You do not have to choose between them. A short event menu can contain familiar classics from the existing Cocktailhire selection, giving guests recognisable choices without asking the bar to offer every drink they can name.
Keep familiarity without making the menu open-ended
Choose a few contrasting flavour styles within the booking's actual options. Check which alcohol-free choices are available where needed, and display the selected drinks clearly before guests order.
The purpose is a menu suited to this party, not a test of how many recipes exist. Keep supplies, glassware and staffing aligned with the selection and real guest count. If a requested drink is not available to select, do not assume it is included because it is a well-known classic. Settle any question before buying ingredients or confirming the final event menu.
- Choose familiar drinks from the menu actually available.
- Keep the event selection explicit rather than promising an open bar menu.