These smooth drinks are perfect for your Easter party. Sweet and festive, you can reuse any of these mixtures even in the summer! Whether you’re hosting a party, or attending one, surprise your family and friends with one of these refreshing recipes.
- Sangria Lemonade
photocredit: delish.com Ingredients
1 small container of lemonade
1 bottle of White wine
½ cup of raspberries
½ cup of strawberries or 1 orangeDirections
In a large pitcher pour wine and fruit and mix well. Start with a splash of lemonade and add more to your liking. Let it sit in refrigerator until chilled and mix before serving. - Lavender Collins
photocredit: popsugar.com Ingredients
1/oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
½ oz lavender syrup
1 bottle of sparkling water
1 lemon slice or clean lavender sprigDirections
Using a cocktail shaker, mix gin, lemon juice and lavender syrup with ice until cold. Strain in a glass, also with ice and top with sparkling water. Stir gentle and garnish. - Limoncello Egg Shot
photocredit: emaze.com Ingredients
1 oz of limoncello
1 mini chocolate eggDirections
Chill limoncello prior to serving. Add a chocolate egg and pour a shot for a sweet dessert drink. - Easter Beer Cocktail
photocredit: countryliving.com Ingredients
1 cup of frozen strawberries
4 bottled beers
1 container of frozen raspberry lemonade
½ cup of vodkaDirections
Mix lemonade, vodka and berries first. Pour beer in a pitcher carefully and let it settle before serving. Best served fresh. - Peach Mimosa
photocredit: countryliving.com Ingredients
1 oz Peach nectar
1 bottle of Smirnoff ICE Peach Bellini
1 oz voska
2 oz orange juiceDirections
Mix chilled ingredients per glass and serve immediately for a smooth delight.
Bartendo can serve these signature cocktails at any capacity. For larger gatherings, inquire about our customizable mobile bar rentals to really impress your guests. For smaller gatherings, hire a server, bartender or even just a support staff! Click here for more information about hiring a support staff and contact us today for a quick and easy quote.
The 3rd annual Riverside WineFest is an annual celebration that last all week with wine 
tastings paired with local foods. Wine lovers attend to get to know the local shops, eateries and community spaces in the Riverside area. Bartendo attended the signature Community Riverside Wine Expo this past weekend hosted at The Ralph Thornton Centre. Here is a list of some of the wineries we experienced and where you can get a bottle too!
White Rabbit
This white wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Riesling and Vidal. Displaying an aroma of fruit, pineapple and banana are the main flavours with a hint of pear.
Great for any occasion, pair with poultry, light pastas or seafood.
Shop: http://www.waupooswinery.com/product/white-rabbit-2014/
Red Rabbit
This blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon combines aromas of cherry, cassis and plum and are rounded by note of toasted oak, vanilla and hints of caramel.
Paired best with grilled red meats, Portobello mushrooms, lamb or strong cheeses
Shop: http://www.waupooswinery.com/product/red-rabbit-2011/
June’s Vineyard Riesling
Crisp and cool, this Riesling is packed with exotic fruit including ripe yellow plum, apple and pineapple. With the right balance of fresh and fine acidity, this flavourful glass is perfect alone, chilled or served with dinner.
Paired best with chicken, fish, and mild to medium cheeses.
Shop: http://www.13thstreetwinery.com/wine-store/product/riesling_junes_vineyard_2014
Simplicity
Made from Vidal and Pinot Gris grapes, this wine is fruity and crisp with every sip. Clean and bright, it as an easy drinking wine meant to be easy to pair.
Paired best with pasta dishes, pork and grilled meats.
Chardonnay
This chardonnay is almost un-oaked as it was finished in stainless steel. The versatile acidity levels and fruity taste is what makes it work well with a number of dishes.
Paired best with seafood, creamy pastas and herbs with chicken.
Shop: http://www.brokenstonewinery.com/online-store/Delicious-Wines-c18859302
2014 Dog House Red
This deep red wine surprises you with fruit flavours of sweet plum, black cherry, and vanilla mixed with dark berry aromas.
Paired best with pizza, wings, eggplant and steak.
2013 Pinot Grigio
Floral and tropical, this smooth tasting wine has an acidic start with a rounded finish.
Paired best with seafood, light pastas, roasted pork and chicken dishes.
Shop: http://www.threedogwine.com/shop/
Besides the wine, we were pleased to be treated to some cheese, fruits, chocolates and additional liquors! We were thankful to Sugar Loaf Bakery and Toronto Food Tours for the delicious goods to accompany us along our wine-tasting adventure.
