Frequently Asked Questions
(and some photos)
Do You Use Amaro in All Your Cocktails?
Nope! It’s just a name we thought was cute, and the domain was free. While we’re huge fans of Amaro and have even traveled to Italy just to experience some rare ones first hand - it’s our belief that all spirits are beautiful and explore as many different flavors and components as possible.
We’re currently obsessed with this cocktail on the menu for an upcoming wedding.
What’s your bartending background?
Literally everywhere! Amaro co-owner Dean has worked across a multitude of states at everything from a Central Coast California Wine Cafe, classic formal French dining, and rough & rowdy dive bars. Through it all he scratched together an ethos that bartending exists at the intersection of a perfectly made drink, a safe and inviting space, and hospitality from a host that genuinely enjoys being around people and making them happy. It’s corny, but we’re honestly quite passionate about quality service. Plus we’re big ol’ cocktail nerds.
What brands/quality of spirits do you use?
We’ve found that for a well balanced shaken cocktail, mid-shelf is the sweet spot. If you’re talking about bourbon, think Buffalo Trace / Four Roses. If we’re pouring tequila we’re probably reaching for Altos or Espolón. Vodka would be Tito’s most likely. Of course different cocktails work best with different spirits, but this gives an idea of the range we’re working with. We promise we won’t show up with a plastic jug of Old Crow (unless that’s what you’re into).
How do you come up with the cocktails you offer?
After speaking with the client and getting a general idea of the vibe of the event, we assess what approach to the cocktails is a priority for them. Does the event have a theme or a regional aspect to it, or would you like to pair the drinks with your food? Do you want specific driving spirits like gin or bourbon? Maybe we’re exploring flavors of Mexico, Korea or Ireland, or possibly going for a tiki theme. We can even target a specific color pallet.
Whatever the angle, we always offer a multitude of different options for clients to choose from - encompassing well known standards, house cocktails created by Amaro, and even entirely unique drinks made to fit just what you’re looking for.
What about the non-drinking peeps?
Our non-drinking homies are top priority! Not only do we offer non-alcoholic options at all of our events, but because all our mixers and house syrups are handcrafted with fresh ingredients, most of our signature cocktail options can be made as no-proof versions, so the non-imbibers won’t be left ordering from the kids menu!
What about LGBTQIA+ clients & guests?
No joke - we are fiercely committed to providing a safe, inviting and inclusive atmosphere at all of our events. To us this means actively taking an interest in others’ comfort levels, referral preferences and making sure the overall space is safe and comfortable for ALL guests at all times. We will not be passive if we witness anyone experiencing abuse or harassment of any kind.
My Aunt Martha only drinks [esoteric spirit/fancy cordial/random liquor] - can we give you a bottle that’s just for her?
Hells yeah. Special accommodations can be made for particular guests, no problem. Is someone sugar free? Gluten free? Pineapple allergy? Let us know and we’ll work something out. In fact, even when Amaro Bartending is in full service mode and supplying all the drinks, anything you’d like to add to the bar will be incorporated and served to all guests, or just some special specific ones. Also, we would like to party with your Aunt Martha plz.
Can We Do A Cash Bar?
Let’s do a cash bar! There’s a few hoops to jump through with permitting, but it’s nothing we can’t help you out with. We charge a modest flat fee, then work with you to curate an amazing drink menu. We keep our drink prices super reasonable - no “stadium pricing”. We can also work out a system if you’d like to provide the first round or two to your guests before transitioning to a cash bar.
Unfortunately - this is only available in Oregon. In California, no such permit exists that allows us to provide and sell alcoholic beverages.
What can we do to lower costs?
We’ve been doing this for a good while now, and have our pricing pretty dialed in. As always, our costs are the main driving factor of the prices we quote. Clients may see a reduction in quotes from things like providing the beer and/or wine themselves, opting for cheaper brands, etc. Larger parties could also have lower per-guest pricing as well. We want to be available to everyone, so if budget is a major factor in your decision to book Amaro - let us know and we’ll do whatever we can to make the party fit your needs.
You say one thing but we want it another way. Can you switch it up for us?
Almost assuredly. We’re a very small biz, and as such are really flexible. We have almost no hard & fast rules, so the sky is the limit with designing any sort of bar program you can dream up. Wanna get weird? Let’s get weird. We’ve set up shop at Renaissance Fairs dressed like elves, built a flaming Spanish Coffee station in a closet as a hidden speakeasy, and are always finding ourselves in strange and unusual situations. We’re open to any and all ideas from clients that want to collaborate.
What’s included in your mobile bar setup?
For our full service packages, we pretty much bring it all - with two exceptions. We bring absolutely everything for a complete bar program, with the exception of a physical bar space and glassware. We’re just too small of a business to have every type of bar for every vibe, and every type of glass for all the different drinks we make. 95% of the time, these are provided by either your event rental company or venue.
Other than that, we got it covered. We provide the spirits & mixers, fresh pressed citrus, beer & wine, coolers & ice, bar tools, dressing for the bar top, shakers/strainers/jiggers, etc. etc.
How far in advance should we book with you?
Ideally - the sooner the better. For a big wedding reception, there’s always plenty of details to go over and it’s nice to have a lot of time to really get things right. Although in the past we’ve pulled off some massive events with only a few weeks notice, we find it’s a lot less stressful with a little time buffer. On average our wedding clients book 6-9 months prior to the date.
For smaller and less formal events - we can put together a custom party faster than you’d expect. A recent client enjoyed their party so much they decided to have another one the day after. With four hours notice we put together a brand new themed cocktail menu and showed up ready to party!
What if We Have To Cancel?
Deposits are refundable prior to four months from the event date. Unfortunately, bookings that are canceled after that will forfeit the deposit. This applies to both the Palm Springs and Portland area.
Portland and also Palm Springs? Seems random.
We have roots in both places and found ourselves bouncing between the two cities frequently. It made sense at the time.
Y’all hiring?
Absolutely - if you’re really, really good.
Event bartending is no joke though. But if you’re free on weekends (with plenty of notice), can hoof some heavy coolers, set up a beautiful bar and still have enough left over to be super nice to people while making a great drink . . . then we should talk.
What’s up with the dog blog at the bottom of your site?
SEO stuff that’s full of content and keywords so we show up in search engine results. Does it work? I think so but I don’t know I’m not a web designer ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ You should read it though - it’s cute. Plus it features our dog Kevin and he’s a dynamic little dude.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
…
Celebrating the fifth anniversary of you asking this question.