Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a good Margarita with your mix?
Our Margarita mix is very popular. We get it from a local, family-owned business that has served over 5 million drinks in the Bay Area alone. It’s darn fine—if we do say so ourselves—especially when mixed with a good tequila!
Do you provide the alcohol? Do the mixes contain alcohol?
No, and no. You must purchase the alcohol yourself. We provide a product that mixes well with tequila, rum or whatever liquor you choose. We recommend you purchase brands you enjoy.
How much mix do I need?
Rule of thumb: 2/3 of the people will have at least one drink per hour. Three gallons of finished product (mix, alcohol, water, etc.) will make about sixty 8-oz servings, or forty-two 12-oz servings.
How much does the mix cost? Why say it's $5 per half gallon when you’re charging $25-$35 per bottle of mix?
We sell mix in ½ gallon concentrates, which are then combined with water and alcohol, with just plain water, or in the case of our coffee drinks, with milk. Each bottle of concentrate results in about 3 gallons of finished drink. That’s why we say that costs are about $5 per half gallon of finished product. This is a complex mathematical issue, so pay attention: We sell the ½ gallon mix for $25 and $35 a bottle… not $5 a bottle. The mathematical calculation is per finished product. We’re not trying to be misleading, but rather helpful in that we’re providing you with a way of estimating your costs per drink.
How long is the rental time?
Generally we’ll let you pick up on a Friday and return on Monday morning. During high-demand times like holidays, however, rentals are from 10am to 10am for one day use. NOTE: We rent Chocolate Fountains in 2-3 hr. blocks.
What are your business hours?
We’re usually open from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. If you need to pickup or return a machine outside of these times, talk to us about it—sometimes we can make special arrangements to accommodate you.
How far in advance should I reserve a machine?
Well, that depends. If you’re talking about a holiday, plan ahead. On certain holidays we’re swamped. Some people plan months in advance. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a machine for a Tuesday night in November, you’re likely to be able to get it by calling that morning. We suggest you call three weeks in advance. If you reserve a machine, you must cancel ten days in advance to avoid cancellation fees.
How much does a delivery cost?
It’s hard to answer that without knowing where the delivery is going. We charge extra if we have to go up a set of stairs, or up a hill, or across the grass. We charge more if we’re delivering out of the area. If you’re thinking about a delivery, give us a call and we’ll give you an estimate based on your specific circumstances. Our basic delivery fee is $50.
Do you deliver to Southern California?
Sorry, we usually only deliver in the South Bay. If you’re in Southern California or elsewhere in the state, we’ll try to help you locate a local provider. On occasion we have provided equipment for large or long-term events in out of the way places—you're welcome to call us about your event.
I need additional party supplies; do you provide them?
We provide party machines and a few extras, like small fridges. We’ll do our best to direct you to other merchants for additional party supplies.
Can you provide a host for my event?
Usually not. One exception is with the chocolate fountain. We actually prefer to send an attendant out with the fountain because unless you know what you’re doing, it can create a mess. With the rest of our machines, we usually do not provide an attendant. If you're interested in having one, talk to us about it. You never know, we may be able to help you out.
Where should I put the machine?
On a table (watch out for the weight), a cart, or a counter top. It should be near a 110V, 20 amp circuit and be the ONLY equipment plugged into that circuit. If outdoors, it must be out of the sun. Chocolate Fountains cannot be in a breeze unless you want chocolate covered guests.
How long will it take for the mix to freeze?
It takes about an hour to an hour and a half for the machine to “freeze down” and turn the mix slushy. Generally, it takes alcoholic mixes a little longer to freeze than mixes without alcohol. You can expedite the process by using ice cold ingredients: put your alcohol in the freezer ahead of time, the mix in the refrigerator, and use very cold water.
My margarita machine isn’t freezing the mix, what should I do?
When there’s a problem freezing the mix it’s almost always a matter of inadequate electrical power. First of all, make sure you have the machine plugged into a dedicated 110V, 20 amp circuit.
What is a dedicated 110V, 20 amp circuit?
The electricity in your house runs through circuits identified in your breaker box. Each circuit is usually listed by name. For example, you might have a circuit that serves your kitchen, another for the master bedroom and bath, another for the patio. The margarita machine must be the ONLY appliance drawing electricity off the circuit. If you plug it into a patio outlet and then run your hot tub or electric barbeque at the same time, the electricity will get divided between the various appliances. If you’re having trouble getting the mix to freeze, make sure there’s NOTHING else using the same circuit and drawing power off it.
Is there any way I can hurry the mix along?
Here are a couple of tricks for hurrying things along: If you’ve got a double machine, turn one side off for awhile, so all the power goes to just one side. Or serve up some drinks “on the rocks” to reduce the liquid in the machine. Once it freezes you can turn the other side back up, or add more mix. Weather Advisory: If you're outside and the temperature is over 80º, the heat may be keeping the mix from freezing down properly; move machines inside to a cooler environment. The machines won't freeze properly in direct sunlight.
What do I do with the machine when I am done?
Drain all of the mix out and save or throw away. Pour warm water into each reservior and turn on machine to the non-freeze selection. Each machine has specific instructions for this. Wipe all of the product off of the exterior of the machine. The machine should not be sticky to the touch.
How clean does the machine have to be when I return it?
The machine should be returned as clean as you can get it without taking it apart. Wipe it down with a damp cloth; rinse the reservoirs out with warm water and the sanitation packet provided. Popcorn machines should have the oil and popcorn removed from all parts, and the plexiglas windows and the interior cleaned with warm soapy water. Cotton candy and snokone machines should be wiped down with a damp cloth.
