What you need for a cocktail workshop

Use this shopping list to prepare a hands-on cocktail workshop without missing the small items that slow down service. Plan glassware and bar tools for every workstation, plus enough chilled drinks, fresh fruit, herbs and garnishes for the full group. You will also need practical setup supplies: tables, chairs, recipe cards, labels, storage containers and waste bins. Check quantities against your confirmed registration list before buying fresh ingredients.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Cocktail tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 36
Reception desk
Bar stoolsqty 6

Tableware

Cocktail glassesqty 48
Highball glassesqty 48
Water glassesqty 48
Napkin holderqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12

Equipment

Cocktail shakersqty 12
Measuring cupsqty 12
Bar spoonsqty 12
Bar trainersqty 12
Muddlerqty 6
Citrus squeezersqty 6
Vegetable peelersqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Blendersqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knivesqty 6
Serving traysqty 8
Measuring jugsqty 6
Bottle openersqty 6
Sealable storage binsqty 12

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Name badgesqty 36
Recipe cardsqty 36
Workstation signsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dishpanqty 3
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12
Dish brushesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Gin - 4 bottles
- White rum - 4 bottles
- Vodka - 3 bottles
- Tequila - 3 bottles
- Triple sec - 2 bottles
- Bourbon - 2 bottles
- Tonic - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Ginger beer - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Pineapple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Cranberry juice - 6 liters
- Tomato juice - 3 liters
- Lime juice - 4 liters
- Lemon juice - 3 liters
- Sugar syrup - 3 liters
- Grenadine - 2 bottles
- Coconut syrup - 2 bottles
- Angostura bitters - 2 bottles
- Agave syrup - 2 bottles
- Granulated sugar - 2 kilos
- Honey - 2 jars
- Limes - 60 pieces
- Lemons - 40 pieces
- Oranges - 30 pieces
- Grapefruits - 12 pieces
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Fresh mint - 12 bunches
- Fresh basil - 6 bunches
- Ginger - 1 kilo
- Cherries - 3 jars
- Olives - 3 jars
- Cocktail onions - 3 jars
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Tajín - 3 jars
- Cane sugar - 2 kilo
- Ice cubes - 80 kilos
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Salted nuts - 4 kilos
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Vegetable sticks - 4 kilos
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemonade - 6 liters
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls

Tips

Set up one workstation for each small group and provide a cocktail shaker, measuring cup, bar spoon, strainer, muddler and citrus squeezer at each station. Sharing one tool between several groups creates delays during every recipe.
Allow at least two glasses per participant if people will compare or taste two cocktails at once, plus one water glass per person. Keep extra glasses available for breakages and late replacements.
Buy fresh fruit and herbs no earlier than 24 hours before the workshop. Wash them on the day, then prepare syrups and garnishes early enough to chill them before participants arrive.
Use coolers for ice, chilled mixers and prepared ingredients, and bring sealable storage bins for opened bottles and leftovers. Label each container with its contents and the preparation date.
Print one recipe card per participant and prepare name badges and workstation signs before setup begins. Keep a printed participant list at reception, including dietary requirements and confirmed registrations.

Frequently asked questions

How many cocktail glasses do I need for a workshop?: Plan on two cocktail glasses per participant when the session includes tasting or comparing two drinks. Add at least 10% extra glasses for breakages, spills and replacements.
How many cocktail shakers are needed for a cocktail workshop?: Provide one cocktail shaker per workstation rather than one per participant. For groups of four to six people, that usually means one shaker for each four to six participants, with one spare for larger sessions.
When should I buy fruit and herbs for a cocktail workshop?: Buy fresh fruit and herbs within 24 hours of the workshop so they remain usable for garnishes and mixing. Wash and prepare them on the day, then store them chilled until setup.
How much ice do I need for a cocktail workshop?: Allow about 1 to 1.5 kilograms of ice per participant for a session with several mixed drinks, including ice for shaking, serving and chilling bottles. Add another 10% if the venue is warm or the workshop lasts more than two hours.

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