly missteps. At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, every bar service package comes with comprehensive liquor liability insurance. This coverage protects against issues such as over-serving, underage consumption, and property damage resulting from alcohol service. We carry the insurance so you don’t have to carry the risk. To better understand how our approach works, review our detailed guide on bar catering liability insurance. Understanding Types of Coverage Not all insurance offers equal protection. There are several types of coverage that apply to alcohol service, and knowing the differences can help you ask the right questions when booking a caterer or vendor: General Liability: Covers bodily injury or property damage that occurs at your event but not specifically related to alcohol. Liquor Liability: Protects against incidents directly linked to alcohol service, such as intoxicated guests causing harm. Host Liquor Liability: Covers individuals or organizations