ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cocktail Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

VALENCIA GROUP

Cocktail Server

San Jose, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $19.95/hr

We are looking for a part-time Cocktail Server to work Fridays and Saturdays and additional weekdays. Hotel Valencia, located in the heart of Santana Row is seeking a friendly, knowledgeable, service ...

685 Sutter LLC

Be Seen First

Cocktail Server

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$30 - $75/hr

Vinyl Room in Downtown Burlingame is hiring a part-time Cocktail Server to join our team! - Must be available Thursday-Saturday 8pm- 3am - 2 years experience in the service industry - Strong work ...

685 Sutter LLC

Be Seen First

Cocktail Server

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$30 - $75/hr

Vinyl Room in Downtown Burlingame is hiring a part-time Cocktail Server to join our team! - Must be available Thursday-Saturday 8pm- 3am - 2 years experience in the service industry - Strong work ...

VALENCIA GROUP

Cocktail Server

San Jose, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $19.95/hr

We are looking for a part-time Cocktail Server to work Fridays and Saturdays and additional weekdays. Hotel Valencia, located in the heart of Santana Row is seeking a friendly, knowledgeable, service ...

HOTEL VALENCIA CORP

Cocktail Server

San Jose, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $19.95/hr

We are looking for a part-time Cocktail Server to work Fridays and Saturdays and additional weekdays. Hotel Valencia, located in the heart of Santana Row is seeking a friendly, knowledgeable, service ...

Scarlett Cocktail Room

Be Seen First

Line Cook / Appetizer Cook - Cocktail Bar

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

We're looking for a skilled and dependable Line Cook to join our cocktail bar kitchen team. This role focuses on preparing appetizers, bar bites, and small plates with strong attention to flavor ...

Scarlett Cocktail Room

Be Seen First

Line Cook / Appetizer Cook - Cocktail Bar

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

We're looking for a skilled and dependable Line Cook to join our cocktail bar kitchen team. This role focuses on preparing appetizers, bar bites, and small plates with strong attention to flavor ...

Eureka Restaurant Group

Cocktail Server

Hawthorne, CA · On-site +1

The Cocktail Server is a non-exempt position that reports directly to the General Manager and indirectly to other members of the management team. Essential Job Functions * Greet guests warmly and ...

Lytton Rancheria

Cocktail Server

San Pablo, CA · On-site

$12.50/hr

The Cocktail server must be able to Smile, initiate friendly verbal greeting, anticipate guest's needs, upbeat and positive, using guest name when possible and providing a fond warm farewell at the ...

Brix and Craft

Craft Cocktail Bartender

Martinez, CA · On-site

Craft Cocktail Bartender, weekends Fri Sat Sun Downtown Martinez | Award-Winning Cocktail Bar We're on the hunt for a passionate, outgoing, and skilled Craft Cocktail Bartender to join our team. If ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsCocktail JobsCocktail Jobs in California

Cocktail information

See California salary details

$5

$13

$22

How much do cocktail jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cocktail in California is $13.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.47 and $15.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cocktail bartender?

Cocktail bartenders, also known as mixologists, are professionals who specialize in creating, mixing, and serving a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, particularly cocktails. They possess in-depth knowledge of drink recipes, ingredients, and presentation techniques. Cocktail bartenders work in bars, restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality venues, ensuring that customers receive high-quality drinks and exceptional service. They also maintain the bar area, stock supplies, and may develop new drink recipes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cocktail bartender?

To thrive as a Cocktail Bartender, you need a strong knowledge of mixology, drink recipes, and bar operations, often supported by a bartending course or on-the-job training. Familiarity with bar tools, POS systems, and inventory management software is essential. Outstanding customer service, multitasking, and communication skills help bartenders create memorable guest experiences and manage busy shifts. These skills and qualities are crucial for efficiently delivering high-quality beverages, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining a smooth workflow in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges cocktail bartenders face during busy shifts, and how can they effectively manage them?

Cocktail bartenders often encounter high-pressure situations during peak hours, such as managing multiple drink orders, maintaining accuracy and quality, and providing excellent customer service simultaneously. Effective time management, strong organizational skills, and clear communication with team members are crucial for success. Many bartenders prepare by batching ingredients in advance, staying organized at their stations, and developing efficient routines for mixing and garnishing drinks. Building rapport with barbacks and servers also helps ensure a smooth workflow during rush periods.

What is the difference between Cocktail vs Bartender?

AspectCocktailBartender
Primary RoleCreating and serving mixed drinks and cocktailsPreparing drinks, serving customers, managing bar operations
Required SkillsMixology, recipe knowledge, creativityCustomer service, multitasking, drink preparation
Work EnvironmentBars, restaurants, eventsBars, clubs, restaurants
CertificationsOften no formal certification, but mixology courses helpFood handler permits, responsible beverage service training

While a cocktail refers to the mixed drink itself, a bartender is the professional who prepares and serves cocktails and other beverages. The bartender's role encompasses customer service, bar management, and drink creation, including cocktails. Understanding the difference helps job seekers identify whether they want to focus on mixology or the broader bar service industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cocktail jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cocktail jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cocktail jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cocktail job openings:

Cocktail jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cocktail job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,157 per year, or $13.5 per hour.

Cocktail Server

San Jose, CA • On-site

VALENCIA GROUP
Traveler Accommodation • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about VALENCIA GROUPexternal

$19.50 - $19.95/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Take bar guests' orders and deliver food and drinks to them.

  • Keep track of guest tabs and promote up-selling of liquor and food.

  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas and ensure proper handling of guest requests.

Job description

Are you a Customer Service Super Star…. WE NEED BIG STARS LIKE YOU!!!

Come be a part of an AWARD WINNING TEAM.

Hotel Valencia Santana Row is located in San Jose, CA and is a pillar of the community.  Our hotel is unique to the city and we are looking for outstanding talent to provide exceptional customer service to our guests.  We are part of Valencia Hotel Group, a collection of hotel’s are created for today’s passionate traveler, each of our hotels are intentionally built to showcase modern design and classic character. We are looking for team members who are ready to be empowered to go above and beyond.. 

We are looking for a part-time Cocktail Server to work Fridays and Saturdays and additional weekdays. Hotel Valencia, located in the heart of Santana Row is seeking a friendly, knowledgeable, service-oriented server with a passion for hospitality to join our team. The successful candidate will be service focused, with strong guest service skills and an equally high degree of leadership and support with all levels of staff. 

Job summary: 

Our Hotel Vbar Cocktail Server is responsible for taking bar guests’ orders, bringing their food and drinks to the guest, keeping track of guest tabs, and providing great, upbeat customer service.

Shift requirements:

Shifts on Friday and Saturday start at 4pm and generally end at 1am. Shifts on weekdays start at 4pm when cocktail coverage is required.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute positively to the team within the department
  • Prepare for any and all guest requests
  • Participate in on-going training
  • Delivery of beverages to guests
  • Promotes and up-sells liquor and food
  • Must be completely familiar with all the different kinds of liquor, recipes and prices of drinks, proper      glassware and garnishes
  • Follows guidelines established in regard to age identification for suspected minors and when dealing with an      intoxicated customer
  • Attend required meetings
  • Keep work areas clean and organized
  • Be extremely courteous to all customers and fellow employees
  • Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor immediately
  • Maintain hotel equipment in proper working conditions.
  • Maintain current CA food handlers and alcohol service certification
  • Any other duties assigned by your immediate supervisor
  • Comply with Valencia Hotel Group (and it affiliates) standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel/CRO operations.
  • Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Valencia Hotel Group (and its affiliates) standards as required by scheduling which will vary dependent upon the CRO needs
  • Complete other duties as assigned by Supervisor

Qualifications:

  • Hotel Operations or Customer Service experience preferred
  • Communicates effectively with others
  • Works productively with a team
  • Effective multitasking skills
  • Composure and patience under pressure

BENEFITS: 

  • Medical, Dental, Life insurance
  • Paid Time Off 
  • Paid Community Service Days
  • Click here to learn more

 Valencia Hotel Group (and all its affiliates) is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Valencia Hotel Group provides equal employment opportunities to all persons. The company does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or ancestry in recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion or any other condition of employment and actively seeks a diverse and representative work force.

Apply