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1300 COCKTAIL
0437-455-118
AUSTRALIAS PREMIER MOBILE BAR SERVICE
AUSTRALIAS PREMIER MOBILE BAR SERVICE - PROFESSIONAL MOBILE BAR TENDERS AND MIXOLOGISTS - AUSTRALIAS PREMIER MOBILE BAR SERVICE - PROFESSIONAL MOBILE BAR TENDERS
BARTENDERS, MIXOLOGISTS & EVENT STAFF HIRE
Professional Service Staff
WHO DOESN'T LOVE A COCKTAIL?
Mixologist & Bartender Hire for Unforgettable Events
At The Cocktail Queen, we provide exceptional, professionally trained bar staff to elevate your event—whether it's an intimate gathering or a large-scale celebration. With over 25 years of industry experience, we’re proud to offer a team of reliable, efficient, and highly skilled mixologists and bartenders who bring both flair and professionalism to every occasion.
All of our staff are trained in the art of cocktail making, and our tiered staffing options allow you to choose the right level of service for your event—whether you need a Master Mixologist to craft signature drinks or a bartender to serve classic beverages with style.
When you hire through The Cocktail Queen:
- We supply the staff to make your cocktails and serve your alcohol
- You receive access to our curated menus and detailed shopping lists
- You benefit from standardised, transparent rates with no compromise on quality
Our mixologists are more than just bartenders—they’re entertainers, professionals, and the secret ingredient to a seamless, stylish bar experience.
How to Book
1
CHOOSE YOUR STAFF
1. Choose the Right Type of Staff
Start by determining the level of service you’d like for your event:
- If you're serving cocktails, you'll need a Senior Mixologist, and possibly a Junior Mixologist to assist depending on guest numbers and complexity.
- If you're not serving cocktails, a Bartender will be sufficient.
Also consider the total time required, including:
- Pre-event bar prep
- Service duration
- Pack-down and clean-up
👉 Learn more about recommended timings here.
2. Select Your Glassware Package
Once you've confirmed your staffing needs and hours, the next step is choosing a glassware package (if you need it). A Premium Hourly Hire Rate applies to staff hire if you don't purchase a glassware hire package.
Our curated BYO packages are bundled for convenience—no need to calculate quantities, we've done the work for you.
👉 Explore our glassware packages here or our BYO packages here.
3. Add Optional Extras
Want to elevate your event? You can add premium extras at the time of booking, including:
- Mobile bar hire
- Display items and styling touches
All staff arrive with their own Shaker Barware Kits, so there’s no need to supply bar tools or shakers.
Need Help Deciding?
If you're unsure about the number of hours or the type of staff required, feel free to contact us directly for a tailored quote. We’re here to help make your event seamless and spectacular.
2
LOCK IT IN EDDY!
Securing Your Booking
To confirm your staff booking, a $350 deposit is required when submitting the online booking form for quoted services.
If you’re booking a solo mixologist only (without glassware), full payment is required at the time of booking.
We also offer a discount on select BYO hire packages over $1,000 when full payment is made upfront — feel free to reach out and ask us about this offer!
Availability & Booking Policy
Our staff are highly trained, impeccably presented, and in high demand. We do not hold dates or allocate staff without a deposit or confirmed payment. If you receive a quote and delay booking, please understand that availability may change—it’s strictly first in, first served.
All of our team members are employed directly by The Cocktail Queen—not casual temps—ensuring consistent quality and professionalism at every event.
Our Standards
Our rates reflect the skill, experience, and dedication of our team. We kindly ask that you don’t request discounted rates—we don’t offer a “cheap” service, because we don’t deliver a cheap experience. With over 20 years in the industry, The Cocktail Queen is known for delivering professional, personable, and polished service every time.
Before booking, please take a moment to review our Terms and Conditions to ensure everything is clear and aligned.
3
GO SHOPPING!
🎉 The Fun Part – Let’s Build Your Cocktail Menu!
Once your deposit is paid—or full payment is made—you’ll gain exclusive access to our curated cocktail menus. We offer three signature set menus, each paired with an automated shopping list to make your prep effortless.
Simply complete the form attached to your chosen menu, and you’ll instantly receive a detailed shopping list—right down to the coffee bean garnish for your espresso martinis and the bags of ice needed to shake things up!
🍸 Want to Customise? Try Our “Pick n Mix” Menu
Prefer to handpick your own cocktails? Our Pick n Mix option lets you create a bespoke menu for a small additional fee. This covers the time it takes for our team to craft and send you a customised shopping list tailored to your selections.
🧊 What Else Do You Get?
Along with your menu and shopping list, you’ll also receive a DIY Bar Setup Checklist—a handy guide to help you prepare your space before our team arrives. Need extras like eskys, bar-top tubs, or trestle tables? No problem—you can add those on at any time.
Mixologists n Bartenders
Junior Mixologist
A Junior Mixologist is a Cocktail Queen team member currently undergoing advanced mixology training. They can only be booked in conjunction with a Senior or Master Mixologist and are ideal for larger events where additional support is needed behind the bar.
Their role includes:
-
Assisting with cocktail preparation under supervision
-
Collecting and managing glassware
-
Performing basic bartending tasks
Please note: Junior Mixologists are not available for standalone hire and must be paired with a senior team member to ensure service quality and consistency.
Master Mixologist
🍹 Master Mixologist
When only the best will do, a Cocktail Queen Master Mixologist is your go-to for crafting unforgettable cocktail experiences. Specialising in signature creations and high-end service, our Masters bring both flair and finesse to your event.
With a professional yet personable approach, they can:
- Create bespoke cocktails on the spot
- Seamlessly serve up to 40 guests
- Deliver an elevated guest experience that leaves a lasting impression
Ideal for:
- Product launches
- VIP and signature events
- Luxury private functions
✅ Includes access to our curated cocktail menus and customised shopping lists.
Senior Mixologist
A Senior Mixologist is a highly trained professional skilled in both cocktail creation and efficient bar management. They are ideal for independently servicing events of up to 40 guests, ensuring smooth, high-quality service from start to finish.
Perfect for:
- Full cocktail service
- Managing bar flow and guest interaction
- Delivering a polished, all-round bartending experience
If your event requires floor service or additional bar support, we recommend booking an additional Senior or Junior Mixologist to maintain seamless service.
✅ Includes access to our curated cocktail menus and corresponding shopping lists.
Bar
Tender
🥂 Bartender Service (No Cocktails)
If your event doesn’t require cocktails and you simply need efficient, professional bar service, our Cocktail Queen Bartenders are the perfect fit.
Our experienced bartenders will serve:
- Beer, wine, and champagne
- Basic spirits with mixers
Please note:
When booking a bartender only, no cocktails will be made at the event, and cocktail-making barware is not provided.
This is a great option for more casual gatherings or events with a simplified drinks menu.
Bar
Supervisor
🍾 Bar Supervisors
Bar Supervisors from The Cocktail Queen are the ideal choice for managing the bar operations at large-scale events such as weddings, bar mitzvahs, and corporate functions.
Our experienced supervisors oversee every aspect of the bar, including:
- Pre-event setup and preparation
- On-site staff coordination and supervision
- Restocking and inventory management during service
- End-of-event pack-down and cleanup
For events with over 100 guests, we highly recommend including a Bar Supervisor to ensure smooth, efficient, and professional service from start to finish.
FAQS
Staff Ratios
"How many bar staff do I need?"
For general parties with cocktail service and bartending service, we advise that you follow the guide when hiring staff:
up to 40 guests - 1 x Staff Person
40-70 guests - 2-3 x Staff Persons - depending on your requirements
70-90 guests - 3 x Staff Persons
90-110 guests- 4 x Staff Persons
If you're envisioning a guest arrival experience with staff greeting guests at the door, tray in hand, or hosting a wedding reception with service to seated tables, please ensure you have engaged adequate staff for this level of service. Floor service requires additional personnel and careful planning. You can explore options and customise your requirements on our Staff Hire page. If you're unsure of what you'll need, just contact us directly—we’re happy to advise.
A gentle reminder: We do not accept bookings for weddings or large-scale events where only one mixologist is requested for 100+ guests. Please don't phone and say you only need one Mixologist for 100 people when we know this is not appropriate. This places undue pressure on our staff, and we are committed to maintaining a positive work environment that reflects our high service standards. For appropriate staffing ratios, please contact us for guidance and a custom quote.
Planning a large-scale event? We cater to events of over 120 guests, and for these occasions, the experience becomes more specialised. Larger events are quoted individually, with staffing ratios carefully tailored to suit your specific needs, location, and service expectations.
All large-format events are managed through our dedicated division, CQ Events—featuring a team of specialist event coordinators. CQ Events offers a full-service experience, including beverage and food catering, styling, creative direction, music sourcing, marquee hire, equipment hire, and more.
To discuss your vision for a large event, contact Nicole directly—we’ll ensure every detail is curated to perfection.
Minimum Hours & Rates
You’re welcome to book a mixologist or bartender for a 2-hour service; however, our minimum charge is based on a 3.5-hour shift. This is because, in practice, no hospitality professional is willing to work for just 2 hours—it’s simply not a viable or fair use of their time. Legally, the minimum shift requirement is 3 hours, and we go a step further.
