25 Business Ideas For Mixologists [2024]

As a mixologist, you have a unique skill set that goes beyond just crafting the perfect cocktail. The year 2024 brings various business opportunities that you could explore to turn your passion into a profitable venture. By leveraging your expertise, you could create new and exciting paths for your career.

You could consider starting a mobile bar service, bringing your creations directly to clients' homes, weddings, or corporate events. Another possibility is to launch a cocktail workshop series, educating enthusiasts on how to make their favorite drinks. Additionally, you could venture into consulting, offering your knowledge to bars and restaurants looking to refine their beverage programs.

Exploring these business ideas might just be the key to opening new doors in your mixology journey. This article will delve into several potential avenues where you could expand your horizons and capitalize on your talents. Whether you're looking to branch out or find a fresh niche, the opportunities are plentiful.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other mixologist businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a beverage company ($1.48M/month)

Starting a beverage company can be an excellent way for mixologists to leverage their creativity and expertise in crafting unique drink experiences. By developing your line of beverages, whether it's craft cocktails, juice blends, or flavored waters, you could capitalize on your knowledge of flavor profiles and mixology techniques. This venture provides an entrepreneurial path that aligns with your passion for creating memorable drinks while offering the potential for significant financial rewards.

Explore more tips on starting a beverage company for mixologists on Starter Story.

Why consider starting a beverage company?

• You could diversify your income by selling a product with high demand in various markets.
• Your expertise in mixology gives you a unique edge in creating innovative and appealing beverages.
• This business allows you to scale your passion into a broader entrepreneurial opportunity, making it more than just a side hustle.

2. Start a food startup ($193K/month)

As a mixologist, starting a food startup could provide a natural extension to your existing skills and passion. Given your flair for crafting delightful beverages, you could expand your offerings to include complementary food items that enhance the overall experience for your customers. Whether it's running a food truck that pairs gourmet street food with your signature cocktails or opening a small bistro that features a curated food and drink menu, the possibilities are endless for someone with your expertise.

You could even explore opportunities online, such as selling unique spice blends or creating a blog with recipes that pair food and cocktails. For more detailed information on how to start a food startup, you can explore the food startup success stories on Starter Story to get inspired.

Why starting a food startup?

• Your expertise in flavor combinations can translate seamlessly to creating enticing food and drink pairings.
• It provides an opportunity to diversify your income streams, making your business more resilient.
• A food startup can leverage your existing customer base while attracting new food lovers to your brand.

3. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)

Starting an ecommerce store could be an exciting and profitable venture for mixologists. You could sell curated cocktail kits, unique bar tools, personalized drinkware, or even your own cocktail recipe books. This not only allows you to showcase your expertise but also opens up an additional revenue stream that takes advantage of the booming online shopping trend. Creating a digital storefront means you could reach cocktail enthusiasts beyond your local area, making your brand global.

Why start an ecommerce store?

• Lower overhead costs: Running an online store is generally more cost-effective than maintaining a physical shop.
• Expanding your reach: Your store could attract customers from around the world, increasing your potential market size.
• Increased flexibility: Manage your business from anywhere, allowing you to balance mixology gigs and your ecommerce venture seamlessly.

4. Start an online food business ($336K/month)

Starting an online food business can be an excellent opportunity for mixologists to supplement their income. Leveraging your culinary skills, you could create and sell meal kits, unique spice blends, or even cocktail ingredient packages, offering customers a taste of your expertise right at home. As consumers increasingly seek convenience and diverse food options, your mixology experience positions you uniquely to cater to these trends and provide a curated culinary experience.

Why consider starting an online food business?

• You could reach a broader audience by selling your culinary creations online, beyond the local bar scene.
• This business model allows you to capitalize on your mixology expertise while tapping into the lucrative home dining market.
• It opens up the potential for passive income through pre-packaged items that require less ongoing effort compared to in-person services.

For more insights on how to start your own online food business, visit Starter Story's guide.

5. Start a healthy beverage business ($16.1K/month)

With the rise of health-conscious consumers, starting a healthy beverage business makes perfect sense for a mixologist. Imagine creating a line of drinks using natural ingredients that promote wellness, from antioxidant-packed teas to revitalizing smoothies. This type of business leverages your expertise in flavor balancing and drink crafting while tapping into a growing market.

