A Cold Pony: Transforming Events with a Unique Mobile Bar Experience
By Heather DeSousa
Planning an event comes with countless details, but when it comes to drinks, A Cold Pony ensures you can sit back, relax, and sip in style. This innovative mobile bar and cocktail service combines professional expertise with creative customization, offering an unforgettable experience for events across Arizona—and beyond.
From inspiration to reality, the vision for A Cold Pony began with a simple observation. While bartending in the mid-2000s, founder Kelly Tolbert frequently received requests to handle private events, from holiday gatherings to backyard parties. Realizing the need for professional mobile bartending services, she launched her journey in 2005, serving events directly in clients’ homes. By 2019, she transformed her concept into something truly unique: a beautifully revamped horse trailer, “A Cold Pony,” bringing charm and convenience to events of all kinds.
Unlike traditional bars, A Cold Pony offers a personalized and intimate experience. As the face of the company, Kelly takes pride in facilitating every event herself, ensuring memorable interactions for guests. Custom signage and themed decorations further elevate the experience, whether it’s a rustic wedding, a chic corporate event, or a lively birthday party. A Cold Pony caters to a wide range of events and can be set up indoors or outdoors, requiring a small footprint.
Clients have a significant say in their menu, often collaborating on cocktail themes, ingredient preferences, and budget. The typical menu includes five signature cocktails alongside beer and wine options. Popular requests include mules, espresso martinis, and holiday-themed drinks. Non-alcoholic options, like mocktails and trendy “dirty soda” bars for kids, ensure everyone feels included. The cocktail industry is constantly evolving, and A Cold Pony stays ahead of the curve. Current trends include TikTok-inspired drinks and alcohol-free options, which appeal to a growing audience. Looking to the future, the company plans to expand its offerings and potentially add to its fleet.
From a customer:
“The Cold Pony is an amazing mobile bar service that provided incredible cocktails and a unique and stylish element to our wedding in downtown Prescott! The horse trailer bar was a total hit with our guests and created such a fun photo opportunity. Kelly is super friendly and helpful; and she brings an unmatched level of expertise and enthusiasm. Throughout the planning process Kelly had excellent communication and offered valuable insight and suggestions. At the wedding the Cold Pony team was easy to work with and very professional (and made fabulous cocktails). I would whole-heartedly recommend Cold Pony for your next event!” – Andrea Erickson
A Cold Pony prioritizes eco-friendly practices, offering compostable straws and shot glasses, as well as glassware options to reduce waste. As a state-certified bartender, Kelly ensures responsible service, creating a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all.
Kelly said, “Over the years I’ve been fortunate to be part of some truly unique events, but a few stand out as favorites. Corporate appreciation events are always a highlight, especially when I get to collaborate with fabulously creative event planners. Together, we’ve brought innovative concepts to life, from ‘Movies in the Park’ evenings where guests sip custom cocktails under the stars, to carnival-themed gatherings with playful beverages to match the atmosphere. One of the most memorable? A recreation-themed retreat where colleagues bonded over lip sync battles, with our custom drinks adding to the fun and camaraderie. These events showcase the joy of blending creativity, community, and cocktails in unforgettable ways.”
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, A Cold Pony delivers a professional mobile bar experience that leaves a lasting impression. From signature cocktails to themed setups, this one-of-a-kind service takes the stress out of event planning—allowing you to enjoy the party as much as your guests.
Booking A Cold Pony is as easy as a call, text, or visit to the company’s website. Each event is tailored to the client’s needs, with signature drinks ranging from classic cocktails to whimsical creations like cotton candy soda.
To learn more, please inquire with Kelly today. Call 928.533.8926, email [email protected], visit acoldpony.com, and follow @acoldpony on Instagram and
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