Bartender/Mixologist

Akaibrussels; Sint-Joost-ten-Node; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic work environment

Salary according to Belgian horeca bar

Growth opportunities and training

Premium cocktail program experience

Job summary

AKAI BRUSSELS is seeking an experienced Bartender/Mixologist for its high-volume bar on the 30th floor. You will craft cocktails, serve beverages and maintain a fast-paced, premium bar experience in a vibrant environment.

You will work closely with the bar team, floor and kitchen to ensure top quality, efficient service and guest engagement throughout dinner and events.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Bartender/Mixologist in busy settings.
• Ability to deliver cocktails quickly, accurately and to standard.
• Strong knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails.
• Excellent organisation and mise en place discipline.
• Confident guest interaction and teamwork in a high-volume bar.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve cocktails, mocktails, beers and wines to AKAI standards.
• Execute a high volume of cocktail orders quickly and accurately during peak service.
• Follow AKAI recipes, specifications and presentation standards.
• Maintain fast, clean and well-stocked bar station throughout service.
• Collaborate with bar, floor and kitchen teams to ensure smooth service.
• Advise guests on cocktails and beverages with confidence.
• Monitor stock levels and communicate shortages to Bar Manager.
• Adhere to hygiene, HACCP, safety and operational procedures.

Skills

Proven bar experience

Cocktail knowledge

Speed and accuracy

Communication and teamwork

Organisation and mise en place

Pressure-under-service

Guest interaction

Spirits, liqueurs, syrups

Excellent presentation

Food and beverage service

Flair/bar techniques (bonus)

Education

Hospitality-related training or equivalent

Tools

POS systems

Bar mise en place

Job description

BARTENDER / MIXOLOGIST — AKAI BRUSSELS

AKAI is looking for an experienced, fast and passionate Bartender / Mixologist to join our bar team and help deliver the cocktail experience that defines our restaurant.

Located on the 30th floor of Cardo Brussels, AKAI combines contemporary Asian-Mediterranean cuisine, premium cocktails, music and panoramic views in a vibrant, high-end environment.

Our bar operates at a high volume, particularly during dinner, weekends and events. We are therefore looking for a bartender who is not only passionate about cocktails, but who can perform consistently and efficiently under pressure.

Speed, experience and precision are non-negotiable.

You should be able to handle a busy service with multiple orders coming in simultaneously, maintain excellent cocktail quality and presentation, and keep your station organised and efficient throughout the night.

Your responsibilities

• Prepare and serve cocktails, mocktails, spirits, beers, wines and other beverages to AKAI standards.
• Execute a high volume of cocktail orders quickly, accurately and consistently, even during peak service.
• Follow AKAI recipes, specifications and presentation standards precisely.
• Maintain excellent speed of service without compromising quality.
• Prepare and maintain an efficient bar mise en place before and throughout service.
• Keep your station clean, organised and fully stocked at all times.
• Work closely with the bar team, floor team and kitchen to ensure smooth service.
• Communicate clearly and efficiently with colleagues during busy periods.
• Demonstrate excellent knowledge of spirits, cocktails, ingredients and bar techniques.
• Advise guests confidently on cocktails, spirits and other beverages when required.
• Deliver a professional and engaging interaction with guests at the bar and throughout the restaurant.
• Monitor stock levels and communicate shortages or requirements to the Bar Manager.
• Follow all hygiene, HACCP, safety and operational procedures.
• Assist with opening and closing duties, cleaning and bar organisation.
• Contribute to the energy, atmosphere and team culture of AKAI.
• Be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays and high-volume events.

Core skills

• Proven experience as a Bartender / Mixologist in a busy cocktail bar, restaurant, hotel or high-volume hospitality environment.
• Excellent speed and efficiency behind the bar.
• Strong knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails.
• Ability to consistently execute cocktails according to recipe and presentation standards.
• Excellent organisation and mise en place discipline.
• Ability to handle multiple orders simultaneously while remaining calm and precise.
• Strong understanding of spirits, liqueurs, bitters, syrups, fresh ingredients and cocktail techniques.
• Professional, confident and energetic attitude.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure during intense service periods.
• Genuine passion for cocktails, hospitality and guest experience.

Bonus skills

• Experience in a high-end cocktail bar, luxury hotel or premium restaurant.
• Experience in a high-volume cocktail operation.
• Experience in a festive, lifestyle or nightlife environment.
• Experience with Japanese-inspired or Asian cocktails and ingredients.
• Knowledge of sake, Japanese whisky, shochu and Asian spirits.
• Experience with batch cocktails and high-volume cocktail preparation.
• Flair bartending or advanced cocktail techniques.
• Knowledge of wine and beer.
• Experience with VIP guests and private events.
• Additional languages, particularly Dutch, French or Spanish.

What we offer at AKAI

• A dynamic, high-quality work environment in one of Brussels' most distinctive and ambitious restaurants.
• The opportunity to work in a high-end concept combining gastronomy, cocktails, music and a unique panoramic setting.
• Salary according to the Belgian horeca barema (PC 302, Category V), based on experience.
• Additional statutory horeca benefits and premiums.
• Fair work scheduling practices, with consecutive days off whenever possible.
• Opportunities to grow within the AKAI team and develop your bartending skills.
• Training and opportunities to deepen your knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine and hospitality.
• A team culture where professionalism, personality, creativity and initiative are valued.
• The opportunity to work with a sophisticated cocktail program in a high-energy restaurant environment.
• The opportunity to be part of a growing hospitality concept bringing a fresh energy to the Brussels restaurant scene.

At AKAI, we don't just make cocktails — we create an experience.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• 1210 Brussels: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)
• French (Required)
• Dutch (Preferred)

Work Location: In person