Additionally, you'll need to focus on sourcing high-quality, organic ingredients and ensuring your production methods meet health and safety standards. While the initial investment might be substantial, the growing demand for nutritious options provides a promising return. If you’re passionate about health and have an entrepreneurial spirit, this is an exciting avenue to explore. For more insights on starting a healthy beverage business, check out the startup costs involved.

Why start a healthy beverage business?

• You could leverage your mixology skills to craft unique, health-focused beverages.
• There is a growing demand for nutritious and organic drink options.
• You could tap into a profitable market while promoting wellness and healthy living.

6. Start a generator repair service

Starting a generator repair service can be a wonderful complement to your skills as a mixologist, leveraging your detail-oriented nature, hands-on approach, and customer service expertise. Mixologists often work in environments that depend on reliable power sources, making you acutely aware of the importance of functional generators for both residential and commercial settings. If you’re looking for an entrepreneurial side hustle, the generator repair market is a lucrative field that not only meets a critical need but also allows you to diversify your income and develop a new set of technical skills. For more on this click here.

Why start a generator repair service?

• Diversify your income streams by tapping into a high-demand service market.
• Your customer service experience as a mixologist can translate well into building rapport with generator repair clients.
• Gain new technical skills that can expand your professional repertoire and career opportunities.

7. Start a food & beverage company ($32.1K/month)

Starting a food and beverage company could be an excellent avenue for mixologists looking to diversify their income streams and turn their creativity in the kitchen into a lucrative business. Given your understanding of flavors, presentation, and quality, creating gourmet meals, specialty snacks, or organic juices can satisfy the market's constant demand for innovative and high-quality food products. This venture would allow you to leverage your existing skills and passion for crafting unique culinary experiences, expanding your reach to a broader audience and potentially setting your brand apart in a competitive market.

As a mixologist, you inherently understand the importance of fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and beautiful presentation—all crucial factors in the food and beverage industry. Additionally, your ability to innovate and develop unique recipes can give you a competitive edge, helping you create products that stand out on the shelf or online. Although this path requires hard work and navigating complex regulations, the fulfillment you gain when consumers enjoy your products can be a rewarding entrepreneurial pursuit.

Why consider starting a food & beverage company?

• Your existing skills in flavor profiling and presentation can give you a unique edge in creating high-quality, desirable products.
• The food and beverage industry is evergreen; there will always be demand, and people often crave new and unique offerings.
• This venture allows you to extend your creativity beyond drinks, crafting a more comprehensive culinary experience for consumers.

8. Start a pet accessories business ($347K/month)

As a mixologist, starting a pet accessories business could be a lucrative side hustle or a full-time venture due to the booming pet industry. With your creativity and ability to curate unique experiences in the bar scene, you could design and market distinct pet accessories that resonate with pet owners. Leveraging your social skills and community connections, you can effectively promote and sell pet products, creating a new revenue stream.

Why start a pet accessories business?

• The pet market is booming, providing a steady demand for innovative and quality pet products.
• Your mixology skills in crafting unique experiences can transfer to creating customized pet accessories that stand out.
• It’s a flexible venture that you can manage alongside your mixology career, using your networking prowess to reach potential customers.

For further info on starting your pet accessories business, explore these pet accessories business tips.

9. Sell leather accessories ($33.9K/month)

Starting a side business selling leather accessories could be a smart move for mixologists looking to diversify their income. Leather accessories, such as aprons, coasters, and bar tool holders, align well with the mixologist's lifestyle, creating an opportunity to offer high-quality, stylish products that enhance the bartending experience. Additionally, the leather industry, valued in billions, is targeting elite consumers who often appreciate handcrafted, unique items—much like those experienced in bespoke cocktails.

Here's more information on starting your leather accessories business.

Why start selling leather accessories?

• Tap into a lucrative market by creating high-end, stylish products that attract elite consumers, boosting your overall income.
• Use your expertise in mixology to design accessories that suit the specific needs of bartenders and home enthusiasts.
• Combine your creative skills with a passion for quality, hand-crafted items, giving you a fulfilling and profitable side business.

10. Start a wine consulting business

As a mixologist, starting a wine consulting business could be a natural extension of your expertise in beverages. Your deep knowledge of flavors and ingredients makes you well-equipped to advise on wine selection, pairings, and wine programs for bars, restaurants, and wineries. This opportunity allows you to leverage your established relationships with industry professionals while diversifying your income streams. For more details, you can explore the startup costs and potential of starting a wine consulting business.

