Christine Johnson is the woman behind Bubbles and Brews Reno Tahoe, a unique vintage mobile bar featuring up to seven pours, including perfectly chilled beer, prosecco, signature cocktails, or just about anything a client can dream up.
How can my event sparkle, just like the sparkling wines in your coupe?
Every memorable event starts with a conversation. We tailor the event around your vision, whether it is a wedding, fundraiser, kick off, reggae festival, retirement party, ribbon cutting, or anything in between.
We also have a freestanding bar, where we pour every drink that we serve, so part of the sparkle is us. We love interacting with people and we keep the drinks flowing so everyone can mingle, relax, and enjoy the moment.
Another way to turn up the magic is to incorporate customization. Hosts can personalize the handles for each tap, signs, special menus, drink toppers, straws, you name it.
Tell us more about your 1984 vintage FJ45 Toyota Land Cruiser truck.
Our truck (which Johnson lovingly calls “she”) is part of the sparkle, and we bring it! People book her because they have some memories or connection with a similar truck or love that she is one of a kind. Bubbles and Brews is part of a franchise, and most of the other locations use Italian Piaggio Apes, (a three-wheeled commercial vehicle) but I received special permission to refurbish the truck because she perfectly fits the rugged, cute, and sexy vibe of Reno Tahoe.
What are some of your favorite drinks to serve?
At a recent women’s event we served an “empower-rita,” which was a guava margarita that guests were going coo-coo over. Specialty mocktails also are popular and we work to create an exceptional experience for everybody, whether you are pregnant or want to be, sober, underage, or just not drinking that day. There is something for everyone.
One favorite is a spiced apple cider, poured straight from the truck. We serve unfiltered cider with ginger ale and tonic over ice, topping with a cinnamon stick. And, for those guests who want a bit of alcohol, we offer an optional spike of spiced rum. We think creatively about how to keep every guest happy.
What’s exciting is that the options are endless and not just limited to beer and wine. I did a wedding last year with kid-friendly lemonades in flavors like strawberry and lavender, complete with playful straws.