Where Art Meets Mixology & Brand Storytelling  

The perfect cocktail is more than just a beverage — it’s a wonderful sensory experience that can start with a gorgeous photo. Telling the right story and setting a perfect mood, cocktail photography can inspire guests, reflect a distinct vibe, and give anyone a taste of what an establishment or brand has to offer.

Capturing that essence with artistry and inspired style requires an experienced cocktail photographer who can dial in every detail to snap the perfect pictures.

Enter Alias.  

For more insights from our experienced photographers and digital marketing team, we invite you to explore our Luxury Brand Photography Guide, our Look at the Art of Restaurant Photography, our Guide to Videography for Luxury Brands, and our Guide to Hotel Social Media Marketing. 

Simply contact Alias for more answers or a quote for cocktail photography and/or videography services.

Why Cocktail Photography Is an Art Form

Cocktail photography in its most basic form shares visuals of alcoholic beverages (and mocktails). More than just pretty pictures, however, cocktail photography can be elevated to the next level, becoming a unique art form, through thoughtful composition, angles, lighting, and even post-processing. 

These and other artful details in cocktail photos and videos can draw in the eye, invite a lingering glimpse, and start to whet the appetite for a delicious first sip. That can be a powerful way to connect with audiences in and outside of your establishment (as well as those who know and don’t know your brand) while making a lasting impression that keeps them wanting more. 

Cocktail Photography: 10 Must-Have Shots 

The best cocktail photography isn’t done with a cellphone or on the fly. It takes technical finesse and a keen artistic vision, with a plan for:

• The must-have shots 

• The lenses, angles, and lighting required to capture each shot flawlessly.

While the perfect cocktail photography shot list tends to be brand-specific, here are 10 options that most high-end establishments usually include at photo session time.

1. Signature Cocktail “Hero” Shots

Signature cocktails are the crown jewels of a cocktail menu. Hero shots put full focus on a single drink, emphasizing the standout features of a signature cocktail. 

2. Action Shots

Action shots can capture pouring, shaking, stirring, and bartender-guest interactions involving cocktails. Featuring dynamic moments frozen in time, action cocktail shots can bring the mixology process to life, electrifying the story of a beverage, the experience of enjoying it, and the establishment or brand associated with it. 

3. Garnish Close-Ups

Cocktail garnish close-ups can put delicate citrus twists, fresh herb sprigs, and dustings of sugar or salt centerstage.

4. Group Shots of Multiple Cocktails

A selection of cocktails can emphasize variety, showing a little something for everyone while suggesting a festive vibe where group orders are welcome. 

Often featured on menus and promotional materials, group cocktail shots can spotlight the breadth of a beverage menu and, simultaneously, tell the story of happy hours, VIP tables, special events, and so much more.

5. Overhead Flat Lays 

Overhead flat lays of cocktails and bar scenes offer a bird’s-eye view, showing off carefully arranged beverages in their surroundings, alongside barware, cocktail shakers, fancy decor, and more. 

6. Lifestyle Shots 

Capture the joy of guests savoring cocktails to evoke emotion and connection. Lifestyle shots can focus on an individual with a bartender, a small group of guests, and even larger groups at standard (and special) events.

7. Mood-Lit Evening Bar Setups

Show off the drama, atmosphere, and splendor of a scene by photographing cocktails in a dimly lit bar environment. 

Providing a fascinating allure that can be packed with opulence, evening bar setups can speak to the promise and excitement of a night on the town, adding a dazzling touch while suggesting VIP experiences just around the corner.

8. Ingredient Prep Shots

Putting viewers behind the scenes, ingredient prep shots can pull back the curtains on how complex cocktails are made while showing off fresh ingredients. 

Commonly paired with action shots, ingredient prep photos can share a bit of the magic behind popular cocktails, with pictures of slicing, muddling, squeezing, twisting, and more.

9. Glittering Reflections 

Use reflective surfaces — like bar surfaces, mirrors, cocktail shakers, and even glassware — to create artistic, layered compositions that add intrigue and depth to cocktail photos. 

10. Artistic Abstract Shots 

Beyond realism, abstract shots can center on the ineffable — or the je ne sais quoi — of it all. That can mean playing with lenses, lighting, and angles to capture bubbles, splashes, fire, dry ice smoke effects, and more. 

Who Needs Cocktail Photography? 

From swanky cocktail bars and chic restaurants to boutique hotels and world-renowned luxury resorts, professional cocktail photography can be essential for several establishments, brands, purposes, and platforms. 

Specifically, those who can sharpen their competitive edge with professional cocktail photography include (and are not necessarily limited to):

A Cocktail Photography Gallery

Picture this: glistening glasses, vibrant hues, and a sense of indulgence that leaps off the screen and instantly sparks interest. 

At Alias, our cocktail photographers have extensive experience capturing gallery-worthy moments and one-of-a-kind beverage photos that truly highlight the essence of brands. From planning shot lists to photo sessions and final edits, our team can ensure that every image reflects the artistry of the perfect pour, the right vibe, and a truly compelling story.

Check out our gallery below to get a feel for what our cocktail photographers can do. 

How to Stir It Up with Extraordinary Cocktail Photography

At Alias, our cocktail photographers have deep experience and unparalleled skills, working with brands nationwide to tell the perfect story through brilliant photos, videos, and more.

With vast expertise in all aspects of cocktail photography, our creative team is exceptionally effective at devising shot lists, planning cocktail photo sessions, post-processing, and what’s next, offering 360° solutions for growth-focused brands.

To find out more or get a quote for our cocktail photography services, contact Alias. 

We also encourage you to check out our creative resources below for a taste of what we’ve done for past and current clients — and of what we may be able to do for you.