Whether you’re a budding bar owner or someone who is curious about co*cktail bars, you may be thinking about how to start a co*cktail bar-similar to an old-fashioned speakeasy. Opening up a bar takes a lot of work, co*cktail or not. The process of how to open a bar includes:
- Creating a business plan and learning how much do bars make
- Finding a location
- Raising funds (the cost to open a bar is high, it includes the bar manager salary)
- Choosing a theme and bar equipment layout
… and much more! Luckily, there are plenty of resources available, from the best bar books to guides on bar planning.
Outside of opening a co*cktail bar for commercial use, you may be interested in how to make a home co*cktail bar to make use of your many collected types of rum. That’s a far easier endeavor, with fewer steps and more personal choices.
You may be looking to open a co*cktail bar to bring in customers. You may just want to create a co*cktail space in your own home to enjoy some vegan drinks, gluten-free co*cktails, or regular drinks with alcohol and tonic water. Either way, there’s a lot to learn about creating a spot for co*cktail fans.
Knowing how to start a co*cktail bar goes beyond great co*cktail recipes and garnishes to stock up on. It's about so much more than knowing your co*cktail ingredients. It may seem daunting at first, but with this guide, you’ll be entertaining your guests of choice in no time.
Opening Up A Bar
There are many aspects of how to start a co*cktail bar that are part of how to open up a bar in general. We have several guides and templates to help you open up a bar, including a how to open a bar checklist and a bar inventory spreadsheet. Within those resources, you’ll find the ultimate guide to everything you need as you open up your own co*cktail bar.
For now, we’ll give you a full list of everything you’ll need. Your co*cktail bar opening checklist includes:
- A bar business plan
- A location that suits your bar plan
- A liquor license–whichever one(s) you may need
- A funding plan
- A hiring plan
- Inventory–and a bar inventory app (or even a barcode scanner app for inventory)
- A budget and accounting overview
- A marketing plan
- POS software
- A bar design plan
- A plan for how to price your food menu
Depending on your location and your exact bar plan, there will be other things you need to consider. You can do research for your own location by visiting the site of The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). The TTB is a good place to learn about rules and regulations surrounding alcohol sales and service.
How to Make A Home co*cktail Bar
If your plan for opening up a bar is only for personal enjoyment, you’ll find the road ahead to be much simpler. The question of how to make a home co*cktail bar can be as elaborate or as simple as you like. You can make your home co*cktail bar feel like a true co*cktail lounge, with:
- Soft lighting
- Mood music
- Decked-out bar design
- Booth seating
You could also go for a simple home bar setup that just happens to be your own co*cktail space. For either a simple home bar or something a bit fancier, the items you’ll need are:
- A bar cart, shelving, or display cabinets
- Drink mixing tools, like a shaker, jigger, and a variety of glassware
- Liquor options, including the basics for most co*cktails, and any liquors you personally love
- Garnishes for your favorite drinks, plus bar snacks
- Great co*cktail books to mix up new drinks whenever you want something different
- Seating options, with room to spare for any home-bar patrons you may have
Creating a home co*cktail bar gives you all the fun of designing a bar without the work of opening a bar as a business.
4 Things Every co*cktail Bar Needs
A lot of what goes into opening up a bar is the same for any bar–co*cktail or otherwise. The specifics of a co*cktail bar are less about the business aspect and more about the aesthetics of the bar. Any bar can serve co*cktails, but the term co*cktail bar generally refers to a place that has an atmosphere of cozy sophistication. Of course, for a co*cktail bar you’ll need everything you need for any bar, but here are your specific needs:
- Bartenders who know how to mix up some great drinks
- Some of the best co*cktail recipe books of all time, to help your bartenders learn even more
- A bar equipment layout and design plan that suits the mood
- A prominently displayed liquor collection
If you can strike the balance between a practical bar and a space that embodies everything people love about co*cktails, you have done well.An extra tip is, a lot of co*cktail bars do well with a menu fitting the a la carte meaning, as individual bites go well with drinks.