At The Cocktail Queen, we set our minimum at 3.5 hours because we genuinely value our staff and are committed to ensuring they receive meaningful, well-compensated shifts. This policy helps us attract and retain top-tier talent, which directly benefits the quality of service at your event.
📅 Public Holiday Surcharge
Surcharge rates apply for all Public Holidays.
If you book online for a date that falls on a public holiday, please note that your invoice will be adjusted to reflect the applicable holiday rates.
For details on specific public holiday surcharges, feel free to contact us directly
Why a Premium Rate Applies Without Glassware Hire
Due to the high level of expertise required in our field, combined with industry wage standards, taxes, and superannuation obligations, the profit margin for staff hire is minimal—particularly when glassware is not hired through The Cocktail Queen. This is why a premium rate applies in such cases.
For those with business experience or an appreciation for the value of skilled professionals, we trust you’ll understand the rationale behind our premium pricing. You're not simply hiring someone to serve drinks at your event—you’re investing in:
- Our team’s extensive experience and commitment to excellence in hospitality
- Personalised support from our office and event coordination team
- Access to our proprietary menus, curated shopping lists, and event planning tools
- The infrastructure and overheads that ensure a seamless, high-quality service
All of this is reflected in our pricing structure, which is designed to uphold the standards our clients expect and deserve. A Premium Rate of $10 per hour applies when hiring any staff without a glassware hire package.
Prep and Pack Down Time
Prep Time refers to the dedicated period your mixologist spends getting the bar ready prior to service. During this time, they will:
- Lay out all required glassware
- Cut and prepare garnishes
- Arrange equipment and liquor
- Configure the bar for efficient flow, including placement of eskys, tubs, and glassware crates
- Batch cocktails or ingredients as needed (if required but not preferred)
- Fill ice buckets to chill cocktails
- Set up the blender station (if required)
- Locate and set up the designated rubbish area for bottle disposal
- Prepare drinks or cocktails on trays, ready for service upon guest arrival
What’s not included in Prep Time:
- Bar construction or physical setup: This is your responsibility and can be done using the Bar Setup Checklist provided at booking. If you've hired one of our mobile bars, it's delivered and set up by our logistics team on the delivery day.
- Icing all guest drinks: Unless additional time is booked, staff will not pre-chill wine, beer, or sparkling. To ensure optimal serving temperature, these beverages require at least 3 hours on ice prior to service. This also applies to large-scale alcohol load-ins, which can be time-consuming. If you'd prefer hands-off support for this, our Full Bar Setup Service is available at an additional cost.
Already booked a BYO package? Prep time is built in—you don’t need to calculate anything.
Pack-Down Time is the final service window where the bar is transitioned to a self-serve format. This includes basic clean-up, returning glasses to the bar, restocking tubs, and making glassware easily accessible for guests to help themselves.
FEES
TRAVEL FEE
Our travel fees reflect the time, distance, and fuel costs incurred by our team, who use their own vehicles to attend events. These fees are based on travel from our South Melbourne head office, but our staff may be travelling in from outer suburbs to your event, so we need to ensure that our valued staff are fairly compensated for time spent on the road.
🚗 Travel Fees
For events within 11–55km:
A flat collective fee applies, regardless of the number of staff attending.
- 0–10km: $0
-11-20km: $59 (collective fee)
- 21-35km: $79 (collective fee)
- 36–45km $99 (collective fee)
-46-55km: $120 (collective fee)
For events 56km and over:
A per-person travel fee applies due to extended travel times. For events of 25 plus guests there will be 2 staff present.
- 56–90km: $160 per staff member
- 91–110km: $200 per staff member
To calculate the distance from South Melbourne, simply search your location in Google Maps (e.g. "South Melbourne to Berwick in kms").
🅿️ Melbourne CBD Parking
A $39 parking fee applies to all Melbourne CBD events—this covers access to secure parking facilities regardless of whether a dedicated bay is provided.
DELIVERY FEE
All essential equipment— including glassware, mobile bars, styling equipment, barware etc—is pre-delivered for events within 0–35km of Melbourne CBD.
Delivery is a flat $79 fee, which also covers collection either later that day or the following day after your event.
For events located beyond 35km from Melbourne CBD, equipment will arrive and depart with your lead Instructing Mixologist on the day. However, if you prefer a pre-delivery setup, the following additional delivery fees apply:
36-45kms $99
46-55kms $120
56-90kms $160
91-110kms $200
To calculate delivery simply enter in to a google search, example: "South Melbourne to Berwick in kms".
You are able to select the option of pre-delivery on the booking form.