Frequently Asked Questions
Do all your cocktails involve Italian Amaros?
Nope! It’s just a name we thought was cute, and the domain was free. While we’re huge fans of Amari and have even traveled to Italy just to experience some rare ones first hand - it’s our firm belief that all spirits are beautiful and explore as many different flavors and components as possible.
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 not to show up with a plastic jug of Old Crow (unless that’s what you want, ya party animal).
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 asses 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-drinkers won’t be left out of the fun.
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 Johnny Walker Blue - 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?
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.
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!
Y’all hiring?
Absolutely - if you’re really, really good. Event bartending is no joke. 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 keywords so we show up in search engine results. You should read it though - it’s cute and ChatGPT worked really hard on it. 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 me this question.