Ask three bartenders what belongs in a memorable cocktail, and you may hear fresh citrus, Angostura bitters or a Peruvian bitter that “hits hard and stays with you long after the first sip.”  Ask them what it takes to build a career behind the bar, and the ingredients become more personal: curiosity, mentors, cultural pride, hard-won knowledge, and the confidence to take up space. 

Three women. Three unmistakable styles. One shared lesson: The best bars make room for personality, heritage, skill, and ideas still waiting to be poured. Meet Almarie, Jessica and Esteffany, three Marriott mixologists who have each found a different way to make the craft their own. 

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From Bartender to Mixologist: Building a Career Behind the Bar

At JW Marriott Grande Lakes Orlando, Almarie remembers the moment mixology became more than a job for her. When she was still working as a server, she started helping behind the bar. Soon, guests were returning with a specific request: “Can Almarie make it?” 

For Almarie, that question changed how she saw the work. “A cocktail isn’t just a drink,” she says. “It’s a story in a glass.” 

In her journey, different mentors, tequila certifications, and learning opportunities have helped her turn that instinct into expertise. She was recently promoted from bartender to mixologist, a career milestone she takes as an opportunity to grow and learn even more. “It means having the passion, creativity, and dedication I bring behind the bar recognized,” she says. “I love being a bartender and connecting with guests, and this next step has given me even more motivation to keep developing my craft.” 

Almarie’s advice for women finding their footing is equally direct: “Own your space. You belong here. Don’t shrink yourself to make others comfortable.” 

Finding Your Own Style in Mixology

For Jessica , a Lifestyle Bartender at W Philadelphia, the path began nearly 20 years ago as a side job while she pursued marketing and advertising in New York. Soon she realized where she really wanted to be: “I realized I was having far more fun in bars than in an office.” 

Today, her style is a combination of “agave, tiki, and technique,” but she knows technique is only part of the work. “It’s just as much about being personable, a strong conversationalist and, especially in a hotel setting, sometimes even a guide to the city.” Her hard-earned wisdom? “Knowledge is power.” Her most practical advice? “Clean as you go, baby girl.” 

Bringing Culture and Creativity to the Craft

At JW Marriott Lima, Esteffany brings Peru, and the sea, into her glass. “I am the daughter of a fisherman, and my life has always been connected to the sea,” she says. Her roots inspired her to explore umami, mineral notes, and seafood-based ingredients in every cocktail, while her favorite spirit, pisco, reflects Peru’s identity like no other flavor can. 

For Esteffany, winning Marriott’s Masters of the Craft Caribbean and Latin America competition in 2025 became a defining career moment. “It reinforced that excellence comes from preparation, creativity, and resilience under pressure,” she says. “I hope my journey inspires other women in hospitality to believe in their potential, pursue their passions boldly, and know that their talent and voice truly belong in this industry.” 

→ Bring your heritage, ideas, and style! Explore Food & Beverage careers at Marriott