Founding Mixologist, Zero-Proof Beverage Program

Founding Mixologist / Lead Bartender | Zero-Proof Beverage Program

• Solace: Elixir Bar & Lounge
• Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, PA
• Pre-Opening Start Date: September 1, 2026
• Full-Time | Two Shifts Available: AM and PM

THE OPPORTUNITY

Solace is a small family business building Pittsburgh's first zero-proof elixir bar and lounge, with the craft and precision of a cocktail bar. 

Most non-alcoholic menus are built around mocktail substitutions: zero-proof gin, zero-proof whiskey, zero-proof margarita. Solace is taking a different approach: original botanical cocktails designed around how guests want to feel: grounded, elevated, social, clear-headed, at ease, bright, or nightcap-style.

Cocktails are the core, but this is a full beverage program. Tea, coffee, traditional kava, and speciosa service will also be part of the role depending on shift needs.

The menu will use non-alcoholic spirits, aperitifs, RTD bases, teas, shrubs, syrups, tinctures, and seasonal culinary ingredients. Examples include Three Spirit, Dromme, Little Saints, Pathfinder, Kava Haven, and others still being vetted.

We're hiring two founding bartenders to help bring it to life.

THE ROLE

The foundation is in place: menu direction, vendor relationships, and a clear beverage philosophy. The opportunity is to sharpen it, test it, and bring it to life in service.

Pre-opening will include menu testing, batching, station setup, mock service, staff training, and final standards.

Once open, the role includes:

• Leading AM or PM beverage service
• Executing cocktails, tea, coffee, kava, and speciosa consistently
• Guiding guests through unfamiliar ingredients with confidence and restraint
• Maintaining prep, batching, restocking, POS flow, cleanliness, and opening/closing standards
• Following house portioning, education, and safety guidelines

This is a full-time role with 5 shifts per week, including weekends and occasional events. Final AM/PM shift times will be set closer to opening.

This is a chance to put your name on the opening menu, work directly with the founders, and help set the standard for zero-proof hospitality in Pittsburgh.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Cocktail experience. Strong cocktail background with an understanding of balance, dilution, texture, aroma, glassware, garnish, and presentation.

Zero-proof category fluency. Working knowledge of NA spirits, aperitifs, RTD bases, teas, kava, speciosa, botanicals, and functional ingredients.

Functional beverage instincts. Drinks are built around the moment a guest is choosing, not just flavor. They still need to be balanced, beautiful, and easy to understand.

Execution discipline. Ability to refine a drink, make it consistently under pressure, and maintain strong prep, cleanliness, speed, waste, and close-down habits.

Botanical responsibility. Responsible and precise with herbs, roots, teas, kava, kanna, speciosa, and adaptogens without needing to be a clinical herbalist.

Guest confidence. Ability to make unfamiliar ingredients feel approachable without over-explaining or making claims.

Early-stage mindset. Adaptable, composed, and comfortable in a concept that is still being built.

Hospitality readiness. Comfortable with active service, full shifts, stairs, lifting up to 50 lbs, weekends, and opening/closing duties.

Local fit. Pittsburgh-based, or willing to relocate before launch.

COMPENSATION

Base Pay: $20 - $24 per hour based on experience and fit

Estimated Tips : $200 - $500 per week in year one through a shared shift tip pool

Retention Bonus: $2,500 paid after 6 months in good standing

Education Reimbursement: Up to $1,000 per year for professional development

Wellness Reimbursement: Up to $50 per month toward personal wellness expenses

Paid Training: Pre-opening training, R&D, and mock service are paid

Shift Beverages: Complimentary drinks during scheduled shifts, within house guidelines

Staff Discount: Reduced pricing on additional drinks and retail items

Growth Path: Priority consideration for future leadership roles as Solace expands