If I Started My Mobile Bartending Business Again from Zero (With a Limited Budget) This Is What I Would Prioritize
Updated: Sep 21
Whether you're here from Pinterest or YouTube, this post is to help you easily navigate the standard tools you'll need to start a mobile bartending business.
I know you're looking for fast answers and actionable steps so here it is.
After 15 years of bartending, and 10 of those being mobile bartending, these are the things I would prioritize if I had to start my mobile bartending business all over again from zero. Especially if I had very limited money to put into it.
I'm not going to give you a huge list of everything you could possible buy or everything you could eventually do. I'm talking about what I would focus on first, and where I would put my money in the beginning.
ALCOHOL-TRAINING CERTIFICATION
This was the very first thing I had before anything else. Before I started my mobile bartending business, I had an alcohol-training certificate that I received in bartending school. I started with a TIPS certification, and then eventually switched to ServSafe.
You don't need to attend bartending school to aquire an alcohol-training certificate. You can get one from home using your computer. They're both similar in structure, so it doesn't really matter which one you get. It cost $40, for the 4-hour course, and you need to pass the test at the end to receive the certification. Just choose whatever program makes sense for you and is recognized where you live and serve.
I recommend taking the course because it helps you understand responsible alcohol service, checking identification, recognizing intoxication, and when you need to stop serving someone.
Here are the links to both. Choose your state.
→ TIPS
BASIC MIXING TOOLS
Next I would get the basic necessities I would need to actually bartend a party or event. Not a portable bar. You don't need that yet, if ever.
After years of mobile bartending, I can tell you, most people didn't actually need me to bring a bar. Most events I was able to service using what the client had. Built in home bar, kitchen island, dining room table. It all works the same.
In the beginning, basic mixing tools was all I could afford at the time, and it got me pretty far. So I can say from experience, focus on the basics, and don't feel bad if that's all you can afford. YOU CAN STILL START AND MAKE MONEY!
I created a start-up budget checklist (it's free) to make everything I'm saying here easier to navigate, especially if you're trying to figure out exactly what tools to start with. Just download it and print. You can check off as you go.
For quick links to affordable starter bar tools, I've linked them below.
This post contains affiliate links. I like to think of them as my virtual tip jar. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and it partly helps me keep creating content and resources like this. As a single-mom who's trying to maintain working from home, thank you for using them! ❤️
→ Cocktail Shakers - mix, chill, and dilute your cocktails quickly
→ Mixing Glass - for chilling and gently diluting by stirring spirit-forward cocktails
→ Hawthorne Strainer - to strain your cocktails after shaking or stirring
→ Julep Strainer - to drain ice and other solid ingredients out of your stirred cocktails
→ Mesh Strainer - drain/remove fine particles from your drinks
→ Pour Spouts - to better control the flow of your pours
→ Garnish Tray - I personally preferred these jars for my garnishes, but I think the tray is cute and functional too.
→ Bar Mat - to catch spills, stop glasses from sliding, and to protect the surface you're working on from damage
→ Knife - for cutting/preparing your garnishes
→ Cutting Board - protect your counters/bars and knife blades when preparing garnishes
→ Bar Spoons - a specialized tool for bartenders to stir, layer, measure, and garnish drinks
→ Jiggers - a measuring tool
→ Muddler - for gently crushing or mashing fruits, herbs, and spices to release their oils or juices. Think Mojito.
→ Tongs - pick up garnishes without touching them with your fingers
→ Citrus Peeler - to remove the outer rind of citrus without damaging the flesh inside.
→ Wine Keys - a pocket-sized tool for opening bottles of wine (also includes a bottle opener)
→ Bottle Openers - open glass bottles
→ Ice Scoop - a safe and hygienic way to transfer ice
→ Ice Bin - a safe and hygienic way to store serving ice and/or to keep beverages chilled
→ Bar Towels - for spills, wiping hands, drying tools and materials like glassware
→ Gloves - a sanitary barrier between bare hands and food to prevent the spread of germs, bacteria, and viruses
→ Carrying Crates - store, organize, and transport your tools and supplies
→ Plastic Bin - for when you need to dump but don't have immediate access to a sink
→ Business Card Holder - neatly display your contact cards
→ Tip Jar - for cash tips
BUSINESS CARDS
The third thing I would prioritize is business cards.
This is one of the best ways to get more business. It's simple and inexpensive. At parties, they often ask, "how do I book you" or they say "I know someone who's looking for a bartender." They're also great for connecting with other vendors.
Networking and referrals help grow my mobile bartending business. And a simple email is really all you need for people to get in touch.
FORM A BUSINESS STRUCTURE
I started my mobile bartending business with an LLC. For me it was only $100. I didn't know anything about starting a business, but the bar manager where I worked at the time gave me advice that I will always remember.
"Cover your own ass." ...and he told me to get an LLC.
Now I'm not telling you that you need to do the exact same. You can form whatever business structure aligns with you and your business goals. But what I am saying is that having some form of business structure not only protects you as an individual, because serving alcohol can be a liability. It also gives you access to things unavailable to those who aren't operating a business. Things like business banking.
When operating an LLC., you're allowed to operate small. You don't need employees. You can be a one-person operation and keep it for as long as it works for you.
I would make forming a business structure my next priority sooner than later but after the other three because, if you're working with limited starting capital, you can at least book a party or two, make money, then get an LLC. People aren't going to book you just because you have an LLC. They will book you if you have the necessary mixing tools to service their event.
INSURANCE
Lastly would be insurance.
Ideally you should never need it, but it's one of those things that give an added layer of protection and peace of mind. Also, some venues won't even allow you to serve within them without it.
When you're working with people and alcohol, insurance is a necessity.
For details on the exact insurance provider that I used, get my:
SAVE THE PROFIT
This is the one thing I wish I knew to do and prioritize earlier!
Save your money.
When I first started making money with my business, I was so eager to put it back into my business. I wanted to buy more things, improve my set-up, expand, and make my business look like a business. Looking back, I wish I had kept things simpler. I wish I had focused more on myself, and I wish I knew what I actually wanted to get out of mobile bartending.
I didn't realize at the time that mobile bartending wasn't going to be my forever business.
I was mostly a one-woman show, bringing on help when I needed it for parties and events. I really didn't need to built a huge operation. I just needed the business to work for me.
So I say this to say, if you're starting from zero, don't let someone else's set-up convince you that you need to spend thousands of dollars to get started, or even maintain. You don't!
So if I were you, especially if you're getting into mobile bartending for freedom, I would focus on making money, investing as little a possible, maintaining a steady pace of a rinse and repeat strategy, and keeping as much of that profit as possible.
I experienced burnout, and it took me three years to bounce back. I couldn't afford to quit when I wanted to because, my mobile bartending business was where most of my money was. I had some savings, but not nearly as much as I could've had if I just kept it simple.
The video below aligns with this post. I'll catch you in the next one. 🥂
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