Crimson Rye Whiskey
This rare 100% whiskey had a bite unique to others. Winning a double gold medal at the Fifty Best Canadian Whisky, it had the perfect balance of aromatic honeysuckle and beeswax with a flavour of dried figs, anise and fresh cut grass.
Still’s Whisper Vodka
Using 100% Ontario wheat at their farm-based distillery, this vodka is twice distilled to offer a truly unique flavour and quality.
Juniper’s Wit Gin
On it’s own, or in a cocktail, this gin is handcrafted with their blend of herbs and botanicals including locally sourced juniper, lavender, and hops.
Shop: https://www.kinsip.ca/shop/
Contact Bartendo if you’re hosting an event and need to hire a bartender, server or additional event staff to sample, serve or promote your product. Suitable for all types of events, including private parties, check out our gallery to see what we have already done with other companies in the past!
Hosting a party is a big job – especially when the guest list is extensive. Some common ways to avoid the bustle is to have a do-it-yourself theme. A buffet-style dinner, pre-made cocktails ready to serve, coolers stacked with beverages and anything else you plan on incorporating that is self-serve, is a good first step. Now that the warm weather is finally seeping in, you bet there will be many outdoor parties too!
Regardless if it is an indoor or outdoor event, you need to hire an extra hand to smooth out any wrinkles as the night commences. Hiring a server, bartender, or butler are some common options. But have you ever thought of alternating for a support staff member? With the ability to fulfill any job description, our support staff is the kind you want to hire for all the in between. Here are the top 4 reasons why you should hire a support staff when hosting a party.
- Adaptable Workers
The number one reason to hire a support staff member when planning a party is their adaptability! Able to work any type of event, the support staff can serve, set up, clean up, and even help you do the dishes. This job goes past being a bar staff, and creates a whole new world of service. This type of event staff is a benefit when in need of a helping hand for a variety of hosting needs.
- Provide Better Service
This one may seem like a given, but yes, you will give your guests better service. Whether at home or in a venue, every event host wants to ensure a smooth and stress-free party. The best part – support staff are more oriented to giving better service due to the personalized nature of fitting such a roll. Your guests will feel comfortable, looked after and most importantly – happy.
- Offers Extra Support
You need someone, other than your good pal, to offer you extra support. I am sure your good friend means the best, but it’s always better to play it safe. Not only is a support staff more professional, they are more helpful too! With experience in helping in both small and large capacity events, the support staff can give you the type of undivided attention and experience you require.
- Impress Guests
Lastly, hiring a temporary event staff will make your event that more classy. This upscale vibe will impress guests and get them wondering where they can find event staff services too! Whether it’s is private, corporate or a promotional gig, you wont regret choosing to hire a support staff to assist you with all your needs. If you often host events, you can even request the same support staff member and get consistency for every party you throw.
Click here to get more advice on what to avoid when hosting a party, including leaving out a support staff! At Bartendo, you can even request our staff to dress up, stay late or even help you prepare and decorate. This stress reliever will make all the difference for you, your guests and your sanity! Contact us for all event staff services including event servers, promotional staff and much more.
Hotel’s and restaurants are already on their way to creating sustainability and efficiency with their design choices. More specifically, it is electricity and water that consumes the most energy and is responsible for the highest running costs in a business. Thanks to new technology, such as LED lights, these businesses are able to save on money and energy. In honour of Earth Day, we have created a list of tips you can use for your next event that will not only please your guests, but help the environment too!
Whether you are hosting at a venue, or planning a party in your home, these tips will be an eco-friendly solution no matter what. Making environmentally friendly solutions means going past just separating garbage and recycling. An easy step to ensure guests use bins properly is to create signs and make an effort to tell your guests as they come in. Show them where to get their food and drinks, where the recycling/garbage is and anything else your guests need be aware of!
- Limit Waste
Limit waste by preparing well and avoiding waste products prior to the event. A common and universally simple solution is to use glassware instead of paper or plastic plates and cups. Although it is true these items are recyclable, it is still a better option to use washable items. If you happen to have extra leftovers, don’t throw it out! There are plenty of options for utilizing this food. Either send guests home with take-out plates, use it for your lunch that week or, if you qualify, get in touch with companies, like Second Harvest, who will gladly donate your leftovers!
Try buying recycled and eco-friendly products for your party. Paper towel, napkins, and straws are only a few of the items that you can buy as an alternative to well-known brands of these products. Another point worth mentioning is to pay attention to water consumption! Provide water wisely by not offering any bottles, and instead offering cups with personalized tags so nobody is loosing track and wasting their water.
