Bars & Breweries, Holidays

Bartender Halloween Costumes

Last updated on Aug 5, 2023
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Preparing your bar or restaurant for Halloween means making sure you have the best fall beers on tap and donning your most creative Halloween costumes. With a wide range of costumes tailored specifically for bartenders, you can add some extra flair to your serving skills. From spooky witches and vampires to classic movie characters and superheroes, there's a costume that will suit your style and get your customers talking. So, get ready to mix up some wickedly delicious cocktails and serve them with a touch of Halloween spirit.

Pro Tip #1: Create a special cocktail menu featuring drinks associated with each character!

Pro Tip #2: Serve beer or cider in a pumpkin keg.

Top Male Bartender Halloween Costumes

  1. James Bond from the James Bond Movies
  2. The Dude from The Big Lebowski
  3. Bluto Blutarsky from Animal House
  4. Raoul Duke from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
  5. Don Draper from Mad Men

Top Female Bartender Halloween Costumes

  1. Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones
  2. Meredith Palmer from The Office
  3. Leslie Knope from Parks & Recreation
  4. Lucille Bluth from Arrested Development
  5. Marion Ravenwood from Raiders of the Lost Ark

Bartender Halloween Costume Ideas for Men

Below we go through five male Halloween costumes that are ideal for bartending in:

1. James Bond from the James Bond Movies


Perhaps no other fictional character is more closely tied to a drink than 007 himself. His famous quote – “A martini. Shaken, not stirred.” – is considered one of the most memorable movie lines of all time. The consummate fashion expert, Bond has historically been a trendsetter with his suave style, a penchant for expensive tastes, and clever gadgets created by Q. When all of these elements are combined, James Bond is the perfect adult male Halloween costume idea.

James Bond Costume Pieces:

  • Three-piece suit
  • Black tie
  • Dress shoes
  • Attache case
  • Watch
  • Digital spy pen
  • Lighter

Drink of Choice:

  • Vodka martini
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2. The Dude from The Big Lebowski


Jeffrey Lebowski is not a bum. He likes to “just take it easy, man.” One of the most laid-back characters of all time, The Dude (played by Jeff Bridges) has many hobbies, including bowling, driving around, and the occasional acid flashback. He’s rarely seen without his favorite drink in hand – a White Russian. The Dude abides. Jeffrey Lebowski is a great option for a last-minute Halloween costume idea.

Jeffrey Lebowski Costume Pieces:

  • Bathrobe
  • Zip-up hooded sweater
  • Shorts
  • Jelly sandals
  • Sunglasses
  • Vintage bowling ball bag

Drink of Choice:

  • White Russian
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3. Bluto Blutarsky from Animal House


John Belushi was a notorious party animal in real life, so he didn’t have to go too far out of his comfort zone to create the character of John “Bluto” Blutarsky in National Lampoon’s Animal House. The drunken degenerate at Faber College is in his seventh year of school and holds a 0.0 GPA. He likes to start food fights, smash acoustic guitars, and do the “alligator dance.” “Toga! Toga!” If you identify with this, then Bluto Blutarsky should be an easy male costume idea for you to recreate.

Bluto Blutarsky Costume Pieces:

  • Black "COLLEGE" sweatshirt
  • Plaid collared shirt
  • Plaid shorts
  • Sneakers
  • White socks

Drink of Choice:

  • Straight bottle of Jack Daniels
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4. Raoul Duke from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas


When it comes to excess, few people pushed the limits like Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. His semi-autobiographical character Raoul Duke (played by Johnny Depp) in the movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is the epitome of excess, downing just about every drug known to man in the span of a few days. Duke is quick-witted (when he’s not wasted) and ready to find the heart of the American Dream.

Raoul Duke Costume Pieces:

  • Poker visor
  • Orange sunglasses
  • Printed flower shirt
  • Long shorts
  • Cotton crew socks
  • Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers
  • Cigarette holder
  • Tape recorder

Drink of Choice:

  • Chivas Regal
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5. Don Draper from Mad Men


Donald Francis Draper is a hard-drinking, chain-smoking advertising agent at Sterling Cooper advertising firm in New York City, circa 1960. He expects a moral code of honesty and chivalry for his assistants, but his own moral code is far from perfect, including adultery, alcoholism, and lying. Draper (played by Jon Hamm) does have an inordinate amount of style and panache for a character who epitomizes the stereotype of ’60s ad men. He also makes a mean cocktail, moving him forward as the perfect choice for a bartender Halloween costume.

Don Draper Costume Pieces:

Drink of Choice:

  • Old Fashioned
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Women Halloween Costume Ideas for Bartenders

Below we explore five female Halloween costumes excellent for those behind the bar!

1. Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones


The queen everyone loves to hate, Cersei Lannister (played by Lena Headey) has been the master manipulator of the Seven Kingdoms and the de facto leader of King’s Landing for much of the series of Game of Thrones. Although initially fairly sound of judgment (if you ignore the incestuous relationship with her twin brother, Jaime), Cersei has taken to the bottle in later seasons, downing more than a few glasses of wine to ease her misery. With all her troubles, it’s probably going to take more than a barrel of wine to get her through the series. If you're ready to go all-out this year, then Cersei Lannister is your best choice for a cool Halloween costume idea.

Cersei Lannister Costume Pieces:

  • Long red velvet medieval-style dress
  • Gold belt
  • Gold necklace
  • Curly blonde wig
  • Wine goblet

Drink of Choice:

  • Wine
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2. Meredith Palmer from The Office


Meredith Palmer is a slightly mysterious, sexually inappropriate, alcoholic, divorced, single mother who worked as the supplier relations representative at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, PA. She’s prone to on-the-job injuries, including lighting her hair on fire or being run over by vehicles. More than anything, Meredith (played by Kate Flannery) loves her booze and routinely shows up hungover to work on The Office. Meredith Palmer is an ideal option if you're looking for a funny Halloween costume idea.

Meredith Palmer Costume Pieces:

  • Jumper dress
  • Vest
  • Turtleneck
  • Patterned button-up shirt
  • Red wig (cut to mid-length)
  • Red lipstick
  • Coffee mug

Drink of Choice:

  • Red Stripe beer
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3. Leslie Knope from Parks & Recreation


An avid lover of waffles, gender equality, and Nancy Pelosi, Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) is the cheerful and ambitious Deputy Director of the Pawnee City Department of Parks & Recreation. Leslie rises through the ranks throughout the show's seven seasons, and the series finale implies that she eventually becomes President of the United States. Despite her professionalism and dedication to public service, Leslie still knows how to have a good time at local bars like the Snakehole Lounge and the Bulge, making her character a great women's Halloween costume idea.

Leslie Knope Costume Pieces:

  • Grey suit jacket
  • Grey dress pants
  • Patterned collared shirt
  • "Knope 2012" election button
  • Plate of waffles

Drink of Choice:

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4. Lucille Bluth from Arrested Development


The matriarch of the dysfunctional Bluth family, Lucille Bluth is the conniving character from Arrested Development whose goal in life is to make sure her opulent lifestyle of plastic surgery and spa treatments never ends. Manipulative and amoral, Bluth (played by Jessica Walter) is constantly putting her children against each other for her own benefit. She also never turns down a drink if it’s presented to her. If you're a more mature bartender, then Lucille Bluth makes a great adult Halloween costume idea.

Lucille Bluth Costume Pieces:

  • Brown bob wig
  • Fancy blazer
  • Long skirt
  • Elegant satin shirt
  • Pearl necklace
  • Brooch
  • Gold bracelets
  • Rings
  • Sunglasses
  • Martini glass

Drink of Choice:

  • Just about anything
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5. Marion Ravenwood from Raiders of the Lost Ark


Marion Ravenwood knows how to hold her liquor. The proprietor of The Raven tavern in Nepal routinely challenges unsuspecting customers to drinking contests for money without them knowing her legendary tolerance for alcohol. Marion (played by Karen Allen) is also one of the few people who can capture Indiana Jones’s heart. She comes along with him on his archaeological adventures in Raiders of the Lost Ark, ending up in a snake pit in Cairo, a Nazi U-boat in the Aegean Sea, and tied to a pole as the Ark of the Covenant is opened, melting everyone who directly stared at it. If you need a simple Halloween costume idea, then Marion Ravenwood is the ticket.

Marion Ravenwood Costume Pieces:

  • White linen collared shirt
  • Brown wool pants
  • Green and black scarf
  • Gold medallion

Drink of Choice:

  • Shots of rye whiskey
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While you'd normally find them drinking their fill at the closest tavern, saloon, or nightclub, all of these characters from the silver screen would probably also be excellent bartenders. No matter who you choose as a Halloween costume, getting into the holiday spirit is sure to keep guests entertained and also earn you better tips.

