Planning a private event in Montreal? Whether it’s a birthday, engagement, corporate party or backyard celebration, hiring a bar service is one of the easiest ways to elevate the experience for your guests. But if you’ve never booked one before, you might be wondering — how much does a private bar service actually cost in Montreal?
Prices can vary a lot depending on what kind of service you’re looking for. Some people only need a bartender to show up and pour drinks, while others want a full cocktail bar experience that could rival one of Montreal’s best spots. Below, we’ll break down the three most common tiers of service so you can plan your event with realistic expectations.
Before we get into the numbers, remember that all of these prices do not include tip. Tipping is always at your discretion, but in Montreal, the industry standard is 15% of the total bill. If you’re hosting close friends and family, you might ask guests to bring cash to tip the bartender directly. Just know that while this can offset your total cost, it can also feel a little tacky to some, so use your judgment.
Average cost: $60–$100 per hour
This is the most basic level of service. You’re essentially paying for a bartender’s time, and you’ll be responsible for absolutely everything else.
That means providing:
In short, this option is perfect for hosts who already have a bar setup or don’t care too much about the drinks themselves. Think of it as hiring a cleaning service: convenient, casual, and all the products they need are already there.
One of the biggest mistakes people make at this level is underestimating how much ice they’ll need. However much you think you need, double it, and then multiply that by the number of hours you’re hosting, especially if your guests are heavy drinkers or it’s a summer event. Running out of ice is one of the easiest ways to derail an otherwise fun night.
Tier 1 works well for small, casual gatherings where people aren’t too picky about cocktails and you already have most of the equipment on hand. It’s the least expensive way to have a professional bartender, but it does require the most work on your end.
Average cost: about $30 per person, per hour
Additional costs: bar rental ($200–$1,000) and $50/hour per bartender
This tier is a step up. The company brings most of what’s needed: a bar surface, basic tools, ice, mixers, glassware, and staff. You just enjoy your event while they take care of the setup and service.
A good rule of thumb is one bartender per 25 guests, and most services will recommend additional staff as your guest count increases. This isn’t a money grab — it’s to make sure your guests aren’t waiting too long for their drinks.
At this level, you can expect “bar rail” drinks: simple mixed drinks like rum and Coke, gin and tonic, vodka soda, or maybe an espresso martini or margarita at an extra cost. Don’t expect premium ingredients or fresh citrus here. Most of the time, these bars use store-bought mixers and bottled juice, which can noticeably bring down the quality of the cocktails.
That said, this option is perfect for large, high-energy parties where people are drinking more for fun than for flavour. If your guests are mostly there to dance, celebrate, and not overthink their drinks, Tier 2 is a convenient balance of cost and service.
No matter what tier you choose, you can sometimes save money by providing your own alcohol. Most bar services can give you a “grocery list” of what to buy, and you can stock up at the SAQ. The best part? You can return any unopened bottles afterward.
The trade-off is convenience. You’ll have to handle the shopping, transport, and returns yourself. Still, for many clients, it’s worth it — especially if you’re hosting a larger group and want to control your spending.
Average cost: $40–$80 per person, per hour
This is the tier for cocktail lovers who want to truly impress their guests. A full-service craft cocktail bar can transform your home or event space into a mini speakeasy, complete with expert mixologists, elegant presentation, and top-shelf ingredients.
At this level, you can expect:
What makes Tier 3 special is the experience. These bars often work with you to design a bespoke drink list. For example, at MTL Craft Cocktails, we learn about your event’s theme and make suggestions for cocktails that fit it perfectly. We’ll also send you a full menu of unique craft creations along with timeless classics, all using better ingredients that make a real difference in taste and presentation.
This type of service is ideal for intimate gatherings, weddings, or corporate events where you want guests to remember the drinks as much as the atmosphere. Think of it as bringing a high-end cocktail bar straight to your venue, with beautiful garden-to-glass cocktails made on site.
Tier 3 teams can handle large volumes too, but the spirit of this service is craft and care. If Tier 2 is like a busy club, Tier 3 is like a great cocktail bar: it can be lively, but it still feels refined when it’s quiet.
One clever way to predict your total cost is to set a minimum number of drinks per guest. You can do this by handing out drink tickets as guests arrive. For example, if each guest gets two tickets, the bar service will plan enough ingredients, staff, and alcohol for two drinks per person, making the budget more predictable. This is all agreed upon ahead of time with your bartending service company.
You can buy rolls of drink tickets here at Staples. This method is great for keeping things organized and can sometimes lower your final invoice because the vendor knows exactly how much product to bring.
Most reputable bar services in Montreal provide their own insurance. Things only get complicated if you plan to charge your guests for drinks. Most private events run on an open bar concept, which means the host pays for everything. If you plan to sell drinks instead, you’ll need a special permit. The bar service can usually help you with that process or even handle it for you.
The right bar service depends on your priorities. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind doing the setup yourself, Tier 1 works fine for casual parties. If you want convenience and don’t care much about cocktail quality, Tier 2 will get the job done. But if you want your guests to have a memorable, elevated experience, with thoughtful presentation and incredible drinks... Tier 3 is worth it.
When you hire a premium bar service in Montreal, you’re not just paying for drinks. You’re investing in atmosphere, hospitality, and the little details that make a celebration feel special.
If you’d like to learn more about premium mobile cocktail experiences or get a personalized quote, contact us here to start planning your event.
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