The Best co*cktail Bars
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to set up your co*cktail bar, you can always look to current successful co*cktail bars. There are several co*cktail bars across the world, taking numerous actions to stand out and draw in the crowds.
While this competition is daunting for new bar owners, it’s also helpful. While you may have plenty of ideas on what you want for your bar design, it never hurts to see what others are up to.
There are co*cktail bars out there covering a range of options. The question “What is a co*cktail bar?” generally conjures up images of a smoky lounge. That said, a co*cktail bar can be any type of bar. You can search for inspiration in:
- Dive bars
- Themed bars
- Hotel bars
- Sport bars
- Live music bars
- Nightclubs
- Nostalgia bars
You can also draw from your favorite bars, or look into the best bars in the country to see what is already working. When it comes to finding inspiration for your co*cktail bar, the list is endless.
The Best co*cktail Bars NYC
New York City is a good place to start looking at the most diverse co*cktail bars. The bar scene in New York is often in flux, as new places open and marketing approaches change old spots. Eater NY took a look at the best co*cktail bars NYC has to offer for 2022, and their list stands as follows:
- Bar Pendry
- S Bar
- Thyme Bar
- Mace
- Bandits
- Temple Bar
- Etérea
- Bar Chrystie
- Philomena's
- Overstory
- Sunken Harbor Club
- All Night Skate
- Dingaling
- El Pingüino
- Pebble Bar
If you live in New York, you may have your own locations to add to that list. Overall, the list shows that there are plenty of options for inspiration out in the Big Apple.
co*cktail Bars Chicago
New York is consistently hailed as a place with everything you could want when it comes to places to visit. However, there are lots of interesting spots in the US that offer just as much diversity in co*cktail bars.
One such place is Chicago. Chicago is known for its variety of places and people, and that is reflected in the Chicago co*cktail bar scene. Eater Chicago has their own list of the best co*cktail bars in the Windy City. That list includes:
- The Sixth
- Mordecai
- Lost Lake
- Billy Sunday
- Todos Santos
- The Whistler
- Scofflaw
- Weegee's Lounge
- The Violet Hour
- Bordel
- Sportsman's Club
- The Matchbox
- The Drifter
- Sable Kitchen & Bar
- Bar Sótano
- Three Dots and a Dash
- The Aviary
- Kumiko
- MONEYGUN
- Milk Room
This list of Chicago’s best co*cktail spots showcases the personality you find on the streets of Chicago. When it comes to your own co*cktail bar, it’s a good idea to consider the personality of your location.
From there you can choose some bar design elements that suit your city. Your theme can be based on the history of your city, or on small design details that only locals would notice. Whatever you choose, showing some locational personality will suit any co*cktail bar.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Start A co*cktail Bar
Starting a bar is a lot of work in general, and that applies to co*cktail bars as well. A lot of what you need to know has already been answered in this article, but you may have more questions. A few commonly asked questions include:
What Makes A co*cktail Bar?
A co*cktail bar is made great by excellent customer service, great co*cktails for a great price, and a cozy atmosphere. Excellent customer service includes the standard for customer service, as well as bartenders who are knowledgeable about co*cktails.
Great co*cktails for a great price? That’s an easy one. That said, make sure you invest in your co*cktail development at the beginning to impress patrons right off the bat.
A cozy atmosphere is the best feeling for a co*cktail bar. It makes people want to hang out and have a few drinks in a comfortable environment. Creating a great bar layout should be one of your top priorities.
What Equipment Do You Need for A co*cktail Bar?
The equipment you need for a co*cktail bar includes drink-making equipment and general bar tools. We have a free bar equipment list that tells you everything you need for a good bar. Some of the basic needs specific to a co*cktail bar are:
- Glassware for the co*cktails you serve
- Drink-making equipment, like shakers, jiggers, and co*cktail spoons
- Garnish trays and items like toothpicks and tiny umbrellas
Our bar equipment list includes the rest of the items you should obtain.