- Design Efficiently
If you are renting out a venue, this measure will be easier to take. There are many eco-friendly venues out there that already have energy saving products in place. These venues have LEED certifications by saving energy using products that are certified as energy saving. Here are a few green venue options in Toronto! You can also choose a venue that is a central location – close to subways, busses and trains so that your guests can have a choice at how they commute.
If you are planning an private party at home, you can still contribute! Buy LED lights instead of the traditional kind, take advantage of your dimmed lights and simply add another lamp to brighten the room up- without using your bright chandelier! Decorate creatively by avoiding plastic at all costs and replacing it with reusable materials. Just like with donating your left overs, if you actively set an example, people will follow.
- Encourage Awareness
This is the most important step about hosting an environmentally friendly party. If people aren’t aware of your efforts, what use is it? Well realistically you are still helping the environment, but regardless you need maximize your impact by encouraging awareness! For example, don’t forget to encourage people to carpool to save on gas consumption. Buying organic food and advertising what your guests are eating is also another creative way to raise awareness.
As many businesses are already doing, paperless is the way to go. You can do this when hosting a part by sending online invitations, instead of mailing them, and keeping all your to-do lists in digital format. On top of that, you can even create online environment information packages or brochures that guests can have easy access too before, during or after the party! Lastly, send guests homes with a plant sapling as a memorable parting gift.
If you are a planning a party, whether at home or at a venue, don’t forget to hire some support staff! Whether you are hiring a bartender, server, cook or hostess, Bartendo has it all. Having a helping hand will add a finishing touch to complete a successful eco-friendly party.
That’s right, it’s the first day of spring and we’re all relieved that it’s finally here. I, as a millennial, adore this time of year because I’ve always embodied one feeling when the time comes – refreshment. For someone else it could be a new curriculum schedule for the kids, a new scent in the breeze hinting its way in, a new schedule for shift workers or maybe it’s someone’s new beginning. Regardless, we made it through the cold winter, and the fact the season officially changes naturally makes everyone ready for a change- good or bad, as I learned from this Spring Facts article.
Personally, this is when I am most productive. My best ideas come out and I am able to apply them before the exhausting heat of summer. So for employers currently deciding whether to hire an applicant or give-up on an existing one, freshen up your knowledge by staying ahead of the game by understanding the impact of the millennial movement. After talking to many professionals and colleagues in the food and drink industry over the past years, most have shared one view; getting their first job was near impossible – unless they had prior connections. Gratefully, many of those employees are now valuable assets to the company! Start this season fresh by absorbing the following guide to help you read your millennial applicants accurately.
1. Independence
Ambition is often mistaken as pushy or scattered. Wait until you test them on the basics before you make your judgment call. In a world full of new financial pressures, our youth need to be more independent than ever. Forecasted in my 2014 EMERGE feature story, you can clearly see how it has played out now that it is 2017- at least for Generation Y who aren’t current home owners and don’t get enough financial help from their support systems. Where 5 years at one job used to be a staple for a good candidate, is now no longer the case. The most successful candidates are those who are independent enough to strive for what they want – even if it comes off blunt.
These are the people that may stay at a job for 1-2 years, not because they aren’t loyal, but because they are eager for a chance at success. If they aren’t receiving the promised personal growth and career advancement, they aren’t afraid to leave! This digital age has created the need for this demographic to get where they need to go and at a much faster pace than ever before. Embrace this new work ethic as an advantage for your business. The applicants, who display independence, are the employees that will reward you with permanent results.
2. Inexperience
You’re right; they may not have all the experience you would like – however, you’re reading this article for a reason. It’s a new genre of employment hence why even the Government of Ontario is taking note with their new policy changes. With the rise in part-time and contract work, it is time to get in the loop! If their genuine intentions are in line with yours and they are actually trying, take this as a chance to be a mentor. This is the best opportunity to create a secure root in your business as they don’t have any bad habits or preconceived ideas they can bring to the table.
The shift in work habits is changing on a national level as more businesses see the benefit of a millennial workforce. Inexperience in a work place doesn’t necessarily mean inexperience in the job itself. It’s time to take risks and give your seemingly inexperienced applicant a shot. Their fresh ideas and unique ways of problem solving will allow your business to grow effectively in this ever-changing consumer environment.
