Ultimate Guide to Corporate Holiday Party Beverages in Richmond, VA
The holidays are around the corner, and that means one thing: it’s party season in Richmond. Whether you’re planning an office bash, client appreciation night, or end-of-year celebration, one of the biggest questions always comes down to the drinks.
What do you serve that everyone will actually enjoy? How much do you need? And how do you keep it all flowing without the stress?
At Small Batch Brewing, we believe the best holiday party drinks are about more than just what’s in the glass; they’re about bringing people together and celebrating the year you’ve had. Here’s your ultimate guide to planning beverages for your corporate holiday party in Richmond, VA, with insights from founder and head brewer Dan Jablow.
Why Drinks Matter More Than You Think
A great beverage lineup sets the tone for the night. It’s the difference between a meeting with snacks disguised as a party and one that feels like an actual celebration.
Thoughtful drink options (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) help everyone feel included. Think local craft beer on tap, bright seltzers, or a house-made shandy that brings just the right amount of cheer. It’s about balance, connection, and creating a shared experience.
Best alcoholic drinks for parties? A crisp and crushable light lager, a juicy IPA or a dry, flavorful unique stout, say, our seasonal Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout.
Best party drinks non-alcoholic? Try our craft soda or non-alcoholic beer brewed for flavor, not compromise.
Choosing the Right Beverage Style for Your Team
Every company has its own vibe; your drinks should match it.
Hosting a laid-back office mixer? A couple of kegs brewed with local ingredients and approachable, easy-drinking lagers might be perfect. Planning a sit-down dinner with clients or a full-on corporate gala? Go big with a mix of seasonal brews, like a Sweet Potato Pie Stout or a Dark Lager that is deceptively light, and a refreshing shandy or seltzer for lighter tastes.
Dan can even brew a custom holiday beer just for your company. Complete with a unique taste representing your story and your style.
And if anyone in the office is gluten-sensitive, no problem. We proudly offer gluten-reduced options that don’t sacrifice flavor.
How Keg Delivery and Setup Work
Forget store runs and last-minute cooler stress. With Small Batch Brewing’s keg delivery service, we can handle it all, from brewing to pouring.
Here’s how it works:
You choose your lineup. Pick from a rotating selection of local beers, gluten-reduced or non-alcoholic options, and craft seltzers. Don’t know what to pick? We can help!
We deliver and set up. From simple portable bar setups to complete tap systems. That can include jockey boxes (compact draft coolers for outdoor events), kegerators (refrigerated beer dispensers), and draft towers (the taps your guests pour from).
We pour and serve (if you want us to). With bartending options and tap service, you can sit back and enjoy while we handle every pour.
We handle cleanup and pickup. No mess. No stress. Just great beer and good memories.
Pro tip:
One keg = roughly 50 pours (12 oz each).
Planning Your Beverage Budget
Budgeting for drinks shouldn’t feel like guesswork. Will someone drink too much? Will people be driving? Susan will probably only drink one drink but Mark will probably drink five... No need to stress.
When you opt for kegs, you know exactly what you’re getting. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you estimate:
Small gatherings (10 - 25 guests): 1 to 2 kegs or a small beverage package with both beer and non-alcoholic options.
Mid-sized parties (25 - 75 guests): 3 to 4 kegs, a tap system, and a few different styles like a pale ale, stout, and seltzer.
Large events (75+ guests): Full bar service with multiple taps, custom brews, and seasonal beer selections.
Opting for keg delivery is not only cost-effective but also sustainable. Fewer cans and bottles, less waste, and fresher pours all night long.
Seasonal Favorites and Custom Holiday Brews
Richmond winters and the end of the year calls for special drinks. Around the holidays, we fill our taps with the perfect Christmas party drinks that complement the season and festive menus:
Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout – A seasonal favorite, this dark yet not heavy stout will be sure to warm you to the bone on cool nights ahead. A hug from a loved one wearing a cozy flannel shirt, served in a glass with a nice finish from cacao nibs, guajillo chilies, and a few other secrets.Insert description
Pumpkin Pie Amber Ale – A true autumn companion, this amber ale wraps you up in the familiar comfort of a holiday kitchen. Gentle spice, toasty malt, and a soft sweetness come together like slipping into your favorite sweater. It finishes with real pumpkin and a warm blend of cinnamon and nutmeg that lingers just long enough to make you smile.