Why start a wine consulting business?

• Your expertise in mixology translates into valuable insights for curating wine programs and wine lists.
• It provides an additional revenue stream, especially during off-peak hours or seasons in your primary mixology role.
• You already have a network within the hospitality industry, making it easier to find clients and establish your consultancy.

11. Start a bag brand ($104K/month)

If you’re a mixologist with a flair for fashion, starting a bag brand could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even launch a new side business. With the fashion industry booming and the demand for bags and purses expected to rise, now is the perfect time to delve into this lucrative market. By combining your creativity and eye for detail as a mixologist, you could create unique, stylish bags that stand out in the competitive fashion landscape.

Why consider starting a bag brand?

• You could leverage your existing creative skills. As a mixologist, you already have a knack for design and aesthetics, which are crucial in the fashion industry.
• You could tap into a growing market. Bags are essential accessories, and their demand is anticipated to surge, providing ample business opportunities.
• Diversifying your income streams could offer financial stability. A successful bag brand could with time become a profitable venture, enhancing your financial security.

For further inspiration on starting a bag brand, check out these success stories from entrepreneurs who made it big in the industry.

12. Start an online training platform ($92.8K/month)

Starting an online training platform can be a fantastic avenue for mixologists to supplement their income or even launch a full-fledged business. By creating and hosting courses that teach aspiring bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts the art of mixology, you could leverage your skills to tap into the growing demand for online learning. Rich, engaging content like video lessons, interactive Q&As, and downloadable guides can help you build a scalable revenue stream with minimal ongoing effort once your courses are live.

If you're interested in long-term value and making a substantial impact, this is a sustainable business model. With high-quality content and effective marketing strategies, you could differentiate yourself in a competitive market and grow your audience.

Why start an online training platform?

• You can capitalize on your existing mixology skills, turning your expertise into a continuous revenue source by teaching others.
• With flexible content formats like video lessons and real-time Q&As, you have the opportunity to offer a rich, interactive learning experience.
• The scalability of an online platform allows you to reach a global audience, increasing both your impact and income potential.

For more details and ideas, explore success stories in the online training platform space here.

13. Start an aircraft manufacturing business

While it might seem unconventional at first, leveraging your skills and starting an aircraft manufacturing business as a mixologist could open up unique revenue streams and diversify your income sources. Your experience with precision, creativity, and customer service as a mixologist can translate into managing a niche manufacturing business, particularly in a market where quality and innovation are paramount. By immersing into the tech-heavy and detail-oriented world of aircraft manufacturing, you would be tapping into high-growth potential and lucrative opportunities that differ significantly from the hospitality sector. Learn more about the startup costs involved.

Why start an aircraft manufacturing business?

• You could capitalize on a growing industry with significant revenue potential.
• Your mixology skills in precision and creativity are transferable to the manufacturing process, where attention to detail is crucial.
• Diversifying your business endeavors could provide financial stability and open up new and exciting career pathways.

14. Start a book reviewing business ($36.3K/month)

Turning your passion for literature into a profitable venture by starting a book reviewing business can be a smart move for a mixologist. This side business allows you to blend your keen eye for detail and deep appreciation for storytelling with the creative skills you already possess behind the bar. You could carve out time between shifts to delve into new releases and craft compelling reviews that capture the essence of a book, serving authors, publishers, and book lovers alike.

As a mixologist, your ability to engage an audience with narrative flair can set your reviews apart, attracting a loyal readership. Additionally, leveraging social media and SEO techniques will help scale your platform, making this venture both fulfilling and financially rewarding. For inspiration, check out these success stories.

Why start a book reviewing business?

• Combine your passion for books and storytelling, using your narrative skills to create engaging, insightful reviews.
• Diversify your income streams by monetizing your blog or platform through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content.
• Flexibility to work around your mixology schedule, allowing you to build a business without sacrificing your primary job.

15. Start a smoothie business

As a mixologist, your expertise in creating harmoniously balanced beverages translates seamlessly into the smoothie business. This venture allows you to utilize your knowledge in flavor pairing, ingredient sourcing, and presentation to cater to a health-conscious audience. With the smoothie industry burgeoning into a 3-billion-dollar market in the US alone, the opportunity for growth and profit is immense. You could easily start as a side business or a full-fledged endeavor, leveraging low startup costs and high demand for healthy beverages.

