FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Service and operation
IS AN ALCOHOL PERMIT REQUIRED FOR YOUR SERVICE?
No, as we do not sell alcohol: we provide service only, which is fully legal in Quebec, as long as:
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The client purchases the bottles themselves (SAQ, grocery store, microbreweries, etc.);
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We are hired as a service provider;
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No fee is charged for the alcohol itself (no “alcohol-included” packages or cocktails sold individually);
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The event takes place in a private location not open to the public.
As a mobile bar without a fixed address, we are not permitted to hold a liquor license, but our model fully complies with the legislation.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS DO YOU HOST?
Weddings, birthdays, baby showers, corporate events, 5 à 7, etc. You simply need a reason to celebrate—we’ll take care of the rest.
HOW LONG DOES YOUR SERVICE LAST?
Initially, our classic packages are set at 2, 5, and 8 hours. However, they are flexible and can be adjusted to perfectly suit your event.
DO YOU PROVIDE THE ALCOHOL?
The client is responsible for purchasing, transporting, and storing the alcohol.
Service is reserved for individuals aged 18 and over.The rates listed on our services page do not include alcohol. A personalized list of bottles to provide will be given to you based on the selected package, chosen cocktails, and number of guests.
DO YOU OFFER THE OTHER INGREDIENTS
Yes. We take care of everything else. Each package includes a dedicated mixologist, a bar adapted to your theme, and glassware. We also provide all ingredients required to prepare the cocktails (juices, syrups, purées, garnishes, ice, etc.), excluding alcohol.
DO YOU OFFER THE GLASSWEAR?
Yes, we provide our Esquisse-branded rigid plastic highball and beer glasses (included).
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If you prefer classic glassware, we simply ask that you connect us with your caterer to coordinate the rental of their glassware (costs are the client’s responsibility).
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With the “Flavor Palette” discovery package, our presentation glassware is included.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLASTIC CUPS AND YOUR GLASSWEAR?
Our plastic glasses are rigid, transparent highballs and beer glasses featuring the Esquisse logo; they are elegant, practical, and ideal for outdoor events or larger groups. Our glassware selection includes real glass pieces such as highballs, old fashion, tiki glasses, gin coupes, and shots, carefully chosen for their aesthetic quality; it adds a more sophisticated touch to your reception and enhances each cocktail, however it is available only for groups of fewer than 40 guests and involves additional fees. The “Palette de saveurs” discovery package automatically includes our presentation glassware.
ARE YOU INSURED?
Yes, we hold a $2 million liability insurance policy covering all of our services during your events.
WHAT IS THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BAR?
Each member of the Esquisse team has hands-on experience in service and event operations, and we have completed the mixology course at the Montreal Bar School as well as the responsible alcohol service training provided by the ITHQ in collaboration with Éduc’alcool.
DO YOU OFFER YOUR SERVICES OUTSIDE OF QUEBEC?
Yes, we travel throughout the Greater Montreal area, including Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, the North Shore, Vaudreuil, and beyond.
HOW DO TIPS WORK?
We add an 18% gratuity to the total invoice, before taxes, at the time of booking; this amount is then distributed among the service team members.
Logistics and installations
CAN YOU GET INSTALLED IN ANY SPACE?
Absolutely. Our mobile bar is designed to adapt to a wide range of venues, both indoors and outdoors, and if space is limited, we can deliver the same impeccable service without setting up the bar.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM SPACE REQUIRED TO HOST YOUR BAR?
Allowing for a clear space of approximately 8 × 8 feet (2.5 × 2.5 meters) is ideal to accommodate our bar, equipment, and ensure smooth service; if your space is more limited, no problem—let us know and we will adapt, as we enjoy a challenge, especially when it leads to a well-designed setup.
WHAT DO YOU NEED ON THE LOCATION?
Very little is required: a flat surface and a space to park our vehicle and small trailer are sufficient, and we take care of the rest.
DO YOU NEED ACCES TO WATER AND ELECTRICITY?