Sweet Potato Stout – Smooth, flavorful, and quietly decadent, this stout feels like settling into a deep armchair after a long day. Roasted sweet potatoes lend a velvety body and mellow sweetness that hums beneath the dark malts. A touch of vanilla weaves it all together, landing in a finish that’s as comforting as a well-worn pair of slippers.
Gingerbread Porter – A slightly revised take on a December classic. Our version focuses on drinkability without sacrificing flavor. Drier and more effervescent than its contemporaries, this beer leans on a deft hand with flavorings that walk the line between spice (ginger, cinnamon) and bakery nostalgia (molasses, brown sugar, vanilla). And just to keep things interesting, a touch of cherrywood-smoked malt rounds everything out with a quiet, warming depth.
Want something truly unique? Collaborate with Dan on a custom brew for your company. It could be a Christmas cocktail-inspired beer, a holiday party seltzer, or something totally your own.
Beyond the Beer: Options Everyone Can Enjoy
Not every glass has to include alcohol to be part of the celebration. To include everyone, Small Batch Brewing offers:
Gluten-reduced brews for the gluten-sensitive drinkers
Non-alcoholic beer for inclusive toasts
Craft sodas made in-house for a touch of sweetness
Shandies and seltzers for lighter sipping
Whatever you choose, it’s all brewed or crafted with the same intention: balanced, flavorful, and made to bring people together.
Where to Host Your Corporate Holiday Party in Richmond
Looking for the perfect venue? Richmond has no shortage of spaces that complement the festive season and let you bring your own alcohol or use a keg delivery service.
Here are a few to consider (and great partners for your next corporate event):
Headquarters (HQ) - Looking for a holiday party spot that feels less "corporate conference room" and more "cozy gathering at a friend's place"? Headquarters is your answer. This space just outside Richmond brings homey vibes with the perks of a professional venue. With room for up to 35 people and fun amenities throughout, it's the kind of place where conversations flow as easily as the beer.
When your guest list is bigger and you want a venue with some serious wow factor, 1717 Innovation Center delivers. Home to 50+ start-ups, this space has innovation in its DNA, and a rooftop bar that's perfect for toasting the year's wins under the Richmond sky. Your guests can mingle inside at the bar or head outside to take in the views, giving everyone room to spread out and enjoy themselves.
The Workshop by T&D - Some spaces just get it. The Workshop by T&D is a local gem that describes itself as a place "created for dreamers, darers, and definers" and honestly, isn't that exactly the energy you want at your holiday celebration? From intimate office gatherings to bigger blowouts, they've got the flexibility and the creative spirit to match your holiday party vision.
Each of these venues allows outside beverage service, which is perfect for bringing in Small Batch Brewing’s mobile bar setup and tap system.
Full-Service vs. DIY: What’s Right for Your Event
Some companies prefer to pour their own; others want everything handled start to finish.
We offer both:
DIY Tap Rentals: We deliver your party kegs, set up the draft system, and you pour at your own pace.
vs
Full-Service Bar Experience: We staff the event, manage flow, and keep every pour consistent.
Either way, you’ll get the same care, quality, and local touch that makes Small Batch Brewing stand out.
Tips for Stress-Free Beverage Planning
A few last-minute pointers from Dan:
Book early. The holidays fill up fast for keg delivery.
Plan for one drink per person per hour. You’ll thank yourself later.
Offer variety. Include non-alcoholic or gluten-reduced options.
Go local. Supporting Virginia beer means fresher flavor and community pride.
Make Your Holiday Party Unforgettable
At Small Batch Brewing, we don’t just deliver beer. We help create moments your team will remember.
From custom brews and seasonal beers to tap system rentals and a full-service bar, we handle it all so you can focus on celebrating.
Because great beer doesn’t just taste good, it brings people together.
Ready to plan your Richmond holiday party?
Reach out to Small Batch Brewing today to design your custom beverage experience and raise a glass to the season.