What makes Sip Tide different? +
We're San Diego's first wellness-integrated mobile bar — which means craft cocktails and adaptogenic elixirs share the same menu, the same glassware, and the same level of care. Beyond the philosophy, we also show up with a refrigerated draft trailer and six cold taps — a level of hardware most mobile bars simply don't have. From the first email to last call, the experience is dialed in.
What's included with the trailer? +
Our refrigerated draft trailer is a fully self-contained bar on wheels. Six cold taps serve draft beer, wine on tap, batch cocktails, wellness elixirs, and botanical sodas — kept at the perfect temperature from setup to last call, even on the hottest San Diego days. It comes fully set up and broken down by our team. No venue infrastructure needed, no warm drinks.
Are you a dry hire bar? Do you provide the alcohol? +
Yes — we're a dry hire bar. We bring the trailer, the bar setup, the staff, and all the expertise. Before your event, we put together a curated shopping list of spirits, wine, and beer tailored to your menu and guest count. You source it, we build with it. It keeps things flexible, cost-effective, and transparent for everyone.
How far in advance should I book? +
We recommend reaching out at least 6–8 weeks before your event. For peak season dates — May through October, major holidays, and popular wedding weekends — 3–6 months ahead is ideal. That said, if something came up last minute, reach out anyway. We do our best to make it work when we can.
What if some of my guests don't drink alcohol? +
That's exactly what we're built for. Every Sip Tide event includes our full integrated menu — craft cocktails and wellness elixirs on the same card, in the same glassware, with the same garnish and the same enthusiasm from our bartenders. No one gets a lesser experience at our bar.
Where do you serve? +
We're based in San Diego and serve the surrounding region — La Jolla, Encinitas, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Rancho Santa Fe, Coronado, Temecula, Palm Springs, and North County. Travel beyond 40 miles is available at $2.50 per mile. Outside that range? Still worth reaching out — we love a good adventure.
Are your bartenders certified? Are you insured? +
Yes and yes. All Sip Tide bartenders are RBS-certified (Responsible Beverage Service) as required by California law. We carry full liability insurance and can provide certificates of insurance to venues upon request. Showing up professionally isn't an extra — it's just how we do it.
Can we customize the menu? +
Always. Every booking includes a menu consultation. We'll talk through your guests, your vibe, any dietary needs, and what sounds good to you — then we build around that. Custom drink names, seasonal ingredients, signature cocktails for the couple or the brand — it all goes in.
Can we rent the trailer without the full service package? +
Yes — the trailer is available as a stand-alone rental for hosts who have their own bartender or want to run it themselves. It's also a great option for other mobile bartenders who want a premium refrigerated setup without providing their own. Reach out and we'll walk you through how it works.