Bartending is often seen as a dynamic, high-energy job – and for good reason. You interact with people from all walks of life, stay on your feet during long shifts, and often work late into the night. But despite the hustle, many bartenders find their income unpredictable, especially during off-seasons or in slower venues. If you’re looking to supplement your income, build new skills, or even pave the way toward a future career path, finding a flexible and rewarding side hustle can be a game changer.
What makes bartenders ideal candidates for side hustles is their schedule flexibility, people skills, and resilience. Bartenders are often night owls, freeing up daytime hours for part-time gigs or online work. Their ability to handle high-pressure environments and communicate clearly with customers makes them prime candidates for side hustles involving customer service, communication, or performance. Better yet, many bartenders have creative streaks that can be channeled into profitable ventures.
In this guide, we’ve gathered 19 of the best side hustle ideas for bartenders, chosen for their flexibility, low startup costs, and earning potential. Some you can start with just a smartphone or laptop, others may build off your existing bartending skills. Whether you want a creative outlet, a physical gig, or something fully online – there’s something here for you.
1. Freelance Mixology Workshops
Turn your bartending knowledge into profit by offering virtual or in-person cocktail-making classes. Platforms like Airbnb Experiences or Eventbrite allow you to list unique mixology classes for private events, corporate team-building, or groups of cocktail enthusiasts. You can also partner with local venues or offer mobile services for private parties.
These workshops are a great way to leverage your bartending expertise while building your personal brand. As you gain traction, you could expand to create digital content, recipe books, or a YouTube channel.
2. Mobile Bartending for Events
Mobile bartending is a natural side hustle for experienced bartenders. Offer your services for weddings, corporate events, house parties, or festivals. You can work independently or partner with event planning companies.
The pay is typically much higher than standard bar shifts, and tips are often more generous. You’ll need portable equipment and appropriate licensing, but the initial investment pays off quickly, especially in busy seasons.
3. Alcohol or Beverage Blogging
Start a blog or social media account focused on cocktails, beer, wine, or bar culture. Your deep knowledge of drinks and trends gives you an edge. Write reviews, share recipes, or discuss bartending life. As your audience grows, you can earn through ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or selling digital products like e-books or printable recipe cards.
Consistency and niche focus are key. Over time, your content can bring in passive income and even position you as an industry thought leader.
4. Bar Equipment Flipping
Use your industry insight to buy and resell used or vintage bar tools, glassware, or furniture. You can find items at estate sales, thrift stores, or restaurant auctions, then resell on platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace.
With minimal startup capital, you can gradually build a side income stream. The key is knowing what sells – and as a bartender, you’re already ahead of the curve.
5. Voice Acting or Podcast Work
Your vocal control, charisma, and stage presence from bartending can translate well into voice work. Start by auditioning for small voice-over gigs on sites like Fiverr, Voices.com, or Upwork. Alternatively, launch a podcast – maybe about bar culture, stories from behind the bar, or interviews with industry professionals.
As your skills and portfolio grow, so can your paychecks. It’s a great creative outlet that you can work on during the day or between shifts.
6. Dog Walking or Pet Sitting
Bartenders often have pockets of free time during the day – prime hours for dog walking or pet care. Apps like Rover and Wag connect pet owners with local sitters and walkers.
This side hustle offers exercise, a break from nightlife, and relatively quick earnings. Repeat clients and referrals can help you build a steady client base quickly.
7. Online Surveys & Market Research
While not the highest-earning side hustle, participating in paid online surveys or market research can be a way to earn extra cash during downtime. Use reputable platforms like Prolific, Respondent, or User Interviews.
This side gig is ideal for multitasking – think filling out surveys between bar prep or while commuting. Some studies pay well, especially if you match certain demographics.
8. Sell Custom Cocktail Kits
Package your favorite cocktail recipes with non-alcoholic ingredients, custom garnishes, or tools, and sell them as curated kits. These make great gifts and are popular with people who want to enjoy craft cocktails at home.
