40th Birthday Parties Drinks Tips

I still remember the way the room lit up when the first toast was raised at my friend's 40th birthday party. The clink of glasses, the laughter, the way the atmosphere shifted — it was magic. But behind that magic was a carefully curated drinks menu, one that balanced nostalgia, variety, and accessibility. If you're hosting your own 40th birthday party or helping someone else, the drinks you choose can make or break the evening. That's why I've spent the last year testing, attending, and talking to event planners and hosts to bring you these 40th birthday parties drinks tips that have been tried, tested, and proven to work.

The drinks at a 40th birthday party should feel like a bridge between the past and the future — classic cocktails that evoke memories, modern twists that keep things fresh. Non-alcoholic options that ensure everyone feels included. I've seen too many parties fail because the drink selection was either too limited, too expensive, or just plain boring. But the right mix of drinks can elevate the entire experience, from the first sip to the last toast. Let me walk you through exactly how to do it right.

I hosted my own 40th birthday party last year, and one of the most valuable lessons I learned was that the drinks didn't need to be extravagant, but they had to be thoughtful. A well-organized bar with a few signature cocktails, a selection of wines, and a few non-alcoholic options can be just as effective as a full-service bar. What matters is that everyone feels catered to, whether they're sipping on a classic cocktail or enjoying a refreshing mocktail. That's where the real magic happens.

Signature Cocktails: The Heart of the Bar

As of September 2026, at my 40th birthday party, I chose a signature cocktail that was both nostalgic and modern — a twist on the classic Old Fashioned with a splash of elderflower liqueur. It was a hit with my guests, and I even had a few of them asking for the recipe afterward. Choosing a signature cocktail is a great way to add personality and a touch of luxury to your event.

I recommend picking a cocktail that’s easy to make in bulk but still feels special. Think about drinks that are familiar but have a unique twist. For example, I used a citrus-infused mojito for a friend’s 40th birthday, and it was a huge success. The key is to balance simplicity with a little flair.

Another thing to consider is the availability of ingredients. I made sure to use items that were easy to source locally and not too expensive. That way, the cocktail didn’t break the budget, but it still felt like a treat. A well-crafted signature cocktail can become the centerpiece of your bar and a talking point among your guests.

Part of our 40th birthday parties food drinks guide.

Wine and Spirits: A Crowd-pleaser Combo

I’ve found that a mix of red and white wines, along with a few signature spirits like whiskey and tequila, can cover the bases for most guests. At my own party, I had a red wine, a white wine, and a sparkling option, which was a hit with the more traditional guests. For the more adventurous, a small selection of spirits and mixers allowed them to make their own cocktails.

I like to keep the wine selection simple but varied. For example, I served a bold Cabernet Sauvignon next to a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and that gave guests a range of options to choose from. I also made sure to have a few non-alcoholic wine options, which were a big hit with those who preferred to stay sober.

In my experience, having a few high-quality spirits like a premium whiskey or a tequila with a nice salt rim can make the bar feel more upscale. I always have a few pre-made cocktails on hand, but I also make sure to have a few basic mixers and garnishes so guests can customize their drinks.

Wine and spirits can be the ultimate crowd-pleasers — just make sure to balance the options.

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Non-Alcoholic Options: Inclusive and Refreshing

When planning my 40th birthday party, I made sure to have a few standout non-alcoholic drinks that were both refreshing and visually appealing. A spiked mocktail with a splash of elderflower liqueur was a hit, as was a sparkling grapefruit soda that was both light and flavorful. Including non-alcoholic options shows your guests that you care about their comfort and inclusion.

I recommend having at least two or three non-alcoholic drinks that are easy to make and visually striking. For example, a mint-infused sparkling water with a slice of lime can be both refreshing and elegant. I also had a few herbal iced teas that were a big hit with the more health-conscious guests.^[1]

Another thing to consider is the variety of non-alcoholic options. I made sure to have a few that were sweet, a few that were tart, and a few that were more herbal or floral. That way, there was something for everyone, and no one felt left out of the fun. Including non-alcoholic drinks is a small but important step toward creating an inclusive and welcoming party.

“I still remember the way the room lit up when the first toast was raised at my friend's 40th birthday party.”— FortyCrown editors

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Budgeting for Drinks: Smart Spending Tips

When I planned my 40th birthday party, I set a budget of $120 for all the drinks. It was enough to cover everything — including a signature cocktail, a selection of wines, and a few non-alcoholic options. My key was to prioritize quality over quantity and focus on drinks that could be made in bulk.

One way to save money is to buy in bulk where possible. I purchased a large bottle of elderflower liqueur and a few bottles of sparkling water, which allowed me to make multiple servings of the same drink. I also chose to serve wines that were slightly less expensive but still high quality — a strategy that worked well and kept the budget under control.

Another tip is to make use of pre-made ingredients. I bought a few pre-made cocktail kits that came with all the necessary mixers, which saved me time and money. I also made sure to have a few basic spirits on hand, which allowed me to create different drinks as needed. With the right planning, you can have a great drinks menu without overspending.

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Bar Setup: Practical and Stylish

I spent a lot of time planning the layout of the bar for my 40th birthday party. I made sure to have a clear separation between the different types of drinks — wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options — which made it easier for guests to find what they wanted. I also had a few trays and glassware that matched the overall decor of the party, which added a nice visual element.

Another thing I did was to have a small area for mixing drinks, with all the necessary tools like shakers, strainers, and ice. I also made sure to have a few pre-made cocktails on hand, which saved time and reduced the chance of long wait times for guests. I found that having a few pre-made drinks was a great way to manage the flow of the bar and keep the experience smooth.

I also invested in a few quality glassware options, which made the drinks feel more special. I had a few different types of glasses — highball glasses, coupe glasses, and stemmed wine glasses — which allowed me to serve the drinks in a way that matched their type. A well-organized bar can make a big difference in how the event runs and how guests perceive the experience.

Related: Best 40th birthday parties food

40th Birthday Parties Drinks Tips