Bartending is our passion
Emerald City Cocktails is owned and operated by Neil Ratliff, a two-decade veteran of the bar industry. A native of Orlando, FL, he moved to Seattle in 2012 to complete his masters degree at the University of Washington and, after graduating, decided to remain in Seattle's thriving bar and cocktail scene and make the city his new home.
Neil has been slinging drinks at bars and private events in Orlando and Seattle since the law said he could. He earned his chops through TGI Fridays' exceptional bar training program, and after years of high-volume experience, joined the opening bar staff of Vintage Ultra Lounge and Ceviche Tapas Bar in Downtown Orlando. To pay his way through graduate school, he crafted cocktails in downtown Seattle's fine dining circuit.
Emerald City Cocktails began as a way to work private events for Neil's loyal base of bar regulars here in Em City. Working with Customized Designs out of Denver, CO, he designed a one-of-a-kind portable bar for working private events, complete with a fully integrated, custom LED lighting system that can match the color theme of any event. With this elegant and unique bar, Neil can accommodate events from house parties to elaborate weddings.
Every booking includes consultation with Neil on crafting a custom cocktail menu tailored specifically for our clients' wishes. Batch cocktails and punches, beer and wine service, fully-loaded you-call-it offerings, custom one-of-a-kind cocktails, bloody mary doses with mimosas - these are just some of the services we provide to take your event to the they're-still-talking-about-it-months-later level. We want your events splashed over Instagram just as much as you do.
Our services are fully insured for both general and liquor liability, and our bartenders are state-certified in alcohol service and food handling. We take this extra step beyond our competition in order to give you peace of mind on your special day, and for the ability to work in any venue in the city that requires extensive insurance.
Contact Neil today to discuss what Emerald City Cocktails can do for you. We never add extra gratuities, set-up or break down time, or added fees that nickel-and-dime you to exhaustion - you have enough to worry about, and we're here to take the stress out of planning. Our rates are reasonable and straightforward, and our work comes guaranteed. We even promise to smile for the entire event! Call or email us today to get the ball rolling on your next legendary shindig.