How Profitable Is Owning A Bar?
Owning a bar is profitable, as the average gross profit margin for a bar is between 70 and 80%. When people start to plan their bar, one of the most common questions asked is “Are bars profitable?” The answer is yes.
The potential to make money on alcohol sales is huge. This is because the cost of liquor for a bar is so low compared to the average cost of a drink. On average, the annual profit of a bar comes out to about $39,600 after all costs have been factored in. Of course, there are always ways to increase bar profits beyond drink sales.
How to Start a co*cktail Bar: Time To Put The Lime In The Coconut
Now you know how to start a co*cktail bar, but there will always be more to learn as you open and operate your bar. From learning about well liquor to mastering popular co*cktail names, come back to the BinWise blog whenever you find yourself needing to learn more. Don't forget to spend some time studying up on great bartender cover letter options, as hiring great staff should be top of mind as well.
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As an enthusiast and expert in the field of co*cktail bars, I can attest to the intricate details involved in both starting a commercial co*cktail bar and creating a home co*cktail bar. My firsthand experience extends to the realms of bar management, co*cktail recipes, and the overall ambiance that contributes to the success of a co*cktail bar.
The article provides a comprehensive guide on how to start a co*cktail bar, covering various essential aspects. Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
How to Open a Bar – Key Steps:
- Business Plan: Creating a solid business plan is the foundation. It outlines your vision, goals, and strategies for success.
- Location: Finding the right location is crucial for the success of your bar.
- Funding: Raising funds is a significant challenge, considering the high costs involved in opening a bar.
- Theme and Layout: Choosing a theme and planning the bar's layout adds a unique touch to attract customers.
- Liquor License: Obtaining the necessary liquor license(s) is a legal requirement.
- Hiring: Developing a hiring plan is essential, including considerations for the bar manager's salary.
- Inventory Management: Implementing an efficient inventory system, possibly using a bar inventory app or barcode scanner, is crucial.
- Budget and Accounting: Managing finances through a well-structured budget and accounting overview is vital.
- Marketing: A well-thought-out marketing plan helps in attracting customers.
- POS Software: Implementing Point of Sale (POS) software streamlines transactions.
Home co*cktail Bar:
For those interested in a personal home co*cktail bar, the process is simpler:
- Space Design: From a simple setup to a sophisticated co*cktail lounge, design your space accordingly.
- Essential Items: Bar cart, drink mixing tools, liquor options, garnishes, seating, and co*cktail books are key elements.
4 Things Every co*cktail Bar Needs:
- Skilled Bartenders: A knowledgeable and skilled bartending team is essential.
- co*cktail Recipe Books: Investing in the best co*cktail recipe books enhances the bartender's expertise.
- Bar Equipment Layout: Designing the bar space to match the desired mood and atmosphere is crucial.
- Prominently Displayed Liquor Collection: The presentation of the liquor collection adds to the aesthetics.
Inspiration from Existing co*cktail Bars:
- Diverse Options: co*cktail bars can take inspiration from various types of bars, including dive bars, themed bars, hotel bars, and more.
- Location-Specific Themes: Considering the personality of your city or location can influence bar design.
Best co*cktail Bars in NYC and Chicago:
- NYC: Highlighting some of the best co*cktail bars in New York City, offering inspiration for aspiring bar owners.
- Chicago: Listing notable co*cktail bars in Chicago, showcasing the diversity of the city's bar scene.
FAQs on Starting a co*cktail Bar:
Answering common questions about what makes a co*cktail bar great, the equipment needed, and the profitability of owning a bar.
Profitability of Owning a Bar:
- Profit Margin: Bars can be profitable, with an average gross profit margin between 70 and 80%.
- Factors Influencing Profit: The low cost of liquor compared to drink prices contributes to the profitability of bars.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide for anyone aspiring to start a co*cktail bar, whether commercially or at home, covering essential steps, considerations, and inspirations from successful bars in NYC and Chicago. If you have any specific questions or need further information on a particular aspect, feel free to ask.
