How much do bartending services cost in Los Angeles?

Professional bartending services in Los Angeles start around $70 per hour per bartender for a standard event, with final pricing based on guest count, event length, bar setup, and add-on services like cocktail design or full event production. Contact us for a custom quote tailored to your event.

How many bartenders do I need for my event?

As a general rule, plan for one bartender per 50 guests for standard service, or one per 35 guests for cocktail-heavy events. We help you confirm the right staffing ratio based on your guest count, bar style, and timeline.

Are your bartenders licensed and insured?

Yes. All Platinum bartenders are licensed and insured, and we operate in full compliance with California ABC regulations. When required, we obtain an event-specific ABC permit before your event date. Host liquor liability and general liability insurance are available, and additional insured status for your host or venue can be added for a fee.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Palm Springs, and Las Vegas, with other locations available upon request.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your preferred staff and date, though we can often accommodate shorter timelines. Peak dates and large events should be booked as early as possible.

Do you provide the alcohol and handle the ABC permit?

We provide full bar setup, mixers, glassware, and bar rentals; clients typically supply the alcohol, and we secure the event-specific ABC permit where required. Let us know your needs and we'll handle the compliance details.

Premium Mixologist Services for High-End Events in LA

Aug 21

Written By Jesse Owens

Mixologist at a high end private event in Los Angeles

A high-end bar in Los Angeles is usually a mixologist at $90 per hour running a craft cocktails and full bar package at $37 per guest at light consumption. Add the Platinum Vitality wellness bar at $38 per guest, a five-course plated dinner from $350 per guest, and a banquet captain at $90 per hour to run the floor.

Mixologists at $90 per hour

A mixologist is $90 per hour with a 4 hour minimum, so 4 x $90 = $360, plus the $100 service charge, giving $460 for a four hour event. They are RBS certified W-2 employees of Platinum Bartenders LLC, covered by general liability, liquor liability and workers' compensation insurance, and they bring their own bar tools.

Staffing follows the same rule at every price point: one bartender per 50 guests, with a second at medium or heavy consumption. Barbacks are $70 per hour.

Craft cocktails and full bar, $37 per guest

This package is $37 per guest at light consumption, $74 at medium and $111 at heavy. It includes three craft cocktails built for the event, a printed menu, beer, wine, sodas, mixers, ice, garnishes and plastic cups, plus a top-shelf spirits bar. For 100 guests light that is 100 x $37 = $3,700, with staff priced separately.

A themed cocktail menu designed for the event is $375. If the venue has no bar, a 5ft white wood bar with 4 ice tubs, a trash can, delivery and pick up is $1,195.

The Platinum Vitality wellness bar, $38 per guest

Platinum Vitality is the top wellness tier at $38 per guest, flat, and it does not scale with consumption like the alcohol packages. It covers the full selection plus adaptogenic elixirs, collagen and bioactive peptides. Below it sit Classic at $18 per guest, matcha and zero-proof cocktails, and Premium at $26, which adds kombucha and coconut water.

It runs alongside the alcohol bar, with the wellness price added on top: $37 plus $38 is $75 per guest at light consumption. Pricing for any combination is at book.platinumbartender.com.

Five course plated catering and banquet captains

A five-course plated dinner is $350 per guest for 50 to 99 guests, falling to $315 at 100, $305 at 150, $300 at 200 and $295 at 250 and above. It runs 5 chefs at 50 guests and 10 at 100. Every catering package includes the kitchen brigade, a dishwasher, plates, cutlery, linen, delivery, setup, removal and gratuity. The billing minimum is 50 guests, and a portable kitchen is $2,550 per station if the venue has no working kitchen.

A banquet captain, also booked as an event allrounder, is $90 per hour. The captain runs service on the night, timing courses against the bar and directing servers at $70 per hour.

Common questions

What does a mixologist cost for a private event in LA?

$90 per hour with a 4 hour minimum, so $360 plus a $100 service charge, giving $460. Drinks are priced separately by package and guest count.

Can I have a wellness bar and a cocktail bar at the same event?

Yes. The wellness tier price is added on top of the alcohol package, so Platinum Vitality at $38 with craft cocktails and full bar at $37 comes to $75 per guest at light consumption.

What is included in the five course plated dinner price?

The kitchen brigade, a dishwasher, plates, cutlery, linen, delivery, setup, removal and gratuity. It starts at $350 per guest.

For a number covering bar, wellness and catering together, build a quote at book.platinumbartender.com, call 310-985-3014, or email info@platinumbartender.com.

Jesse Owens