Craft Cocktail Mixologist - Alchemy

Element by Marriott Richmond Short Pump | Richmond, VA

Full-Time | Starting at $20.00 per Hour + Tips

This Is Not Just Another Bartending Job.

Alchemy is looking for someone who can turn ingredients into experiences.

Someone who understands that a great cocktail is part technique, part creativity, part hospitality — and part theater.

Located inside the brand-new Element by Marriott Richmond Short Pump , Alchemy Bar & Restaurant is building a fresh, elevated Food & Beverage experience centered around thoughtful cocktails, quality ingredients, modern presentation, and genuine hospitality.

We are seeking a talented Craft Cocktail Mixologist who wants to help shape that experience from the ground up.

If you know the difference between simply pouring a drink and creating one people remember , we want to meet you.

About Alchemy

Alchemy is more than a hotel bar.

It is a place designed for discovery, conversation, creativity, and connection.

Our cocktail program will combine classic technique with modern inspiration, highlighting fresh ingredients, premium spirits, thoughtful garnishes, balanced flavors, and polished presentation.

As part of a new hotel opening, our Mixologist will have the opportunity to help establish the personality, standards, and energy of Alchemy from day one.

You will not simply inherit a bar.

You will help build one.

The Role

The Craft Cocktail Mixologist is responsible for delivering a polished and memorable beverage experience while helping establish Alchemy as a destination for both hotel guests and the Short Pump community.

This position requires more than speed behind the bar.

We are looking for someone who understands balance, flavor, technique, hospitality, presentation, and consistency — and who is equally comfortable engaging with guests, executing a beautifully composed cocktail, maintaining impeccable bar standards, and working alongside a high-performing Food & Beverage team.

You should be passionate about your craft and excited about creating something new.

What You'll Do

Create Exceptional Cocktails

• Prepare handcrafted cocktails with precision, consistency, and attention to detail

• Execute both classic and contemporary cocktails using proper techniques

• Work with premium spirits, fresh juices, syrups, bitters, herbs, garnishes, and specialty ingredients

• Ensure every cocktail meets established standards for flavor, appearance, temperature, and presentation

• Create an elevated guest experience through thoughtful beverage recommendations

• Maintain consistency regardless of business volume

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of spirits, wine, beer, and beverage pairings

• Support seasonal and specialty cocktail development

Bring the Craft to Life

We want someone who understands that a cocktail should engage more than one sense.

Our Mixologist will:

• Elevate drinks through thoughtful presentation and garnish

• Understand flavor profiles and ingredient balance

• Use proper shaking, stirring, muddling, straining, and dilution techniques

• Maintain detailed knowledge of cocktail specifications and recipes

• Share the story behind cocktails when appropriate

• Help create signature drinks that guests associate with Alchemy

• Stay informed about emerging cocktail trends, spirits, techniques, and ingredients

• Contribute creative ideas to future menu development

Own the Guest Experience

Craft matters.

Hospitality matters even more.

• Welcome guests with confidence and genuine warmth

• Engage guests without making the experience feel scripted

• Ask thoughtful questions and make personalized beverage recommendations

• Create an atmosphere that encourages guests to stay, return, and recommend Alchemy

• Recognize returning guests and build relationships

• Handle guest concerns professionally and proactively

• Maintain an engaging bar presence during both quiet and high-volume periods

Whether the guest is ordering their first classic Old Fashioned or knows exactly which mezcal they prefer, the experience should feel equally polished.

Be Part of Building Alchemy

Because this is a brand-new operation , this role offers something different.

You will have the opportunity to help:

• Establish opening bar procedures

• Refine cocktail recipes and specifications

• Develop service standards

• Organize bar setup and flow

• Create garnish and preparation standards

• Provide feedback on beverage offerings

• Train and support fellow Food & Beverage team members

• Help establish the atmosphere and identity of Alchemy

• Build relationships with hotel guests and the local Short Pump community

We are looking for someone who wants their fingerprints on the success of the operation.

Bar Operations & Standards

• Maintain an exceptionally clean, organized, and fully stocked bar

• Complete opening and closing procedures accurately

• Properly prepare and maintain juices, syrups, garnishes, and cocktail ingredients

• Maintain proper product rotation and storage

• Monitor par levels and communicate shortages

• Assist with beverage inventory

• Minimize waste through accurate pouring and preparation

• Follow responsible alcohol-service practices at all times

• Verify identification and comply with all Virginia alcohol-service regulations

• Maintain proper glassware, tools, and equipment

• Follow all Food & Beverage safety, sanitation, and company standards

• Accurately process orders through the point-of-sale system

What We're Looking For

We are not simply hiring someone who knows how to make drinks.

We are looking for someone who loves the craft .

The ideal candidate brings:

• A genuine passion for cocktails and beverage culture

• Strong knowledge of spirits and classic cocktail foundations

• Creativity without sacrificing consistency

• Attention to the smallest details

• Exceptional presentation standards

• Confidence interacting with guests

• Natural hospitality

• Professionalism behind the bar

• Speed and organization during high-volume service

• Strong communication skills

• Positive energy

• Reliability and accountability

• A team-first mindset

• Curiosity and a desire to keep learning

Most importantly, we want someone who takes pride in handing a guest a drink and knowing:

That is exactly how it was supposed to be made.

Qualifications

• Previous craft cocktail or upscale bartending experience strongly preferred

• Strong working knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer

• Experience working with fresh cocktail ingredients preferred

• Ability to accurately follow cocktail specifications and recipes

• Strong guest-service and communication skills

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment

• Excellent organizational and cleanliness standards

• Responsible alcohol-service certification preferred or ability to obtain as required

• Hotel, upscale restaurant, lounge, or craft cocktail bar experience is a plus

• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform the physical responsibilities of bar service

• Weekend and holiday availability required

Schedule & Compensation

Full-Time Position

Starting Pay: $20.00 per hour + tips

Schedule will vary based on restaurant operations, hotel occupancy, events, and business demand.

Evening, weekend, and holiday availability will be required.

Flexibility is especially important during the hotel's opening and stabilization period.

Why Join Alchemy & Element Richmond Short Pump?

Help Create Something New

Join the opening team of a brand-new Element by Marriott and help launch a new Food & Beverage concept from the ground up.

Make an Impact

Your ideas, creativity, standards, and personality can directly influence how Alchemy develops its identity.

Grow Your Career

We believe in developing talented people and creating opportunities for advancement within Food & Beverage, hotel operations, and leadership .

Marriott Experience

Build valuable experience within the Marriott family of brands while working in a modern hotel environment focused on wellness, balance, and thoughtful hospitality.

Team Member Benefits

Eligible full-time team members will have access to the company's competitive benefits and team-member programs, along with opportunities for training, development, advancement, and hospitality industry experience.

What Alchemy Should Feel Like

Fresh.

Intentional.

Modern.

Creative.

Welcoming.

Never pretentious.

Always memorable.

We want cocktails with personality.

We want bartenders who know their craft.

And we want guests talking about the experience long after they leave the bar.

Ready to Create Some Alchemy?

If you can craft a perfectly balanced cocktail, connect naturally with guests, thrive behind a busy bar, and want to help build something new in Richmond Short Pump , this may be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Bring your technique.

Bring your personality.

Bring your creativity.

We'll provide the stage.

Join the opening team at Alchemy Bar & Restaurant inside Element by Marriott Richmond Short Pump and help us create a cocktail experience worth coming back for.