Founding Mixologist, Zero-Proof Beverage Program

Solace Elixirs • Pittsburgh, PA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Solace is building Pittsburgh’s first zero-proof elixir bar and lounge, offering the craft and precision of a cocktail bar. Unlike typical non-alcoholic menus that substitute zero-proof spirits, Solace creates original botanical cocktails designed around desired guest feelings such as grounded, elevated, social, clear-headed, at ease, bright, or nightcap-style. The role encompasses a full beverage program, including tea, coffee, traditional kava, and speciosa service, depending on shift needs. The menu will feature non-alcoholic spirits, aperitifs, RTD bases, teas, shrubs, syrups, tinctures, and seasonal culinary ingredients from brands like Three Spirit, Dromme, Little Saints, Pathfinder, and Kava Haven. Two founding bartenders are sought to help bring this concept to life.

Requirements

• Strong cocktail background with an understanding of balance, dilution, texture, aroma, glassware, garnish, and presentation
• Working knowledge of NA spirits, aperitifs, RTD bases, teas, kava, speciosa, botanicals, and functional ingredients
• Ability to refine a drink, make it consistently under pressure, and maintain strong prep, cleanliness, speed, waste, and close-down habits
• Responsible and precise with herbs, roots, teas, kava, kanna, speciosa, and adaptogens
• Ability to make unfamiliar ingredients feel approachable without over-explaining or making claims
• Adaptable, composed, and comfortable in a concept that is still being built
• Comfortable with active service, full shifts, stairs, lifting up to 50 lbs, weekends, and opening/closing duties
• Pittsburgh-based, or willing to relocate before launch

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Menu testing, batching, station setup, mock service, staff training, and final standards during pre-opening

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed