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Cocktail Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Event Producer

Washington, DC · On-site

$125/day

Lead cooking classes, cocktail workshops, tastings, and interactive food and beverage experiences * Welcome guests and create a warm, engaging atmosphere * Teach culinary or beverage techniques in a ...

The ideal candidate will have strong liquor and cocktail expertise, excellent customer service skills, and a passion for creating memorable beverage experiences for our guests. Responsibilities:

F***ing cool craft cocktail bar WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays * Discount program for our sister hotels * Medical, Dental, Vision, and pet insurance at an affordable ...

General Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

This includes timely seating and food delivery as well as proper attention from cocktail servers. Also responsible for the coordination of staff includes assigning sections in which cocktail servers ...

Restaurant Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Mezzanine dining provides a dramatic view of the dining room below, while outdoor diners can enjoy both formal dining or casual cocktail & small bite service at the outdoor bar and garden. For the ...

Event Bartender

Arlington, VA · On-site

$28 - $48/hr

Setting up and decorating the cocktail tables in the tent. * Setting up the bartender's table on the balcony . * Ensuring the tent, balcony, cocktail area, and other visible outdoor spaces are ...

Bartender

Washington, DC · On-site

$10.30/hr

Requirements & Physical Demands • Proficiency in coffee brewing techniques and cocktail mixing methods. • Strong knowledge of coffee beans, brewing equipment, and cocktail ingredients. • ...

New

They also prepare beverages for servers and cocktail servers who place beverage orders for Guests seated in the cocktail area and dining room. What do you think? Sound like your cup of espresso?

They also prepare beverages for servers and cocktail servers who place beverage orders for Guests seated in the cocktail area and dining room. What do you think? Sound like your cup of espresso?

Bartender

Fulton, MD · On-site

$3.63/hr

Every signature cocktail must be made to the exact Lib's Grill BWL Recipe Guide. Consistency is our signature. * Command the Service Bar: Provide quick, efficient, and accurate drink service for the ...

Bartender

Fulton, MD · On-site

$3.63/hr

Every signature cocktail must be made to the exact Lib's Grill BWL Recipe Guide. Consistency is our signature. * Command the Service Bar: Provide quick, efficient, and accurate drink service for the ...

Events Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Mezzanine dining provides a dramatic view of the dining room below, while outdoor diners can enjoy both formal dining or casual cocktail & small bite service at the outdoor bar and garden. For the ...

Experienced Cook

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

As one of DC's premier caterers, Well Dunn Catering is a leader in creating innovative, collaborative, and delicious events in the DMV area - from cocktail receptions to weddings, galas, and much ...

Be Seen First

Some knowledge of cocktail recipes helpful Strong interpersonal skills and a friendly demeanor. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and follow instructions Why Join Us? Competitive Pay.

Be Seen First

Some knowledge of cocktail recipes helpful Strong interpersonal skills and a friendly demeanor. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and follow instructions Why Join Us? Competitive Pay.

Showing results 41-60

Cocktail information

See Washington salary details

$6

$15

$25

How much do cocktail jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cocktail in Washington is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.91 and $17.98 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.

Infographic showing various Cocktail job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,313 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Event Producer

Washington, DC • On-site

$125/day

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Part-Time | Event-Based
Compensation: $125 per event
Commitment: Approximately 3 hours per event

About the Role

We're looking for an engaging, knowledgeable, and charismatic Experience Host to lead hands-on culinary classes, cocktail experiences, tastings, and other food and beverage events.

This role combines hospitality, education, entertainment, and storytelling. The ideal candidate has professional culinary or beverage experience and enjoys being in front of guests, teaching techniques, sharing knowledge, and creating memorable experiences.

You should be equally comfortable demonstrating a technique, answering questions, telling a story, and keeping a room energized from start to finish.

What You'll Do
  • Lead cooking classes, cocktail workshops, tastings, and interactive food and beverage experiences
  • Welcome guests and create a warm, engaging atmosphere
  • Teach culinary or beverage techniques in a way that is approachable and easy to understand
  • Conduct live demonstrations while keeping guests involved and entertained
  • Share stories, insights, and industry knowledge that enhance the experience
  • Encourage participation and confidently answer guest questions
  • Maintain the pace, flow, and energy of each event
  • Adapt your presentation style for private events, corporate groups, celebrations, and public classes
  • Collaborate with chefs, bartenders, and event staff to ensure successful execution
  • Assist with setup, ingredient organization, preparation, and breakdown as needed
  • Maintain food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards
  • Represent the company with professionalism and hospitality
Qualifications Required
  • Professional culinary, beverage, or hospitality experience
  • Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, ingredients, preparation methods, or cocktail fundamentals
  • Comfortable speaking and presenting in front of groups
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Outgoing, polished, and naturally engaging personality
  • Ability to command a room while remaining approachable and welcoming
  • Strong hospitality mindset and guest-first attitude
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
  • Ability to adapt to different audiences and event formats
  • Evening and weekend availability
Preferred
  • Culinary degree or formal culinary training
  • Experience as a chef, bartender, culinary instructor, beverage educator, or tasting host
  • Experience with public speaking, demonstrations, teaching, or entertainment
  • Knowledge of wine, spirits, cocktails, food pairings, or specialty beverages
  • Experience with experiential hospitality, private events, or corporate programs
Who You Are

You're knowledgeable without being intimidating, confident without being arrogant, and entertaining without losing professionalism.

You enjoy connecting with people and know how to turn a class, tasting, or demonstration into an experience guests will remember and talk about long after the event ends.


What Success Looks Like

Guests leave feeling welcomed, engaged, entertained, and inspired. They learn something new, participate actively, and walk away with a memorable experience led by a host who made them feel included and excited to come back again.


Perfect for chefs, bartenders, culinary instructors, beverage educators, and hospitality professionals looking for flexible, guest-facing work in a fun and engaging environment.

More detail about National Union Building part of Pirate Ventures, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/174800-National-Union-Building