About this vendor
Present Tense Bar provides bottled cocktails for weddings and other special occasions throughout Chicago, IL, and beyond. Derek Mercer is the proud owner and experienced bartender behind this business. Having worked at several well-known bars in the Windy City, this drinks expert knows how you like them and how to make them. Derek strives to provide your favorite drinks so they can be enjoyed with loved ones on your one-of-a-kind day.
Derek’s inspiration comes from his years of working behind a bar and his time spent working from home during 2020. He found himself creating homemade cocktails and perfecting classic bar snacks for himself and his wife. This is where Derek first thought of the ghost bar concept in which the drinks come to you. He’d love to be able to supply a plethora of delicious drinks and snacks for couples’ weddings and other milestone events.
Present Tense Bar provides a range of well-known cocktails, bar nibbles, sandwiches, and more. Some of the cocktails Derek has mastered and can bottle include Chicago Tea, CR-7 Manhattan, Tailgate Marg, London Calling, and Boom Boom Punch. All bar snacks are handmade and flawlessly accompany your selected beverages. These include hummus dips, cheese boards, crackers, and popcorn. All cocktails and snacks are delivered to your address for further convenience. What’s more, Derek also offers classes online or over the bar for those interested in being able to make an array of memorable cocktails.
Details
Bar & Drinks
- Bartenders
- Beer
- Champagne
- Liquor
- Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Signature Cocktails
Reviews
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5
out of 5.02 reviews
Excellent cocktails, excellent service, easy to work with and and amazing owner, Derek! Highly recommend. Our small, intimate gathering of guests were all asking for his business c...
ard by the end of the night. Thanks, Present Tense, for the custom wedding cocktails and more!
Let me start out by saying that I don't write reviews. However, after the exemplary service and incredible cocktails from Derek and Present Tense Bar, I felt compelled to share my ...
experience.
COVID-19 and all the new restrictions in place meant that we couldn't throw the big banging party that we had always hoped for, but what we lacked in guests was made up for ten-fold by Present Tense. Not only are these cocktails uniformly delicious across the board, but they pack a hell of a punch (speaking of-- try the Boom Boom Punch, it's a delightful rum punch that punches you right in the face [in the best way]). Even though we only had 20 guests, with Present Tense's cocktails, it felt like the party we had hoped for all along and then some. Present Tense ought to rename their cocktails after spaceships because that bottled rocket fuel propelled us right into space!
Derek's reputation precedes him in Chicago. We feel so lucky to have had him as our vendor. After our event, I will sing his praises, and the praises of Present Tense Bar, until the day I die. There isn't a nicer, more genuine, and more talented mixologist in town, and I will fist fight anyone who disagrees. But how could one disagree? These cocktails speak for themselves.
In summation, if you do not hire Present Tense as your vendor, you'll be making the gravest mistake of your life. So grave, in fact, that it just may end your fledgling marriage. And how could you ever possibly live with yourself knowing that you've singlehandedly caused the destruction of your new marriage, all because you hired the other, less talented guy to provide wedding cocktails?
Start your journey towards marital bliss the right way-- with Present Tense Bar. Tell 'em Chris sent you.
Contact
135 N. Kedzie, CHICAGO, IL | IL
Present Tense Bar