Step into an unparalleled bartending experience with Friends and Drinks, where refined expertise, exceptional craftsmanship, and personalized service meet. Our professional bartenders are more than mixologists—they are event partners, committed to curating unforgettable experiences for your guests. Whether it's an upscale corporate event, a relaxed backyard gathering, or a themed celebration, we adapt to your unique vision, delivering expertly crafted cocktails that elevate any occasion. With precision, flair, and a focus on quality, we bring your ideas to life while ensuring every guest enjoys a premium beverage experience that leaves a lasting impression.
He did a great job, and kept everyone's glasses full. He took care of my clients and co-workers. Showed up on time, was super respectful and friendly. I would hire him back again and totally recommend him.
Carlos showed up on time and ready to do what was needed. Quickly acclimated to the space and where to find what he needed. Available to me through gigsalad communication quickly which was reassuring.
Totally sweet person, all good!
I was very excited to work with Carlos, given our conversations over the phone. I was looking forward to seeing him at work and having a birthday party with all my closest friends.
Unfortunately Carlos had a bad attitude towards my guests throughout the whole night. Multiple people came to me to tell me how rude he had been and that he had rolled his eyes at them because they stepped aside while he was making their cocktail.
I noticed Carlos drinking throughout the whole night, taking shots and sipping on the alcohol I had PAID for. To the point where, at the end of the night, he was visibly drunk. He was slurring on his words when he complained that my 25% tip wasn't enough for his service.
The one positive note: his cocktails were really good, but everything else... Just really akward for both me and my guests.
Response from Friends and Drinks:
Hi Elena,
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed review about your recent experience with Friends and Drinks. I am sorry you did not like the style of bartending offered. I enjoyed mixing for your guests.
We take pride in offering a casual and personable approach to bartending and see every eventuality as a means to improve the craft of hospitality and cocktail making while simultaneously taking care of our client's and their guests' welfare. We accomodate every walk of life by offering high-quality cocktails and dexterity in adjusting to clients who are on a budget.
We do need that our clients abide by the list of ingredients. As you know, we remain highly accessible prior to our booking, answering all questions regarding the items on the list. When the items in the bar list are compromised, so are the drinks. We do not impose top shelve liquor to our clients and try to make palatable drinks when clients opt for bottom shelf consumables. In this case, your disposable shot glasses were 1/2 OZ, I had to use some of them to sample the cocktails that had an adjustment for lack of the right ingredients, to make them palatable and to avoid saying we do not have a particular item. I welcome your observations and encourage you to try a bartending course to pursue your interest in the craft.
We take pride in working for clients who are on a tight budget, and offer many alternatives to provide for some of the items that make up the structure of the bar by renting pliable tables which we carry accross town, we cannot offer hard catering furniture which does mask architectural imperfections frequently seen in NYC dwellings, such as when floors are slanted.
Although I have asked clients in the past questions about gratuity, I remained silent when the young man extended his gratuity while I was rushed out the door as your group transportation arrived. I apologize if it showed I was tired at the end of the evening and thank you again for booking
Carlos did a fantastic job tending the bar at our busy corporate event. It was a pleasure to work with Carlos and I look forward to working with him again at a future event!
Carlos mixed cocktails at our house party of about 15 guests. Everyone just loved his drinks. And he is extremely pleasant to talk to and very knowledgeable about cocktails. He is very efficient and responsive. We discussed the menu and came up with a detailed list of items to purchase over email. Carlos was on time, got set up and then even stayed an extra hour since everyone loved what he was serving.
Photos from this event
I booked Carlos for a holiday work event. Unfortunately due to policy changes within my company related to Covid I had to cancel my booking with Carlos. With that being said I wouldn't hesitate to book him again for another event. From the day I booked my event Carlos has been very responsive. He helped me select a special cocktail menu for my event as well as provided guidance on the various ingredients I would need to create an upscale experience for my guests. I highly recommend booking Carlos for your next event.
