What Can We Get You to Drink?
Defining Hospitality
Moniker Cocktail Co. is built on the spirit of hospitality. While we take pride in serving our clients, our true purpose is to welcome them into our “home” and ensure they feel truly valued and comfortable.
Moniker Cocktail Co. elevates the art of hospitality by transforming every event into a shared, welcoming experience. As a mobile bartending company, we do more than just serve drinks—we cultivate an atmosphere where guests feel truly invited into a space of connection and celebration. Our exceptional bar service is built on a foundation of craftsmanship, attentiveness, and a deep respect for the moments we help create.
At the heart of Moniker Cocktail Co.’s hospitality is a mutual commitment to core values: kindness, professionalism, authenticity, and engagement. We set the standard by embodying these principles in our service, ensuring that every interaction is warm, every cocktail is thoughtfully crafted, and
every guest feels seen and valued. In turn, we expect our guests to honor these same values, fostering an environment of respect and genuine connection.
Our team, led by the dynamic duo, Julia Moffatt and John Dillon, strives to “take care of people and make sure that everyone feels welcome, comfortable, and seen.”
“You never know what a guest went through prior to stepping up the bar so I think it is imperative to give consistently kind customer service.”
Mutual Respect
Sometimes the definitions of hospitality and service get misconstrued.
In the Cocktail College podcast episode The Art of Hospitality, host, Tim McKirdy, and guest, Jill Cockson, expand upon “the root words: host, hospital, and hospice all trace back to the same idea — treating strangers like your friends and loved ones, while not resorting to being servile. There are codes of conduct for the host, the employees, and the guests. Sure enough, the respect they all have for one another goes in both directions, and they have to synthesize in order to manifest a truly hospitable experience.”
More than just bartenders, Moniker Cocktail Co. is a curator of experiences—where hospitality is not just about serving drinks but about creating meaningful moments that leave a lasting impression.
The Essence of Hospitality
We’re big fans of Stanley Tucci (because, honestly, who isn’t?). In his memoir, Taste: My Life Through Food, he beautifully captures the essence of hospitality through his Italian American upbringing, where food, drink, and gathering were at the heart of every moment. His father had a simple yet meaningful ritual—welcoming every guest with, “What can I get you to drink?” and keeping a well-stocked bar, ready to serve anything from a martini to a glass of wine (always wine).
Tucci himself continues this tradition,“[taking] great joy in mixing up whatever tipple floats their boat.” At Moniker Cocktail Co., we share that same philosophy—hospitality is about more than just serving drinks. It’s about creating experiences, making people feel at home, and crafting the perfect cocktail or pouring a beloved Cabernet Sauvignon with genuine care and enthusiasm.
Professionalism with a Personality
Whether our team is bartending at a favorite San Diego venue or in their own kitchen, they look forward to engaging with people over a favorite beverage.
John Dillon, the Operations Manager at Moniker Cocktail Co., is the perfect blend of professionalism and personality. A true craftsman behind the bar, he takes cocktail-making seriously—approaching each drink with precision, creativity, and a deep respect for the craft. But when it comes to life? He keeps things light, bringing an easygoing, down-to-earth energy that makes every interaction enjoyable.
Photos: John Dillion and Julia Moffatt enjoying their favorite Moniker Cocktail Co libations- John sipping La Paloma and Julia enjoying the Moniker Old Fashioned #1.
A tiki cocktail enthusiast, John has a knack for layering bold flavors with a touch of fun, embodying the same spirit of hospitality he brings to Moniker. He thrives on entertaining, whether it’s crafting bespoke cocktails for clients or hosting pizza parties at home with his wife. For John, great hospitality isn’t just about mixing drinks—it’s about creating experiences, sparking conversations, and making people feel welcome. His care for clients, passion for creativity, and ability to strike the perfect balance between professionalism and approachability make him an invaluable part of the Moniker Cocktail Co. team.
Hospitality at Home
If hosting at home feels overwhelming, don’t worry—you don’t need all the fancy gadgets or a fully stocked bar to get started. Instead of rushing out to buy equipment or searching endlessly for recipes, keep it simple. John recommends:
Start with nailing the classics.
Shake hard.
Invest in quality spirits over fancy tools!
“My wife is a baker so we love to have friends and family over for dinner. We just got a woodfire pizza oven last year so we have been having lots of pizza parties!”
John’s PRO TIP: “For better drinks, always measure each ingredient. Doesn't mean you have to be stingy (you are at home!) but it's a lot easier to make a well balanced drink if you know what's in your glass!”
With these essentials in mind, you’ll be well on your way to effortless and enjoyable home entertaining! And just remember, inviting people into your home doesn’t mean everything has to be perfect. Some of the best experiences involve just a few simple ingredients: good people, good food, and good drinks. Hosting in your home means creating a space where guests feel comfortable while respecting your house rules. If you're a no-shoes household, gently let them know as they arrive, then follow up with a warm, “Can I get you something to drink?”
Photo Credit: Serious Eats
At-Home Crowd-Pleasers
John’s Missionary Downfall
Photo Credit: Liquor.com
Ingredients
1.5 oz Light Rum (from freezer)
.75 oz Peach Liqueur (a favorite- Giffard Crème de Peche de Vigne)
.5 oz Lime Juice
.5 oz Rich Honey Syrup
½ cup of pineapple chunks
A big old handful of Fresh Mint Leaves (about 12-13)
1 ½ Cups Crushed Ice
Instructions
Add all ingredients (except ice) to a blender and flash blend until fully incorporated
Add ice and blend until chilled and fully incorporated (the shorter the better as blending too long will warm up the ingredients a bit)
Serve in a chilled 10 oz glass
Garnish with mint sprigs & pineapple wedge
Drink & enjoy the sunset in your backyard with friends
PRO TIP: Pop your spirits into the freezer a few hours beforehand to keep the drinks as cold as possible!
Ingredients
1.5 oz Bourbon Whiskey
1 oz lemon juice
1 egg white
.5 oz rosemary infused simple syrup
Simple Syrup
Pour ⅓ cup sugar, ⅓ cup water, 3 rosemary sprigs into a sauce pan
Bring to a boil
Lightly boil until sugar is dissolved into water (about 2 minutes)
Let cool for a smidge
Julia’s Rosemary-Infused Whiskey Sour
Photo Credit: Imbibe Magazine
Instructions
Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice
Shake for about 20 seconds
Strain into ice-filled old-fashioned glass
Garnish with a rosemary sprig
Breath in the scent and take a load off on the couch
PRO TIP: Infusing your simple syrup with rosemary at home also acts as a herbal scent diffuser. Two birds, one stone!
Being hospitable is about more than just providing something—it’s about creating a sense of warmth, belonging, and connection. It means welcoming someone into a space with love, care, and genuine intention, making them feel seen, valued, and comfortable. Whether it's your home, your table, or even just your presence, hospitality is about the experience you create for others.
Hospitality wraps service in heart. It's not just what you give, but how you give it—and how you make someone feel in the process. At Moniker Cocktail Co, our team strives to express the why behind what we do. Our goal is for every customer, client, and guest to feel heard and cared for with each interaction.