Ideally, access to water and electricity greatly facilitates our setup; however, it is not essential, as we are fully self-sufficient and accustomed to operating cleanly and efficiently, even in venues without utilities.
HOW MUCH TIME DOES ASSEMBLING AND DISSASEMBLING THE BAR TAKE?
Setup and teardown time are scheduled outside the service duration included in the package; please allow access to the site two hours before the start of service and up to one hour and thirty minutes after the end of the event.
Tarifs and Reservations
HOW CAN I RESERVE YOUR SERVICE?
It’s very simple: complete the contact form available on our website, after which we will discuss your event, your needs, and the available options; once the details are confirmed, we will send you an official quote, and your reservation will be secured upon signing the contract and submitting the deposit.
WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE PACKAGES?
We offer several packages designed to suit different types of events; to explore our offerings in detail, please visit the Services page on our website, and if after reviewing it you still have questions or would like to customize a package to better fit your needs, feel free to contact us, as we specialize in creating tailored experiences.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO MODIFY THE PACKAGES?
Yes, customized packages are our specialty—contact us.
WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED TIME TO THINK BEFORE RESERVING?
Yes, we offer the option to hold up to two dates without commitment for a period of one week, valid for events scheduled more than 30 days in advance; this allows you time to reflect or finalize certain details while ensuring priority on those time slots. If another request arises for one of the selected dates during that period, we will contact you first, and you will have 48 hours from our initial message to confirm or release the date, after which it will be made available again.
AT WHAT MOMENT DO I NEED TO BOOK TO ENSURE RESERVATION?
The earlier, the better; certain dates, especially in summer and during wedding season, are booked several months in advance, so we recommend reserving as soon as your date is confirmed, ideally between two and six months ahead, to ensure availability. That said, if a time slot remains open, we also accept last-minute requests, so feel free to contact us.
DO YOU ASK FOR A DEPOSIT FOR THE RESERVATION?
A 30% deposit is required to confirm the booking, and the remaining balance is due no later than seven days before the event.
WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT METHODS?
Payment can be made by bank transfer, cheque, or cash.
CAN I CHANGE OR CANCEL MY RESERVATION? ARE THERE FEES?
In the event of cancellation less than 14 days prior, the deposit is retained; no refund will be issued for cancellations made within seven days of the event.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS OR THERE IS BAD WEATHER?
In the event of unfavorable weather and without an indoor backup plan, the service may be rescheduled once, subject to our availability; the deposit remains non-refundable.
Cocktails and Personalization
DO YOU OFFER MOCKTAILS AND OPTIONS WITHOUT ALCOHOL?
Absolutely, each cocktail can be crafted in a non-alcoholic version with the same attention to flavor, texture, and presentation; we design mocktails to be just as refined and enjoyable, ensuring every guest fully experiences the offering.
HOW DOES THE COCKTAIL CHOOSING PROCESS WORK?
Everything begins with a discussion about your tastes, your event style, and the atmosphere you wish to create; we then present tailored suggestions and work with you to refine flavors, colors, and presentation, with the objective of crafting a menu that reflects your vision and leaves a strong impression on your guests.
DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL MENU?
Yes, we have developed a selection of signature cocktails that reflect our style—elegant, creative, and visually refined; this menu serves as a strong source of inspiration, whether selected as is or used as a starting point to design your own creations.
DO YOU OFFER A PERSONALIZED MENU DEPENDING ON THE THEME/EVENT?
Absolutely, we enjoy creating unique cocktails inspired by your theme, your color palette, your preferred ingredients, or even a personal story; every detail, from the selection of spirits to the garnish, is designed to align seamlessly with the overall atmosphere of your event.
DO YOU WORK WITH LOCAL PRODUCE IN SEASON?
Whenever possible, yes; we prioritize local producers and seasonal ingredients to ensure freshness and quality, while also adding an authentic and responsible dimension to your cocktail experience.
Want to learn more?