Why consider starting a smoothie business as a mixologist?

• You could leverage your advanced flavor blending skills to create unique and tasty smoothies.
• The low startup cost and high demand within the industry make it a financially attractive option.
• Catering to a health-conscious market allows you to innovate and stay on top of trends in nutrition and wellness.

For more insights into kick-starting your smoothie business, check out Smoothie Business Success Stories.

16. Start a horse show managing business

As a mixologist with a flair for organization and event planning, starting a horse show managing business could offer you an intriguing side hustle or even a full-fledged business opportunity. Leveraging your expertise in creating memorable experiences and managing the logistics of large gatherings, you could bring a unique touch to the equestrian world by running well-coordinated and seamless horse shows. This venture could not only diversify your income streams but also set you apart as a multifaceted entrepreneur.

Why start a horse show managing business?

• Your event planning skills are directly transferable. Organizing a horse show involves similar coordination and precision as hosting a high-end cocktail event.
• Diversifying your portfolio could stabilize your income. While mixology might have seasonal highs and lows, horse shows can offer consistent opportunities throughout the year.
• Expanding your professional network. Managing horse shows could introduce you to a new set of clients and collaborators, enriching your personal and professional connections.

For more information on the startup costs associated with a horse show managing business, check out this detailed guide.

17. Start a wooden notebook cover business

Starting a wooden notebook cover business can be an ideal way for mixologists to supplement their income or dive into a side business. With wooden notebook covers adding a rustic, unique charm and being more durable than paper alternatives, they can be a hit with book enthusiasts looking for something special. Using tools like Glowforge technology, you could create these classy covers affordably and sell them through platforms like Etsy or directly to book publishers.

Why start a wooden notebook cover business?

• It allows you to leverage your creative skills in a tangible product.
• Selling on Etsy or to publishers provides a new revenue stream without needing extensive upfront investment.
• The durability and charm of wooden covers appeal to eco-conscious consumers, ensuring consistent demand.

For more details on starting this business, visit Starter Story.

18. Offer a parenting training courses ($67.6K/month)

Imagine turning your passion for hospitality and mixology skills into a business where you help parents improve their home lives. As a mixologist, you’re already adept at creating atmospheres where people feel relaxed and happy; this experience translates well into helping parents manage their households and connect with their children. By offering parenting training courses, you could provide structured programs covering effective communication, discipline techniques, and emotional well-being for families.

The demand for parenting support is high, making this a lucrative side business or full-time opportunity. Even without being an expert initially, collaborating with child psychologists, pediatricians, and educators can help you create a robust curriculum. You can gather valuable feedback to continuously refine your programs while making a meaningful impact on family dynamics.

Why offering parenting training courses?

• You could assist overwhelmed parents by offering guidance and techniques to improve their family life.
• Your experience in creating a welcoming environment translates well into a supportive educational setting for parents.
• There's high demand for parenting support, ensuring a steady market for your courses.

For more details, check out parenting training courses success stories.

19. Develop a team management software

As a mixologist with a knack for organization and leadership, developing a team management software could be an excellent avenue for supplementing your income or starting a new business. Such a software solution could streamline the often hectic and high-pressure environment of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, where efficient team coordination is essential. By integrating features like shift scheduling, task delegation, and real-time communication, you could help other hospitality venues enhance their operational efficiency.

Why consider developing a team management software?

• You have firsthand insight: As a mixologist, you understand the unique pain points and challenges in hospitality management, which sets you up to create a more tailored solution.
• High demand: Efficient team management software is essential for any dynamic industry like hospitality, offering a broad market for your product.
• Scalable business model: By offering a subscription model or tiered pricing, you could generate a steady stream of recurring revenue, making it a profitable venture.

For more detailed insights on starting this business, check out proven team management software startup costs.

20. Start an own products selling business

Starting an own products selling business makes great sense for a mixologist due to your deep knowledge of ingredients and creative concoctions. You could create and sell signature cocktail mixes, unique syrup recipes, or even bespoke bar tools that reflect your expertise and style. This not only supplements your income but also strengthens your personal brand and offers customers a taste of your signature creations from the comfort of their homes. Learn more about starting your own products selling business.

