Mixologist

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Cocktail Preparation & Creativity:

• Prepare and serve a wide range of cocktails, mixed drinks, and other beverages, following established recipes or creating original concoctions to elevate the guest experience.

• Utilize expert knowledge of spirits, wines, beers, and other beverages to make recommendations, suggest pairings, and create custom cocktails for guests.

• Experiment with new cocktail recipes, seasonal ingredients, and trends to keep the beverage menu fresh, exciting, and aligned with the venue's theme.

• Maintain a high level of craftsmanship in cocktail preparation, ensuring consistency and quality in every drink.

• Guest Service & Engagement:

• Greet guests in a friendly and professional manner, making them feel welcome and ensuring their needs are met throughout their visit.

• Provide expert recommendations on drink pairings, cocktails, and spirits, ensuring guests have an exceptional and personalized drinking experience.

• Engage with guests at the bar, maintaining a positive and lively atmosphere while delivering excellent customer service.

• Handle guest complaints and concerns with professionalism, resolving any issues quickly to ensure satisfaction.

• Bar Organization & Inventory Management:

• Ensure the bar area is clean, organized, and well-stocked with all necessary ingredients, tools, and glassware.

• Monitor inventory levels of spirits, garnishes, mixers, and other bar supplies, making recommendations for reordering when necessary.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar, including cleaning equipment, counters, and bar tools, following health and safety standards.

• Properly handle and store all alcohol, mixers, and other bar-related items to ensure quality and prevent waste.

• Team Collaboration & Support:

• Work closely with bartenders, servers, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth and efficient service, particularly during peak hours or busy events.

• Assist with training and mentoring junior bartenders or staff, sharing expertise in cocktail preparation and bar service techniques.

• Ensure all team members adhere to company standards and guidelines for service, safety, and cleanliness.

• Support the management team by reporting on bar sales, guest feedback, and any operational concerns.

• Health & Safety Compliance:

• Adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations regarding the handling and serving of alcohol, ensuring compliance with liquor laws and safety standards.

• Follow proper sanitation procedures and maintain a clean and safe environment at all times, including cleaning tools and equipment regularly.

• Ensure guests are served responsibly, monitoring alcohol consumption and taking appropriate actions to ensure a safe environment.

• Event & Special Function Support:

• Assist in the preparation and execution of special events, cocktail parties, or promotions, including creating unique drinks or themed cocktails.

• Coordinate with management to develop and promote drink specials, happy hour offerings, or seasonal cocktail menus to attract guests and boost sales.

• Participate in tastings, demos, or promotional events to showcase cocktail skills and the beverage offerings.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience as a bartender or mixologist in a high-volume or upscale bar/restaurant environment is preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of spirits, cocktails, and bartending techniques.
• Certification in bartending or alcohol safety (e.g., TIPS, Responsible Beverage Service training) is a plus.
• Knowledge of wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages is beneficial.

Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of cocktail recipes, spirit varieties, and bartending techniques, including shaking, stirring, muddling, and garnishing.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to engage and interact with guests in a friendly and professional manner.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure, particularly during busy periods.
• Creative flair for developing new drink recipes, using seasonal ingredients, and staying ahead of beverage trends.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and move for extended periods during shifts.
• Ability to lift and carry items such as bottles, glassware, and equipment (up to 25 pounds).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, especially during peak service hours.
• Ability to occasionally bend, reach, and stoop to access storage areas or restock supplies.

Why Join Proper Hospitality

At Proper, we build experiences that move people - and that begins with the team behind them. As a best-in-class employer, we're committed to creating one of the Best Places to Work in hospitality by nurturing a culture where creativity, excellence, and humanity thrive together.

Everything we do is grounded in the belief that hospitality is more than a profession - it's an opportunity to care for others and make lives better. Guided by the Pillars of Proper, we show up with warmth and authenticity (Care Proper), strive for excellence in everything we do (Achieve Proper), think creatively and resourcefully (Imagine Proper), and take pride in the style and culture that make us who we are (Present Proper).

We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we invest deeply in their wellbeing, growth, and sense of belonging. From comprehensive benefits to meaningful development programs, Proper is designed to help you build a career, and a life, that feels as inspiring as the experiences we create for our guests.

Our Commitment: Building the Best Place to Work

Our Best Place to Work initiative is a living commitment - a continuous investment in our people, our culture, and our purpose. We listen, learn, and evolve together to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to imagine boldly, achieve confidently, care deeply, and present themselves authentically.

At Proper, joining the team means more than finding a job - it means joining a community that believes in building beautiful experiences together, for our guests and for one another.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.