Cocktail Workshop Checklist

A cocktail workshop needs more than recipes and bottles. Book the venue and trainer first, then confirm the schedule, registrations and dietary requirements before ordering ingredients and extra glassware. In the final 24 hours, chill drinks, prepare fruit and herbs, print the recipes and check every workstation. Use this checklist to move from planning to a ready bar without leaving setup until the last minute.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Reserve venue
Book cocktail trainer
Finalize workshop schedule
2 people
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Update participant list
Select cocktail recipes
2 people
Take inventory of supplies
2 people
Order groceries
Arrange extra glassware
Create a music playlist
Send participant information
Check groceries
2 people
Buy fresh ingredients
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare fruit and herbs
2 people
Print cocktail recipes

Event

Open venue
2 people
Ventilate room
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
2 people
Set up workstations
4 people
Set out glassware
2 people
Set up the bar
2 people
Set out ingredients
3 people
Prepare garnishes
2 people
Test music and lighting
Set up the reception table
2 people
Receive participants
3 people
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
Explain the workshop rules
Demonstrate cocktail techniques
Lead the first cocktail
4 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Refill glasses and ice
2 people
Guide second cocktail
4 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Restock break snacks
2 people
Guide the third cocktail
4 people
Serve non-alcoholic options
2 people
Set up the dinner buffet
3 people
Refill the dinner buffet
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Serve the last drinks round
2 people
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

Collect empty bottles
2 people
Sort waste
2 people
Wash glasses and tableware
3 people
Clean workstations
3 people
Put furniture back
3 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Switch off equipment
2 people
Leave venue clean
3 people
Return borrowed items
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Cocktail tablesqty 6
Work tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 28
Buffet tableqty 2
Bar stoolsqty 6

Tableware

Highball glassesqty 30
Rocks glassesqty 30
Champagne coupesqty 30
Wine glassesqty 30
Water glassesqty 30
Platesqty 36
Cutlery setsqty 36
Cocktail napkinsqty 150

Equipment

Cocktail shakersqty 12
Measuring cupsqty 12
Bar spoonsqty 12
Strainersqty 12
Citrus squeezersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 8
Chef's knivesqty 8
Blendersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Bluetooth speaker

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Ice spoonsqty 6
Serving Cupsqty 12
Mixing bowlsqty 8
Serving traysqty 6
Waste binsqty 4

Decorations

Table runnersqty 8
Menu standsqty 6
Vasesqty 8
Chalkboardsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Table lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Washing-up bowlsqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the venue and cocktail trainer before sending invitations, then finalize the workshop schedule early enough to include start time, breaks and the expected end time.
Close registrations with a clear deadline and update the participant list before ordering. Collect dietary requirements at the same time, since they can affect recipes and fresh ingredients.
Count each workstation before shopping: cocktail shakers, measuring cups, bar spoons, strainers, citrus squeezers, cutting boards and knives should be available where participants will work.
Check glassware against the final group size at least one day before the workshop. Set aside highball, rocks or coupe glasses according to the selected recipes, and arrange extra glassware if the count is short.
On the day, open and ventilate the room first, then set up tables, chairs, workstations and the bar. Chill drinks, prepare fruit and herbs, place water glasses and cocktail napkins, and keep waste bins close to the stations.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a cocktail workshop venue?: Book the venue and cocktail trainer at least 4 to 6 weeks before the workshop, especially if you need several workstations and a bar area. Confirm the final layout after the participant list is stable.
When should I send invitations for a cocktail workshop?: Send invitations 3 to 4 weeks before the event and set a registration deadline about 7 days before it. Use the final registrations to confirm dietary requirements, ingredients and glassware quantities.
What should I prepare the day before a cocktail workshop?: Check the groceries and equipment, chill any drinks that can be chilled safely, print the cocktail recipes and prepare non-perishable workstation supplies. Buy fresh ingredients and cut fruit or herbs as close to the workshop as practical, usually on the day itself.
How long does cocktail workshop setup take?: Allow at least 90 minutes for room setup, including tables, chairs, workstations, glassware and the bar. Add extra time if the venue needs ventilation, furniture movement or a separate buffet and drinks area.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.