Elysian Events Catering is one of the few New Orleans catering companies that holds a full liquor license, offering professional bar service alongside their food catering — a combination that is harder to find than most people expect.
When you start shopping for event catering in New Orleans, you will quickly discover that most catering companies handle food only. Sourcing bar service separately means coordinating with an additional vendor, managing two contracts, and hoping both teams work well together on the day of your event. Elysian Events Catering solves that problem by providing fully licensed, professionally staffed bar catering as part of the same service.
Why So Few Caterers Offer Bar Service
Obtaining and maintaining a liquor license requires meeting specific state and local requirements — and the process is not simple. Many catering companies choose to focus on food and leave alcohol to venues or outside bar services. That is a reasonable business decision, but it creates a real logistical challenge for event hosts who want a single, accountable team managing the full guest experience.
Elysian carries the licensing and insurance to provide bar catering legally in Louisiana, with one important condition: bar service is only available when food catering is also ordered.
Bar Package Options at a Glance
Elysian offers three tiers of bar catering, each designed for a different budget and preference level. All packages include disposable cups, cocktail napkins, a full range of sodas and juices, garnishes, ice, coolers, and a linen-covered table. Gratuity is included in all pricing, and staffing fees are billed separately based on event length and headcount.
| Package | Price Per Person (4 Hours) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $25 ($4/additional hour) | Domestic and local craft beer, red/white/sparkling wine, 2 specialty cocktails, 1 mocktail |
| Standard | $30 ($6/additional hour) | Everything in Basic, plus Tito’s vodka, Don Q rum, Beefeater gin, Monkey Shoulder scotch, Buffalo Trace bourbon, Cimarrón tequila |
| Premium | $37 ($7/additional hour) | Everything in Standard, upgraded to Ketel One, Flor de Caña 12yr, Plymouth gin, Chivas, Woodford Reserve, Milagro tequila |
Supplemental Cocktail Packages
For Standard and Premium package holders, Elysian offers add-on cocktail menus that take the bar experience further. Options include a Classic Cocktails package covering drinks like the Manhattan, Negroni, and Daiquiri; a NOLA Cocktails package featuring the Sazerac, Vieux Carré, Hurricane, and Pimm’s Cup; a Bubbles Bar with French 75s and Aperol Spritzes; and a Second Line package built for easy, festive drinking. Each add-on runs $4 to $6 per person.
Pairing the right drinks with your food menu is worth thinking through carefully. The food and drink pairing guide on Elysian’s site offers practical guidance on how to match cocktail selections to your menu. For weddings specifically, the art of the wedding cocktail hour is a good read for anyone still planning that portion of their reception.
Cash Bar vs. Open Bar: Which Is Right for Your Event?
One question that comes up often is whether to offer guests a fully hosted open bar or a cash bar option. Both have tradeoffs depending on your budget, event type, and guest expectations. This breakdown of cash bar vs. open bar covers the practical and social considerations for each.
According to Penn State Extension’s alcoholic beverage trends research, event guests increasingly expect craft and locally sourced drink options alongside traditional spirits — a preference Elysian’s packages reflect with their inclusion of local craft beer and curated cocktail menus.
Venue Considerations for Bar Catering in New Orleans
One practical detail worth knowing: not every venue in New Orleans permits outside bar catering. Before finalizing your event location, confirm that the venue allows licensed outside vendors to provide alcohol service. Elysian’s team is familiar with many local venues and can help you think through this during the planning process.
To get started or ask about bar availability for your specific event date, reach out to Elysian Events Catering directly. You can also call them at (504) 541-0091.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all New Orleans catering companies offer bar service?
No. Most caterers in the New Orleans area do not hold a liquor license and handle food only. Elysian Events Catering is among a small group of local caterers licensed and insured to provide professional bar service.
Can I get bar service from Elysian without ordering food catering?
No. Elysian is licensed to provide bar catering only when food catering is also ordered. This is a licensing requirement, not a company policy they can waive.
Are mocktails available through Elysian’s bar packages?
Yes. Mocktails are available across all packages, and Elysian even offers a seasonal mocktail menu. Any cocktail on their menu can be made non-alcoholic upon request.
How many bartenders will Elysian provide for my event?
Elysian assigns one bartender per 50 to 75 guests for a standard 4-hour event. Supplemental cocktail packages require one additional bartender. Staffing fees are $150 per bartender for a 4-hour event, plus $30 per additional hour.
Is gratuity included in Elysian’s bar catering pricing?
Yes. All bar catering pricing from Elysian is inclusive of gratuity, so there are no surprises when the final bill arrives.