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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Hi there, my name is Melanie.
Disclaimer: I’m a dry hire, so I do not have an ABC license, so I cannot provide alcohol for you or sell it, but I’m Tips certified by ABC. You provide the alcohol, I’m certified to serve it.
With that being said- I have worked in the bar industry for over 20 years at venues that vary in style and atmosphere. I am well versed in classic cocktails, TGIF era cocktails and the current cocktails. I have worked in both high volume nightclub style environments and fine dining atmospheres. I love hospitality and helping to facilitate in people’s joyful events. Happy to be of service to the Greater LA area, OC and Riverside county. Insured, TIPs and Servsafe certified.
Overview
Hired 44 times
Serves Arcadia, CA
Background checked
2 employees
2 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Credit card, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
Services offered
Beverage types
Event type
Wedding reception
Birthday party
Special occasion
Cocktail party
Event vibe
Low key / casual
Formal / elegant
Upbeat / lively
Club scene
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and punctuality.
Exceptional 5.0
42 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Brandon C.
Mar 30, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Red Head With A Shaker is a total pro. She was excellent at communicating leading up to the event and helped me to come up with a Specialty Cocktail menu. She pre makes her mixers and uses awesome garnishes. She cranked out drinks and had them prepped on her bar. 50 people at a party and literally nobody was EVER waiting for a drink! Super quality cocktails also. She gave me a list beforehand of alcohol needed and nailed what was needed for party. You would be LUCKY to hire Red Head With a Shaker for your next event. Will 100 percent use her gain. Several compliments from party goers on quality and creativity of the drink service.
Details: 76 - 100 guests • Birthday party • Upbeat / lively • Private residence • Beer • Liquor / mixed drinks • Wine • Bartender will need to bring the bar • Tip jars not allowed • Setup / cleanup
Bartending
Victoria H.
Feb 18, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
I can't recommend Melanie enough! Everyone was raving about the custom drinks she created for our brand event, using fresh ingredients and her own homemade syrups. She was wonderful to work with, brought all of her own materials, and made setup and breakdown a breeze. I'll absolutely work with her again!
Details: 26 - 50 guests • Corporate event • Low key / casual • Private residence • Non-alcoholic beverages • Venue will already have a bar • Tip jars not allowed • Setup / cleanup • Ice
Bartending
Elliot B.
Jun 23, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Melanie was amazing and professional. She showed up early, didn’t mind staying for additional time, the drinks and presentation were immaculate. She greatly elevated the party. She was a great find and I would highly recommend her.
Details: 11 - 25 guests • Birthday party • Low key / casual • Private residence • Beer • Liquor / mixed drinks • Bartender will need to bring the bar • Tip jars allowed • Setup / cleanup • Ice • Disposable cups
Bartending
Gail A.
Nov 17, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
We hired Melanie for my son’s 30th birthday party at our home. She was amazing! She was very helpful in the planning process and provided me with a list of everything i needed. She helped us with the signature cocktail and was exceptionally professional. We would hire her again in a heartbeat!!
Details: 26 - 50 guests • Birthday party • Upbeat / lively • Private residence • Beer • Liquor / mixed drinks • Wine • Non-alcoholic beverages • Bartender will need to bring the bar • Tip jars allowed • Setup / cleanup
Bartending
Mariam J.
Nov 16, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Melanie was super helpful bringing cocktail elegance and fun to our party. She even suggested spectral cocktails and made a lovely sign for the party. We will def be hiring her again for our next party!
Details: 26 - 50 guests • Cocktail party • Low key / casual • Private residence • Beer • Liquor / mixed drinks • Wine • Non-alcoholic beverages • Bartender will need to bring the bar • Tip jars not allowed • Setup / cleanup • Ice • Coolers
Bartending
Credentials
Background Check
Melanie Wagoner
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I think my prices are reasonable. I am also prepping the night beforehand with garnishes and possibly making specialty simple syrups at home. I’m also including travel, cups and garnishes in my pricing and it quickly adds up.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I ask them the expected attendance, what type of vibe they’d like if they didn’t list in the lead, what accessories they will need for their event- a bar, water station, coolers, drink menu, a neon light (yes, I have), what types of cocktails they’d like, if there will be beer and wine, if they’ll need a liquor list, if needing a specialty drink, what taste are they looking for and I give many options. Those are some of the basic questions I ask.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have both my tips (alcohol beverage control) and servsafe certifications. I have been trained many different styles of bars and cocktails - nightclubs for speed, dive bars, high end restaurants, and chic trendy bars. I also attend the food and beverage convention in Vegas for all the latest trends.
