A Day in the Life of an Event Bartender in Austin, Texas
Behind the Scenes with Drink Slingers
What’s it really like to bartend Austin events for a living—or as a serious side hustle? At Drink Slingers, our team is made up of professionals who bring energy, skill, and hospitality to every event, whether it’s a wedding, a corporate mixer, or a backyard bash. And because most events happen in the evenings or on weekends, many of our bartenders balance this work with full-time jobs, school, or creative careers. Here’s what a typical event day looks like behind the bar.
11:00 AM – Morning Grind
Before the first pour, most of our bartenders are already working a day job or handling personal responsibilities. Some are teachers, artists, or working in offices—they bring that same professionalism into their bartending shifts.
2:00 PM – Event Details & Gear Check
During a break or downtime, we review event info: guest count, service timeline, location, drink menu, and any special requests. If we’re supplying ingredients or doing a custom cocktail, this is when we double-check garnishes, syrups, ice bar tools and other equipment. For full-service events, Drink Slingers has already handled the booze logistics, but we always make sure we’re dialed in and ready.
Photography by Amairani Thomason
Photography by Amairani Thomason
4:30 PM – Load & Go
After the day job wraps, it’s time to switch gears. We head to the Drink Slingers office in North Austin where the warehouse team has already packed up coolers, kits, mixers, and any rentals. They help us load the supplies in the Drink Slingers Van (or our own car) and then we hit the road. Being on time and fully prepared is non-negotiable—it’s part of what makes a great event bartender stand out.
5:00 PM – Arrival & Setup
Most events start around 6:30 or 7:00 PM, so we usually arrive an hour and a half to two hours before service. Setup means more than unpacking coolers—it’s about creating a clean, efficient, and welcoming bar that fits the vibe of the event. Whether it’s sleek and modern or rustic and relaxed, the bar is often the social hub, and we help set that tone.
7:00 PM – Go Time
Service starts and we’re in the zone—mixing cocktails, managing guest flow, and keeping the energy up. It’s not just about fast pours (though we do those, too); it’s about being present, professional, and personable. We field drink questions, answer questions, enforce responsible service, and keep the mood light and fun. If there’s a signature cocktail or themed element, we make sure it gets the attention it deserves.
11:00 PM – Last Call & Clean Up
Once the final round is served, we break down all the elements of the bar, pack out leftover product, clean the space, and make sure everything is as tidy as we found it—or better. Drink Slingers bartenders leave a lasting impression, and that includes how we wrap things up.
11:30 PM – Head Back & Wind Down
By the time everything’s packed up and we’re heading back to the warehouse to unpack everything we just packed a few hours before, we’re tired, but in a good way. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of knowing you helped make someone’s big day or special event unforgettable. Plus, by the time we head home, we’re already thinking about the next one.
Why We Love It
Being an event bartender with Drink Slingers isn’t just a job, it’s a dynamic, people-focused experience where no two nights are the same. It offers flexibility, good pay, and the chance to be part of something memorable. For those who thrive in high-energy environments and love the art of hospitality, it’s a perfect fit.
Want to work with Drink Slingers, or book us for your next event?
Get a quote here or explore our FAQ page to learn more.