Open Bar vs Drink Tickets vs No Alcohol: Which Is Best for Your San Diego Holiday Party?

October 6, 2025

Planning your company holiday party in San Diego? Between picking the venue, finalizing catering, and organizing entertainment, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is: How do we handle drinks?

Every company has a different culture and budget, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Luckily, you’ve got options: Open bar, drink tickets, or no alcohol at all. Each comes with pros, cons, and considerations that can shape the vibe of your holiday event. Let’s break it down so you can choose the best fit for your team.

Winter cocktail with white foam and fruit and chocolate garnish
Photo: Portolese Photo

Option 1: Open Bar

Pros:

  • Creates a lively, celebratory atmosphere
  • Encourages mingling and networking across departments
  • Simple and straightforward; guests don’t need to worry about limits

Cons:

  • Can be pricey, depending on the size of your guest list
  • Risk of overconsumption if not managed properly

Best For:
Large companies or teams who want to go all-out and reward employees for a year of hard work. An open bar is perfect when the focus is on celebration and connection. With BRICK Beverage, our in-house program, you can customize your bar package to fit your budget and style while still keeping things classy and fun. Confident an open bar is the right fit? Let’s get started!

Wintery cocktails in wine glasses with pomegranate garnish
Photo: Mirelle Carmichael Photo

Option 2: Drink Tickets

Pros:

  • Helps you control costs and keep the bar tab predictable
  • Gives guests freedom to choose what they’d like within limits
  • Keeps the event festive without overindulgence

Cons:

  • Some employees may run out of tickets quickly and feel restricted
  • Requires a bit of extra organization for ticket distribution

Best For:
Mid-sized companies who want to strike a balance between offering alcohol and managing expenses. Drink tickets can also be paired with a cash bar so guests can purchase additional beverages if they wish. With BRICK Beverage, we’ll help you set up a system that works smoothly for both your team and the bartenders. Want to learn more about this option? Reach out today.

Red holiday cocktail with mint garnish in a vintage glass
Nomadic Fitlust

Option 3: No Alcohol

Pros:

  • The most budget-friendly option
  • Keeps the focus on activities, food, or entertainment
  • Great for family-friendly holiday parties or companies that prefer a dry event

Cons:

Let’s be honest… some guests may miss the festive touch of a cocktail or glass of wine

Best For:
Smaller teams or companies that want to keep things simple. Instead of alcohol, consider elevating the experience with specialty mocktails, coffee bars, or seasonal drinks. BRICK Beverage can design a creative non-alcoholic menu that feels just as celebratory.

Choosing What’s Best for Your San Diego Holiday Party

At the end of the day, the best beverage plan depends on your company culture, your budget, and the kind of holiday party you want to create. Whether you go for an open bar, drink tickets, or no alcohol at all, our team at BRICK—and our in-house program, BRICK Beverage—are here to make it seamless.

From crafting custom bar packages to helping you set the right tone for your celebration, we’ve got the experience to bring your holiday party vision to life.

Ready to start planning? Contact us today to learn more about hosting your San Diego holiday party at BRICK.

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