Why start your own products selling business?

• It allows you to monetize your unique skills and knowledge by offering exclusive products.
• You can create residual income streams, benefiting from sales even when you're not actively bartending.
• Building and selling your own products can help you establish a stronger personal brand in the competitive mixology market.

21. Start a travel guide website ($14.2K/month)

Starting a travel guide website can be an excellent side business or even a main venture for mixologists. Your expertise in the hospitality industry gives you unique insights into the best bars, lounges, and restaurants worldwide. With a travel guide website, you could not only share your knowledge about top destinations but also provide exclusive content on must-visit spots for cocktail enthusiasts. This can create an added revenue stream through ads, partnerships, or sponsored content.

Why start a travel guide website?

• You already know the best places. Leverage your industry expertise by recommending top dining and drinking spots.
• You could generate revenue from ads and sponsorships, boosting your income substantially.
• It helps establish your brand authority, making you a go-to resource for travel and cocktail advice.

22. Start a dollhouse manufacturing and sales business

As a mixologist, starting a dollhouse manufacturing and sales business could offer you a unique and profitable side hustle. With your keen eye for detail and creativity in designing cocktails, you could apply these skills to crafting intricate and beautiful dollhouses. Plus, this venture allows you to diversify your income streams, making it a smart way to supplement your earnings from mixology.

Not only could you design custom dollhouses, but you could also sell kits or completed models online, reaching a diverse audience of collectors and hobbyists. If you're passionate about creating intricate and high-quality pieces, this business idea could blend perfectly with your artistic talents as a mixologist. For more insights on the pros and cons of starting this business, check out this pros and cons guide.

Why start a dollhouse manufacturing and sales business?

• You could use your creativity to design unique, detailed dollhouses that stand out in the market.
• As a mixologist, you already understand the importance of presentation and craftsmanship, which translates well to dollhouse making.
• It provides a new revenue stream that can complement your mixology income, offering financial stability and growth potential.

23. Start a Deodorant & Perfume Subscription Business

Starting a Deodorant & Perfume Subscription Business could make perfect sense for a mixologist considering your refined palate and keen sense of smell. Your expertise in crafting unique cocktails lends itself well to selecting or even creating appealing and distinctive scents. This venture allows you to utilize your sensory skills in a new domain, providing customers with curated, high-quality deodorant and perfume options on a subscription basis.

In addition, you already possess foundational knowledge in mixology that can easily extend into marketing and branding for this business. You could capitalize on your network and reputation to secure initial clients and leverage customer loyalty by offering them a personalized experience.

Why Consider a Deodorant & Perfume Subscription Business?

• Utilize your refined sense of smell to create unique and customized fragrance options.
• Leverage your existing customer base and industry reputation to launch a new venture.
• Minimal initial investment required, allowing for low-risk entry into a new market.

Explore more about starting this business in-depth here.

24. Start a travel influencer business ($61.3K/month)

Starting a travel influencer business can be an exciting and profitable venture for a mixologist looking to supplement their income or explore a side hustle. The essence of both mixology and travel lies in discovering new flavors, cultures, and experiences, making them a perfect blend for engaging content. As a travel influencer, you could explore various destinations, document the local beverage scenes, and share unique cocktail recipes inspired by your travels.

Why start a travel influencer business?

• You could leverage your mixology skills to create niche content, attracting a dedicated audience who shares your passion for unique drinks and travel adventures.
• Travel influencers generate income through partnerships and advert revenue, providing a diversified income stream for your existing mixology career.
• Documenting and sharing your travel experiences adds value to your brand, potentially opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations within the beverage and hospitality industries.

For more insights, check out these success stories of travel influencers.

25. Start a packed cut vegetables business

Starting a packed cut vegetables business could be an excellent way to supplement your income as a mixologist. By offering pre-cut, ready-to-use vegetables, you could tap into the growing market of health-conscious consumers who value convenience in their meal prep. This business idea not only allows you to diversify your revenue streams but also complements your expertise in fresh ingredients and presentation.

Why consider a packed cut vegetables business?

• You have the skills to select and prepare high-quality produce, enhancing your brand's reputation.
• This business can be easily integrated into your existing workflow, leveraging your current knowledge and client base.
• It provides a steady income during off-peak hours, ensuring financial stability year-round.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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