Bender Mixology Event Services

06/01/2026

August is truly one of the best times of the year to get married, and the biggest reason I love August weddings is because of the wide range of readily available ingredients that I can easily source for my clients to craft amazing cocktails and mocktails with fresh, handcrafted ingredients!
August is the one time of year that you can find just about anything, from floral ingredients still in season, to the last of the peaches, melons, and delicious tropical fruit!
This vibrant menu for our upcoming August wedding features 3 distinct cocktails, including the perfect peachy fizz that tastes like an elevated cross between a hairy navel and a peach Bellini. This Stonefruit Sunrise Sparkler features fresh pressed orange juice and juicy, ripe peach syrup, lifted by citrus and tonic water, hitting every element from the fresh aromatics to the layered balance of sweet, tart and crisp, for a perfect summer wedding cocktail. 🥂

05/25/2026

What’s your favorite Memorial Day cocktail?
For me, the early summer classic was always the beloved Lemon Drop. And since Memorial Day is the very beginning of stone fruit season, I absolutely had to create a Stone Fruit Lemon Drop!
This is something I actually came up with back in my dive bar days. It’s a simple, fun variation that you can easily play with at home. You can switch up the base spirit to a lemon or peach vodka, or even swap the apricot liqueur for peach schnapps and add a fresh apricot purée.
If you have a hankering for something fruity today, this is a must-have. Happy Memorial Day, everyone! 🍸

05/18/2026

I’m thrilled to announce that we were able to fill all of our seats for the upcoming workshop in just 48 hours! I am so excited to bring this to the Edwardsville community, and since there were quite a few people that we weren’t able to accommodate for this date, I will definitely plan to do a follow-up date for another workshop later this summer, and hopefully at some point soon, I’ll be able to bring this to those of you in Southern Illinois! If you or a group would like to pre register for the next date, send me an email at [email protected] 🥂

05/14/2026

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make the perfect Old Fashioned? 🥃

Behind the scenes, I’ve been working hard to develop something I’m so excited to share: our first-ever Cocktail Masterclass! I’m giving our followers the first look at this launch with a very special introductory price.

This is a deep-dive workshop on the history, science, and technique of the Old Fashioned so you can master the craft at home.

The Details:
🗓️ June 14th | 4-6pm
📍 The Bender Mixology Speakeasy (Private Invite Only)
🥃 BYOB: Bring your favorite Bourbon and Rye! (Small Bottles are Fine)

Tiered Experience Options:
✨ Tier 1 ($45): 2-hour curriculum, shared tools & ingredients, and convenient shuttle access.
💎 Tier 2 ($65): Full individual take-home kit (tools, handcrafted syrups, and recipe cards), plus preferred parking.

We’ll have snacks and beverages waiting for you!

Because there are only 12 spots available, tickets will be by invite only. If you’d like a ticket, send a DM to Kelsie Bender or email [email protected]. Can’t wait to see you there!

04/28/2026

The LuxLife Global Media listings are officially live!

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported Bender Mixology along the way. Growth hasn’t been overnight—but moments like this are a reminder that the work is being seen and appreciated, and that means everything.

I’m committed to continuing to create something distinctive for my clients, and I’m excited to keep building—and step back into competition this summer.

Best Luxury Mobile Bartending Service 2026 – MidwestLUXlife Craft Mixology Excellence Award 2026

04/20/2026

What makes a story-driven mobile bar experience? It starts with each recipe being more than just a drink, but a narrative.

My newest spring recipe, the Elegant Bloom Pisco Sour, is a perfect example. It’s designed to evoke a feeling: the first scent of purple flowers on a spring breeze and the quiet romance of a garden in bloom. This cocktail brings exotic bergamot to play with bittersweet violet over a base of Pisco and lemon—a sophisticated twist on a classic.

I’ve been hard at work on some very exciting projects lately, and I can’t wait to share the latest 'award-winning' news with you all very soon!

04/16/2026

One of my favorite ways to relax is sitting outside on a lovely Spring day sipping on floral mocktails. These raspberry lychee mock-mules are indescribably delicious! What’s your favorite way to spend a Spring afternoon?

04/09/2026

If Jay Gatsby had a signature spring pour, this would be it. 🥂
My top spring recipe, the Cherry Prive Whiskey Sour is a study in contrasts. It’s light enough for a spring afternoon but bold enough for a dimly lit corner of a speakeasy.
• The Base: Vanilla bean-infused bourbon
• The Sweetener: Cherry Heering
• The Edge: Earthy botanical bitters
Crisp, sexy, and unapologetically bold. This isn't just a drink; it's an experience.
Recipe link in comments.