Makotsi Nelson
Nairobi,Kenya
Summary
Seasoned and energetic Bartender and Mixologist with over 6 years of hands-on experience in luxury cruise ships and five-star hospitality venues across multiple countries. Proven ability to craft exceptional beverage experiences, deliver premium customer service, and thrive under high-pressure, high-volume environments. Expert in mixology, menu design, and beverage pairing, with strong knowledge of spirits, wines, and non-alcoholic offerings. Adept in inventory control, team collaboration, and upselling strategies that drive guest satisfaction and revenue growth. Committed to elevating bar operations while creating memorable guest interactions through professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail.
Experienced bartender with a strong background in high-volume beverage preparation and guest service. Developed seasonal cocktail menus that increased bar sales and delivered personalized experiences for VIP clients, enhancing overall guest satisfaction. Maintained efficient inventory management practices, significantly reducing product wastage while ensuring compliance with safety and hygiene standards. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with culinary teams to create customized drink pairings for events, contributing to successful bar operations.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Bartender
Princess Cruise Line
01.2024 - Current
- Developed and introduced seasonal cocktail menus that boosted bar sales by 22% within one year.
- Delivered high-end service to VIP clients, consistently meeting expectations for exclusivity and presentation.
- Led mixology classes and cocktail tasting events that improved guest engagement and encouraged return visits.
- Maintained a well-organized and cost-effective bar inventory, reducing overstocking and product wastage by 25%.
- Coordinated closely with culinary and events teams to create customized drink pairings for themed dinners and private events.
- Monitored customer feedback to adapt recipes and presentation, contributing to an increase in guest satisfaction scores.
- USA 2024 - Present
Bartender / Mixologist
Four Seasons Hotel
02.2022 - 06.2024
- Curated an exclusive spirits collection featuring over 80 premium international labels, driving a 30% rise in top-shelf sales.
- Supported the successful launch of a new rooftop bar, overseeing menu creation and staff onboarding that led to a 40% boost in first-quarter revenue.
- Authored a mixology and service manual used in training 10+ new hires, helping standardize presentation and service delivery across shifts.
- Developed a luxury non-alcoholic cocktail line tailored to local tastes, capturing 35% of total beverage sales within six months.
- Delivered personalized mixology experiences for VIP and royal guests, achieving a 98% satisfaction rating in guest surveys.
- Partnered with marketing to create photo and video content for hotel campaigns, increasing bar visibility on digital platforms by 50%.
- Saudi Arabia
Bartender
Serena Hotel
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Played a key role in developing signature cocktails that became bestsellers, contributing to a 15% increase in beverage revenue.
- Supported training of junior staff, resulting in improved team performance and faster service delivery.
- Provided prompt and courteous service to guests, consistently maintaining professional standards in a fast-paced setting.
- Managed bar inventory levels efficiently, reducing excess ordering and improving stock rotation.
- Maintained a clean and organized workstation, passing all health and safety inspections with zero infractions.
- Participated in in-house competitions and workshops to sharpen skills and stay updated on industry trends.
- Nairobi, Kenya
Education
Bachelor of Science - Catering and Accommodation Management
Kenyatta University
Certificate in Bartending & Mixology -
Boma International Hospitality College
Master Bar Academy -
EABL & Serena Hotel
Skills
- High-volume beverage preparation
- Cash & credit transaction handling
- Cruise ship service standards
- Beverage menu knowledge
- Guest service & communication
- Inventory monitoring & stock replenishment
- Bartending safety & hygiene compliance
- Team collaboration under pressure
- Multilingual service (English & basic German)
- Cocktail menu development
- High-end service delivery
- Mixology training
- Inventory management
References
Available upon request
Languages
- German
- English, Fluent
- German, Basic
Languages
English
First Language
German
Beginner
A1
Timeline
Bartender
Princess Cruise Line
01.2024 - Current
Bartender / Mixologist
Four Seasons Hotel
02.2022 - 06.2024
Bartender
Serena Hotel
01.2018 - 01.2022
Bachelor of Science - Catering and Accommodation Management
Kenyatta University
Certificate in Bartending & Mixology -
Boma International Hospitality College
Master Bar Academy -
EABL & Serena Hotel