Los Gatos Cocktail Co. offers the best specialty cocktails and mocktails in the Bay Area! I use seasonal, fresh ingredients and make my own syrups, tinctures, shrubs, etc. I enjoy working with my clients to develop a menu that suits their event.
I offer a discounted rate to pour simple cocktails (vodka & soda, gin & tonic, etc.), and beer/wine.
You can hire me with confidence. I am professional, efficient, and clean. I have 15 years experience as a bartender and 20 years experience in hospitality and I recently managed one of the top cocktail bars in the South Bay. I work most of the events myself, but I also have an amazing staff of highly skilled bartenders who work with me and are also able to serve clients without me.
We are available for weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, or any other celebration. Our favorite type of party is the more intimate gathering with many different cocktail options!
I'm self-insured, LEAD certified, California Food Handler certified, and I speak Spanish as a second language.
Overview
Hired 93 times
Background checked
2 employees
7 years in business
Business hours
Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pmMonClosed
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2024
2023
Services offered
Beverage types
Beer
Liquor / mixed drinks
Wine
Non-alcoholic beverages
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 responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
54 reviews
5
98%
4
2%
3
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Read reviews that mention:
Felicia M.
Dec 19, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Darren at Los Gatos cocktail co. was an amazing bartender. We hosted a birthday for my husband and the experience was very smooth. We created two specialty cocktails for the event based on his recommendation, including an old fashioned smoked to order. Both drinks were a hit, and all the guests were happy at how quickly the drinks came out.
Darren has great communication and arrived on time with all agreed upon supplies.
We are planning another event and are excited to book Los Altos Cocktail co. again.
Details: 51 - 75 guests • Birthday 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 • Disposable cups • Glassware
Bartending
Mehryar R.
Nov 2, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Darren and Olivia were amazing! I had their service for my birthday, and my guests loved it. Special cocktails were awesome. I had smoked Old Fashioned and Laveder bees' knees. The coordination process with Darren was also a breeze. Highly recommended.
Details: 26 - 50 guests • Birthday party • Bartender will need to bring the bar • Tip jars allowed • Setup / cleanup • Glassware • Coolers • Disposable cups • Ice
Bartending
Heather R.
Aug 24, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
From the very first conversation, we knew that Darren was going to surpass our expectations. From the intimate, relaxing cocktail tasting prior to the event to the collaboration on menu ideas and garnishes, he made our wedding day so memorable. Our guests still talk about how great the drinks were and the lovely conversations they had with Darren through the night! His true skill shines through the specially crafted syrups taking mixology to a different level. Our only mistake was not hiring him for a longer period because everyone was so sad when he had to leave. Thank you again!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Heather! This is my favorite kind of event...a curated menu, great people, great food, and an intimate setting. Thanks again!
Bartending
Cindy W.
May 14, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Darren was fun, friendly and makes a mean SPICY MARGARITA! His pricing is comparable to other bar tending businesses he was familiar with the venue, arrived on time to set up and left the area better than he found it. Would definitely recommend and use again.
Details: 76 - 100 guests • Wedding reception • Upbeat / lively • Public venue • Beer • Liquor / mixed drinks • Wine • Non-alcoholic beverages • Venue will already have a bar • Tip jars allowed • Setup / cleanup • Glassware
Los Gatos Cocktail Co.'s reply
Thank you Cindy! I appreciate the kind words and I'm glad you enjoyed the cocktails!
Bartending
Tyler a.
Jan 2, 2024
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We hired Darren as the bartender for our New Year's Eve wedding, and it was one of the best decisions we made for our big day. He helped us come up with our signature drinks, which were very popular at our event (we loved how he used fresh ingredients and festive toppers!). He helped us figure out the right amount of alcohol, chasers, ice, and mixers to buy so that we were well-prepared for the night.
He was also adaptable. Our venue didn’t provide any bar essentials, but that didn’t faze him. He seamlessly managed the bar setup, making sure everything ran smoothly. We wanted to avoid having our guests wait in long lines and Darren made sure that was never the case. Working with him has been so seamless and amazing.
Hiring Los Gatos Cocktail Co was one of the best decisions of our wedding. We couldn’t have asked for a better person to handle our bar. Thank you, Darren, for your outstanding service and for making our wedding night even more special!
Details: 101 - 125 guests • Wedding reception • Upbeat / lively • Public venue • Beer • Liquor / mixed drinks • Wine • Non-alcoholic beverages • Bartender will need to bring the bar • Tip jars allowed • Setup / cleanup • Ice • Glassware • Coolers
Bartending
Credentials
Background Check
Darren Gardner
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I charge based on the length of the party and number of guests. I offer a lower rate for basic bar service (vodka & soda, gin & tonic, etc.) and for just serving beer and wine. I charge a bit more for my specialty cocktails because they include all handmade syrups, shrubs, citrus, tinctures, and garnishes.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
1. Talk with you over the phone or text to discuss the details of the event.
2. I will send a proposal and quote with all the event details via Thumbtack.
3. If you like the proposal and want to move forward, I will send you a contract via DocuSign.
4. Once the contract is signed, I ask for a 50% deposit. You can pay the balance on the day of the event.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
14+ years in hospitality
10+ years bartending experience
Responsible for developing cocktail menus at high-end cocktail bars
Extensive experience with handmade syrups, shrubs, infusions, bitters, and batching
Bar and restaurant management experience
Experience setting up and running the bar at all kinds of private events
LEAD certified
Deep knowledge of cocktails, spirits, beer, wine, and food
