Graduation is one of the calendar's underrated cocktail occasions. The format is unusual: the graduate is the centre, but the table is multi-generational (parents, grandparents, siblings, a partner or close friend). The drinks have to work for the 22-year-old and the 65-year-old simultaneously. A small craft cocktail bar handles this beautifully if you brief in advance.

The graduation drinks format

Group: typically 4-12 (graduate, immediate family, sometimes partner or two close friends).

Timing: after the ceremony, after the family dinner. Usually 9pm onward.

Duration: 90 minutes to 2.5 hours. Graduates often want to leave for a second-round with their own friends after.

The drinks order: a celebratory first round (champagne-based for everyone, or one custom drink for the graduate), a second round paced to the family conversation, an optional digestif.

What to order at a graduation

Pick drinks that read celebratory but not flashy. The parents and grandparents at the table tend to prefer classic over experimental.

French 75: gin, lemon, sugar, champagne. The classic graduation cocktail.

Champagne or prosecco by the glass: the universal celebratory move.

Negroni Sbagliato: Campari, sweet vermouth, prosecco. Lighter than the regular Negroni; works across generations.

Old Fashioned: for the parents and grandparents who appreciate a proper classic.

Bellini: peach and prosecco. Soft.

The custom graduate drink: ask the bartender to build a one-off cocktail for the graduate, briefed in advance. Their favourite spirit, a flavour they love, a flavour they hate. Named for the night, presented with a small recipe card.

Brief the bar in advance

WhatsApp 5-7 days ahead. Useful information:

  • Date and time you are arriving.
  • Group size and ages (roughly).
  • The graduate's name, favourite spirit, favourite flavour, hated flavour.
  • Any allergies, non-drinkers in the group.
  • Whether the graduate is bringing the cake or wants us to handle a small dessert moment.
  • Whether you want a custom drink built for the graduate.

We will reply within an hour with confirmation and any logistics.

For non-drinking family members

Graduation gatherings often include non-drinking parents, grandparents, or younger siblings. The NA programme:

  • NA French 75: NA gin + lemon + sugar + NA sparkling.
  • NA Bellini: peach + NA sparkling.
  • Coffee mocktails: Black Honey, Floral Mango, Peach Blossom.
  • Elderflower spritz.
  • NA Negroni: for the grandparent who used to drink one.
  • Sirap selasih: traditional Malaysian, often appreciated by older guests.

Our two PJ outlets

Dissolved Solids · Damansara Kim: small upstairs bar on Jalan SS20/11. Groups of 6-12 fit on the long table.

Soluble Solids · SS2: smaller, best for graduations of 4-8. The bespoke-build format works particularly well for the custom-drink move.

The graduation evening plan

Daytime: the ceremony, the photos.

Dinner, 7pm-9pm: family meal at a restaurant nearby.

Bar, 9pm-11pm: two or three rounds of celebratory drinks. The custom graduate drink lands on round one.

After 11pm: family heads home; graduate may continue with friends at a second venue (or stay for one more drink with us).

Reservations

Graduation weekends in PJ and KL are typically May-June (most local universities) and November-December (international graduates returning home). WhatsApp 5-7 days ahead.

Related reading