3. Entitlement
Such topics of discussion, like tipping, are sensitive and often misunderstood. As a bartender or server, you want tips – not because you’re entitled – but because you know hard work pays off and you already get underpaid. If servers and bartenders were paid more than minimum wage, like at Bartendo, it creates a new avenue for equal service. Generally, there is a huge income gap between the average Generation Y worker and older counterparts. Due to a number of factors, this is a concept often overlooked by current business owners. You get what you pay for. If you use money as an incentive, you will surely get better results! The reason we are easily misconceived as entitled is because we are the one experiencing the trouble and some of us really are trying!
Look for the applicant that will own up to a mistake, won’t be afraid to ask for a higher wage and who is truly willing to prove it. Don’t look at your candidate as entitled – unless proven guilty! This new generation of potential hires just needs to feel respected and valued. Make a point to create an opportunity for your applicant, where they have a chance to physically prove themselves. Decide your verdict after you give yourself the chance to look at the bigger picture.
4. First Impressions
We all know how important first impressions are, but not all of us are good at accurately portraying one. This isn’t always due to lack of knowledge, but arguably based on lack of mutual understanding during the initial interview process. As already mentioned, don’t let the first impression deter you! For example, although there is still a difference between people who are organized and those who are not, both parties can still be equally as clumsy. Balancing glassware and plates is often what servers and bartenders struggle with most in the beginning. I know it’s been awhile, but don’t forget how clumsy you were when you first started and avoid seeing it as a problem – unless it really is a “drop the wine on the customer every day” circumstance. Those people may just need more time at another position until they have practiced!
The key to success in this competitive corporate world is to hire an employee that won’t just fulfill your job description, but who possesses the potential that will benefit you in the long run. At Bartendo, we hire a bartender or server based on personality that matches our beliefs. Applicable to any industry, click here for a few additional qualities we look for when hiring event staff in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa or Montreal.
Take advantage of this unique millennial perspective shaped by technology and social media. Bartendo’s roster includes all ages, but primarily consists of this intuitive generation. We believe in providing the best event staffing needs simply by setting our employees up for success. Contact us today to learn more about working with us!
Most holidays have unspoken rules and are celebrated naturally. It may change slightly depending on your culture, but typically the idea of such holidays is pretty universal. Christmas, Canada Day and Family Day are only a few examples. St. Patrick’s Day, however, is the only staple where there isn’t many rules or organization – at least not in the modern way we’ve been doing it! Although not an official holiday, it sure feels like one with the amount of Irish spirit lingering on this bright day. It is time to fulfill our spirits by doing the one thing we know how to do best– indulge.
Canadians adapted this holiday initially as a way to celebrate those who passed in the Great Famine in the 1880’s. Now, Canada has been wearing green on March 17 for over a century! Click here to learn more about the background of St. Patrick’s Day! Now that we have more knowledge about St.Patty’s than leprechauns and lucky charms, you are ready to include these 3 must-haves to prepare yourself for the ultimate Irish night.
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- Theme
Evidently, theme is the number one thing to never forget about. Sure, you can just wear a green shirt, but if you want to really get in the spirit then you need accessorize perfectly. By this, I mean the right amount of festive and funk. Little green hats, large sequin bows and green leis are only a few of the most popular. If you prefer keeping it simple, go right ahead – but for those who are going all out make sure to theme your outfit accurately!
If you’re wearing green attire, skip out on the lei and themed necklaces. Instead, substitute for a hat and add a clover tattoo to finish the touch. Whether it’s a subtle one on the cheek or a statement piece on your arm, you will be able to determine which one compliments your outfit better. If you decide on a more relaxed outfit, feel free to pop in that bow, throw on your best St.Patty’s Day headbands and please deck out wherever you can.
If you’re hosting the party, you must decorate accordingly! People need to see decorations if they decide to go to your party over the hot spot in town. Start by adding the big themed items first, and fill in the spaces with streamers, pot of gold lights and any other standout decor!
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- Service
In order to truly enjoy your St.Patrick’s Day, you must have great service. This can apply in two scenarios. One, hosting a party and being responsible for providing good service or two – relying on your bartenders and servers to give you good service. Regardless the scenario, you must understand the volume of participants and give your host the benefit of the doubt.
Scenario one is the easiest to control. As a host you can take the necessary measures to ensure a successful party. Decorate accordingly, set-up modestly and prepare promptly. In order to prepare, try making easy-to-serve drinks such as punch bowls. They are easy, tasty and convenient! Also gather a few extra hands prior to your party so you’re not alone when offering your hospitality.
Scenario two is more of a preventative measure. Choose the right environment, and you are already doing half the work. For those crammed in at the local bar, ensure good service by looking on the bright side. Order 2 drinks at once to coast on, and take advantage when the server is near you. Not only will they appreciate it, but you’ll benefit too!