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Add these traditional German foods to your menu to create a more immersive Oktoberfest celebration: Sauerkraut: This traditional German side is made of finely cut fermented cabbage. Make your own if you want a fresher, more aromatic flavor. Potato salad: German-style potato salad contains red potatoes, bacon, and mustard. Spaetzle: Similarly to pasta, you can make spaetzle from dough that is cut into small pieces and boiled. 4. Oktoberfest Dessert Germany is renowned for introducing and inspiring a variety of popular desserts. To create additional buzz about your Oktoberfest celebration, consider offering these authentic German treats: Black Forest cake: Black Forest cake, referred to as Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte, is a chocolate sponge cake layered with whipped cream and kirsch-infused cherries and topped with a chocolate ganache or rimmed in chocolate shavings. It traditionally contains alcohol because kirsch is a clear brandy produced by double distilling morello cherries. Kirsch is made in the Black Forest of Germany. Apple strudel: This sweet dish contains apple slices, spices, and nuts rolled in pastry and baked until crispy. Plum knodel: To make these dessert dumplings, plums are wrapped in a dough made from potatoes and flour, and then they are boiled and rolled in bread crumbs. 5. Oktoberfest Drinks No Oktoberfest celebration would be complete without drinks. Whether you’re drinking from a traditional German beer boot or planning a more lowkey celebration, these drinks are the perfect way to make a memorable celebration: Beer: As the cornerstone beverage of this festival, beer is a must-have for your Oktoberfest party menu. For added festivity, limit your offerings to German imports or bready and dark beers that are perfect for fall. Orange cola: Mimic a popular German soft drink by mixing equal parts of cola and orange soda. Apfelschorle: Provide guests with another non-alcoholic option by combining equal parts of apple juice and sparkling water. Lemon Spezi: Add a delicious mocktail to your menu by combining cola and lemonade for a refreshing, German beverage. Back to Top Oktoberfest Event Ideas Beyond serving traditional German beer and food, your restaurant can incorporate a variety of Oktoberfest promotions. This can help to generate interest and increase customer engagement. Three of the top ways to do so include: Creating a Biergarten: Increase your patio dining space's profitability by temporarily transforming it into a themed Biergarten for Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest Trivia: Offering Oktoberfest trivia at your restaurant or taproom encourages friendly competition and can attract larger groups. Discounted Beer Delivery Packages: Celebrate Oktoberfest in 2023 by offering discounted beer delivery packages and unique craft/imported to-go beer bundles. What Is Oktoberfest Beer? The beers sold at Munich's Oktoberfest carry the official Oktoberfestbier® trademark. To safeguard tradition, quality, and cultural identity, the festival in Munich only serves beers brewed in Munich that meet the uncompromising standards of the Edict of Purity. The 1516 Edict of Purity (Reinheitsgebot) specified that Bavarian beers must only contain barley, hops, and water. In modern Germany, the Reinheitsgebot was replaced by the less stringent "Giergesetz" (The Beer Law). However, Oktoberfest beers are held to the Edict of Purity's standards. Six Munich breweries carry the official Oktoberfestbier® trademark, and they alone brew the beers served at each Oktoberfest event. Paulaner Hacker-Pschorr Augustiner Hofbrau Lowenbrau Spaten The Evolution of Oktoberfest Beer While we can broadly categorize the types of beers served at global Oktoberfest celebrations as lagers, Oktoberfest beers have evolved over the centuries. 1810: When Oktoberfest first began in 1810, the beer of Munich was the dark lager Dunkel. 1872: A type of amber beer called Marzen became popular in Munich in 1872. Marzen (March) beers were brewed in the spring and left to ferment over the summer to prepare for the Oktoberfest event. Marzens served at Oktoberfest contain a higher alcohol content (ABV) than other varieties. Early Oktoberfest Marzens had a biscuity, malty taste and aroma. To this day, American brewers make Marzens in this sweet style for our Oktoberfest events by incorporating Munich and caramel malts. However, amber-colored, sweet Marzens are no longer served at Munich's modern Oktoberfest. 20th Century: As the 20th century progressed, Munich's Oktoberfest beers were made with increasingly paler malts. Modern Oktoberfest beers served at Munich's Oktoberfest are golden-hued. History of Oktoberfest The first Oktoberfest kicked off on October 12th, 1810, and concluded with a horse race five days later to commemorate the marriage celebration of the Bavarian crown prince, Ludwig, and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. They were benevolent rulers who opened their marriage celebration festival to the public of Munich and continued the tradition each year to foster community. Best Oktoberfest Celebrations in the US Some of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States take place in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Cincinnati, Ohio; Fredericksburg, Texas; and Reading, Pennsylvania. While the biggest Oktoberfest celebration remains in Munich with over 6 million people attending annually, cities around the world have adopted this festival to welcome the changing season. Back to Top By hosting an Oktoberfest celebration at your restaurant, you can unleash your creativity through temporary decorations and seasonal menu items. Bringing the vibrant spirit of this German festival to your establishment can also attract a fresh wave of customers searching for autumn events. Before diving into the realm of German recipes, explore this blog for a treasure trove of Oktoberfest party ideas specifically tailored for restaurants.