For most events, I'm bringing the bartender, portable bar, mixers, garnishes, cups, napkins, straws, bar tools, and the other supplies needed for service.

Two custom cocktails or mocktails are also included with the standard service.

Every event is a little different, though, so your quote will spell out exactly what I'm providing and what you'll need to have available.

No surprises.

I'll help you with that.

Your shopping list is based on things like your guest count, how long the bar will be open, what you're serving, and what your guests are most likely to drink.

If your crowd is mostly tequila people, I don't want you buying six bottles of vodka just because an online calculator told you to.

We'll make the list fit your event.

Absolutely. Your bar doesn't have to be all cocktails.

We can serve beer, wine, seltzers, basic mixed drinks, signature cocktails, or a combination of them.

We'll figure out what makes the most sense when we plan your menu.

Yes, depending on the event and the venue's rules.

If you're planning on having shots served, just let me know ahead of time so I can account for it when we're planning your bar and alcohol quantities.

Like any other alcohol service, I may slow down or stop service to a guest when needed to keep things safe and responsible.

Every event is a little different, so I don't use one-size-fits-all pricing.

Your quote is based on things like your guest count, location, service time, drink menu, staffing needs, and any extras you'd like to include.

Send me the basics of what you're planning and I'll put together a clear quote so you know exactly what's included before you book.

Yes! They can be included alongside your regular bar menu or be the main event if you're planning an alcohol-free celebration.

And I like mocktails to actually feel like a drink someone chose—not an afterthought because they're not drinking alcohol.

Yes.

If you're planning a champagne toast, welcome pour, or another special sparkling-wine moment, we can add it to your service.

Because it requires extra setup, pouring time, and usually separate drinkware, champagne service isn't automatically included in the standard service.

Let me know what you're thinking and I'll work it into your quote and shopping list.

It depends on more than just the number of guests. Guest count matters, but so does what we're serving.

Beer and wine service moves a lot faster than making 80 Old Fashioneds one at a time.

For larger events or cocktail-heavy menus, I may recommend adding another bartender so your guests spend less time waiting in line.

Yes. Travel within 40 miles is included in the standard service.

If your event is farther away, that doesn't automatically mean I can't come. We'll just account for the additional travel when I put together your quote.

Yes. NorthStar Bartending is licensed and insured.

If your venue has specific insurance or documentation requirements, let me know early so we can make sure everything is handled before your event.

Absolutely—and that's one of our favorite parts.

We can create signature cocktails and mocktails around your theme, colors, occasion, favorite flavors, company, pets, inside jokes, or whatever makes the event yours.

You don't have to show up already knowing exactly what drink you want. That's what the planning process is for.

Ice needs can change quite a bit depending on the venue, number of guests, drink menu, and whether the venue is already providing it.

I'll help calculate what we need and we'll make sure the ice plan is figured out before event day.

Standard mixers, garnishes, disposable cups, napkins, straws, and normal bar supplies are included with the standard service unless we've agreed on something different for your event.

If you want specialty cups, specific garnishes, custom napkins, or something more elaborate, we can talk about that too.

I provide the standard mixers needed for the drink menu we plan together.

So if we're serving vodka sodas, rum and Cokes, whiskey ginger ales, and two signature cocktails, I'll make sure the mixers needed to make those drinks are part of the bar setup.

That may include things like Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or another lemon-lime soda, club soda, tonic, ginger ale, cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, or basic cocktail ingredients.

We'll decide what the bar is serving before your event, and I'll stock the mixers around that menu.

Standard mixers are stocked for drinks being made at the bar. If you'd also like sodas, bottled water, lemonade, sparkling water, or other non-alcoholic drinks available for general guest consumption, we can add that separately.