Market via Etsy, your own site, or Instagram. You could even offer seasonal kits or themed sets. Add a QR code linking to a demo video or printed recipe card to stand out.
9. Freelance Writing for Food & Beverage Publications
Pitch your insights, experiences, or recipes to online magazines, bar industry blogs, or hospitality websites. Many pay for guest posts or regular contributors.
Use platforms like Contently, Medium, or Freelancer to find gigs. Having bartending expertise helps you bring authenticity and value to your writing, making you stand out in a competitive space.
10. Tour Guide or Bar Crawl Host
If you live in a city with nightlife or tourism, becoming a tour guide or bar crawl host can be a fun and lucrative gig. Offer themed experiences like “Best Hidden Speakeasies” or “Local Brews Tour.”
Your bar knowledge and local connections make this a natural fit. You can list tours on Airbnb Experiences or partner with local hotels and hostels to attract visitors.
11. YouTube Channel on Bartending Tips
Create short, engaging videos showing how to make cocktails, bartending tricks, or reviews of tools and spirits. YouTube monetization kicks in once you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours – and then ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate links start generating income.
You don’t need professional gear to begin. Many successful creators started with just a phone and a good personality.
12. Freelance Event Staffing
Agencies often hire part-time staff for weddings, banquets, festivals, and corporate functions. You can work not just as a bartender, but also as a server, greeter, or coordinator.
You’ll still be working in hospitality, but you can choose when and where you work, and often earn higher hourly wages and tips compared to bar shifts.
13. Affiliate Marketing for Alcohol Brands
Join affiliate programs that let you promote cocktail gear, alcohol brands, or bar tools on your blog, YouTube, or social media. Earn a commission every time someone buys through your link.
This works well if you’ve already started a blog or social platform. Focus on authentic reviews or “how-to” content to build trust and engagement.
14. Virtual Assistant Work
Use your organization and multitasking skills to help entrepreneurs, coaches, or small businesses with tasks like email management, scheduling, or social media. Platforms like Belay, Boldly, or Fiverr can help you find clients.
This is a flexible, remote-friendly job you can take on during the day – perfect for bartenders who work evenings.
15. Local Food Delivery Driver
Work for services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Deliveroo. This side hustle offers flexible hours and lets you earn tips. Plus, you already know your local area and peak hours – use that knowledge to your advantage.
Great for filling gaps between shifts or on your nights off.
16. Sell Bartending Merch
Design and sell t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags with funny bartender quotes or inside jokes. Platforms like Printful or Teespring allow for print-on-demand, meaning no inventory costs.
You can market them through your social media or even at your bar job – friends and coworkers might be your first buyers!
17. Stock Photography for Bars & Cocktails
If you enjoy photography, start taking high-quality images of drinks, bar tools, and nightlife scenes. Sell them as stock photos on sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
Niche stock photography, especially with a focus on cocktails and bars, is always in demand and can generate long-term passive income.
18. Sell Digital Products for Bartenders
Create spreadsheets, checklists, tip trackers, or even cocktail recipe databases, and sell them on Etsy or Gumroad. Many new bartenders or bar owners are looking for tools to stay organized.
This can be a great passive income source after the initial work is done – especially if you package items into bundles.
19. Online Coaching or Consulting
If you’ve been bartending for years, consider offering paid consulting for new bartenders or bar owners. Help with hiring, bar layout, menu creation, or workflow tips.
You can offer packages, one-on-one sessions, or group classes. This positions you as an expert and helps scale your income beyond hourly wages.
Final Thoughts
As a bartender, you already have the hustle mindset, people skills, and work ethic needed to succeed in a side hustle. The key is finding one that fits your schedule, interests, and long-term goals. Whether you want extra cash, a creative outlet, or a potential career pivot, these 19 side hustles provide options that work with – not against – your bartending lifestyle.
Frank
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