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- Environment
As mentioned above, you must take the precautions to ensure a good environment! Either create it yourself, or pick a place you know is always a blast. Regardless the scenario, you want to surround yourself with loving friends, family and people you are comfortable with. Not only will it be easier to let loose, but you will really be following the tradition of indulgence – but applied to relationships too.
Aside from your entourage, you want a place that radiates good vibes. That doesn’t mean the first place you hear bumping music is the one, but rather the place that fits your mood and makes you feel good inside and out – first impression and all. If you can score this and cheap drinks, you’re good to go for the night! Don’t forget today is about loving and appreciating what we have.
As a host, an effective way to set the vibe is a table full of themed St.Patrick’s Day Drinks presented right at the door way. Pre-making them will be your best bet. Green and yellow Jell-O shots can be done the night before, and can also be used to spread across the table in a welcoming presentation.
As you can see, these must-haves may take a bit of preparation. A little will go a long way when it comes to décor, simple solutions and the right setting. If you’re hosting a party, hiring a server or bartender is the first step to make your night run smoother. Bartendo has fast and effective solutions for all event-staffing needs. Rent a mobile bar, customize it and get one of our staff to serve the very best signature cocktails. Don’t forget these 3 tips and you’ll be sure to have a great night.
Scratch the green beer, and try one of these delicious recipes instead! Whether you’re looking for a drink to cheers, or sip all night, you will be sure to impress with these green St.Patrick’s Day delights. Order one of these with a bartender at the local pub, or keep this guide handy if you’re throwing the party yourself! These simple recipes will have both you and your guests celebrating in no time.
Alcoholic
1. Shamrock Shake-Up
- 1 1/2 oz Vodka
- ¾ oz lime juice
- 6 mint leaves
- 1 oz soda
- ½ of hot water
- ½ of sugar
Start by mixing sugar and hot water in a bowl. Once mixed, add some slightly crushed mint leaves and put it in a shaker with lime-juice and vodka. Shake it well and pour it into a rocks class. Garnish with mint leaves and a slice of lime.
2. Honeydew Martini
- 3 oz Vodka
- ½ oz Midori Melon Liquer
- 1 oz Triple Sec
Pour ingredients into a cocktail glass and garnish with some green vodka gummy bears or just use an orange to add some colour.
3. Frozen Mojito
- 1 ½ oz white rum
- 1 ½ oz Motts Mojito Mix Syrup
- ½ oz. lime juice
- Splash of sour mix
Smooth and sweet, combine all ingredients into a blender with 16oz of ice. Add crushed mint, blend and pour into a glass once it’s at your desired consistency. Garnish with a few lime wheels!
4. Irish Flag
- 1/3 oz crème de menthe
- 1/3 oz Licor 43
- 1/3 oz Irish Cream
This layered shot takes precision. Carefully pour these ingredients in a shot glass in the order it is listed. Try pouring the liquor over the back of a spoon and let it slowly drip into the shot glass.
5. Gold Emerald Shooter
- ½ oz of Melon Liquor
- ½ oz of Goldschlager
Pour these simple ingredients in a shaker over ice and pour into a shot glass.
Non-Alcoholic
There are many recipes around for non-alcoholic alternatives! You can make a simple green tea or just add food colouring to a ginger beer. If you want to be more creative, here are a few more options worth trying out.
6. Hot Chocolate
- 1 pouch of hot chocolate
- Whipped Cream
- Green Sparkles
- Large Marshmallows
Use a simple pre-mixed hot chocolate and add boiling water to it in a mug. Using green food colouring, colour the marshmallows and add it to the mug to allow it to melt. Add whipped cream on top of the melted, green marshmallow and garnish with a sprinkle of green to finish the touch.
7. The Lucky Pot
- Club Soda
- Apple Slices
- 1 Tbsp. Green Apple Syrup
Buy or make some green apple syrup before preparing the drink. Pouring over ice, add soda and the syrup into a chilled glass. Mix well and add some apple slices as garnish!
8. St. Patrick’s Day Punch
- Lime sherbet
- 2 cups of Gingerale
- 2 cups of Pineapple Juice
Mix the Gingerale and pineapple juice in a large bowl. Add a scoop of lime sherbet immediately after pouring and garnish with some green grapes to add a fruity touch!
If you’re hosting the event yourself, be sure to take advantage of one Bartendo’s services today. Hire a bartender, additional event staff or just rent one of our portable bars. Check out our customizable options and really deck out your mobile bar just like St. Patrick’s Day.