Carlos is the best in the business. He helped us design the menu, order & deliver all ingredients, and then set up on time to create the most classy bar at our special event. He was quick and responsive even when guests had custom drink requests. He made sure nobody walked the party without a drink.. and honestly folks kept coming back for more considering how tasty the drinks were. The added touch like orchid & lotus flower garnishing and liquid nitrogen shots were just extraordinarily unique! Highly recommend him for any and all events.
I hired Carlos to be our bartender for my husband’s surprise birthday party at our home. He was very professional and he was courteous and friendly to all of our guests. He worked with me ahead of time for some cocktail ideas and other essential ingredients for the event. Everyone was super happy with his super awesome drinks and service ! I am very happy I picked him.
Came prepared. Came early. Very helpful and attentive.
“Carlos did a great job bartending our holiday party! He was very responsive when planning the details ahead of the event and brought all the necessary tools to make the specialty cocktails we requested. Most importantly, he was very pleasant to work with and went out of his way to make cocktails for guests that wanted something different. Thank you for helping make our holiday party go smoothly!”
From the moment I connected with Carlos and started collaborating with him on the needs for my party, it was such a breeze. He’s very personable (which I found refreshing) and incredibly easy to work with. Both of these (amongst others) are necessary when you’re inviting someone to your home to attend your guests. He was delightful the evening of the event and did a remarkable job. I highly recommend him.
Price Range: Starting at USD $300.00
Languages: English, N/A
At Friends and Drinks, we prioritize delivering exceptional drinks and personalized service that cater to your specific needs. Our bartenders are versatile, able to adapt to the mood and style of your event—whether low-key and sophisticated or vibrant and full of energy. We can accommodate various requests, from elegant presentations to adding subtle touches of visual flair upon request.
While we don’t specialize in flair bartending techniques like bottle flipping, we can enhance the atmosphere with captivating touches that align with your event’s tone. Our primary focus, however, is always on the quality of the drinks. You can expect:
Expertly crafted cocktails: Our bartenders are trained in the art of mixology, using fresh ingredients and refined techniques to ensure every drink is a masterpiece.
Customizable service: We collaborate with you to tailor the bartender’s presentation and attire to match the theme of your event, ensuring a seamless fit into your vision.
Professionalism and attention to detail: From setup to cleanup, our bartenders maintain a polished, professional demeanor, creating a smooth experience for both hosts and guests.
Flexibility: Whether it’s a formal gala, a rustic event, or a themed party, we adapt to create the perfect bar experience for every occasion.
At Friends and Drinks, our bartender brings a blend of skill, creativity, and professionalism honed through years of experience in top-tier clubs, bars, and exclusive events. With a deep understanding of mixology and a passion for creating memorable experiences, we go beyond merely serving drinks—we curate an atmosphere of connection, warmth, and enjoyment.
Our team specializes in crafting customized events that reflect the client’s unique vision, from interactive mixology classes to exotic themes and entertainment. Whether hosting a corporate event, private celebration, or casual gathering, Friends and Drinks is your go-to partner for an exceptional bartending experience in New York City and beyond.
The basic service includes one uniformed bartender with tools. Requirements will vary according to occassion.
New York City, NY 
Bartender
37 Verified Bookings Robert said “Dave was easy to work with. We planned a cocktail menu together and he sent us a shopping list. Dave was always responsive and came up for suggestions…”
New York City, NY
Bartender
13 Verified Bookings Lauren said “Alex bartended our wedding in July. We had about 150 people and he kept the lines moving and people were thrilled. Cocktails were perfect, his attention…”
New York City, NY
Bartender
11 Verified Bookings Www. ladiesandgentsnyc. com -View Packages/Catering Ladies and Gents Bartending and Catering is a family-oriented company dedicated to providing top-notch service…
New York City, NY
Waitstaff
173 Verified Bookings Ben T. said “Bartender arrived early, prepared everything nicely, and made good drinks. Outside of the event night, the communication/support was great as well.”
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