Bar Service For Every Kind Of Austin Event

The industry standard recommends one bartender for every 50 to 75 guests when serving beer, wine and mixed drinks, or one for every 75 to 120 guests for beer and wine service. For made to order craft cocktails we recommend one bartender for every 20 to 40 guests. For batched cocktails, one for every 65 to 75.

A hosted bar package means you are hiring us to provide full bar service for your guests. Packages are priced per person and include select alcohol, mixers, garnishes, ice, disposable cups and bar tools. On top of the package we charge for each staff member, bar rentals, transportation and parking as needed, and any upgrades.

Due to TABC laws and restrictions, it is easiest for you to provide your own alcohol when hosting an event at a private residence. If we provide alcohol for your event, no other alcohol can be present or consumed while we are on site, which can be difficult for us to monitor. We are happy to put together a recommended shopping list for you.

For most events, especially weddings, our team needs two hours to set up. That covers unloading, parking, setting the bar up for efficient service, batching signature cocktails and icing down beer and wine. Multiple bars, signature cocktails and glassware can push it to three. Breakdown runs 30 minutes to an hour. Smaller private events usually need one to one and a half hours to set up and 30 minutes to break down.

Since 2015 we have been recognized for our stylish “dapper” bartenders, who bring their unique personalities to each event. Instead of a strict uniform, like the typical catering attire of black or white button ups and black slacks, our staff follow a “Dapper Attire” guide that lets them express their own style while staying professional. Some opt for all black, others for a patterned button up. If you have specific requests, let your Event Manager know and we'll pass them on.

Yes. We can offer tastings on select Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings for a fee of $250, which includes samples of up to four signature cocktails. The fee covers the bartender’s time and the ingredients. We can also provide tastings of the beer and wine included in our hosted bar packages.

Our bartenders are trained and skilled in making a variety of mixed drinks and classic cocktails. Having one bartender build margaritas and Old Fashioneds from scratch for 50 to 100 guests is not efficient, though. If you would like classic cocktails made to order, we staff one bartender for every 25 guests and require a prepaid host gratuity.

Due to our liquor liability policy and the legal implications of serving drinks at an open bar, we do not serve straight liquor to guests. If you would like to serve a round of shots, they must include ice and a mixer. Most venues do not allow shots anyway.

Yes. Drink Slingers holds a Mixed Beverage Permit, which lets us apply to TABC for a temporary event permit as long as the event is at a commercial venue. The venue or host needs to give us the paperwork, including a layout showing where the bar sits and a venue permission letter signed by venue management. Events open to the public, or with 500 or more guests, need to be confirmed at least 14 business days before the date.

Yes, at a commercial venue rather than a private residence. Drink Slingers has to keep exclusive control over every stage of possessing, selling and serving the alcohol, which includes the brands available, pricing, inventory purchases and sales records.

Yes. A 35% deposit upfront secures your booking.

Yes. You can pay securely through your online event portal, or send a check by mail. Your booking is confirmed once we receive your deposit.

We charge sales tax on applicable rental items and some resale items. There is no sales tax on our service items.

Usually not, especially in our peak seasons of February through May and September through December. We ask that events are confirmed, meaning contract signed and deposit paid, at least 7 to 10 days before the date, so the team has time to plan properly.