About Us

We are TABC certified bartenders/mixologists in the DFW metro area. We have more than 10 years of service industry experience, serving in fast-paced, fine-dining environments in both Dallas and Chicago. Combined with our vast collection of unique cocktail recipes, we can service all of your special events from casual cocktail parties to large, formal gatherings.

In addition to many private clients, our corporate clients include: National Wall Covering, OFS, and Wilson Office Interiors in the Design District in Dallas, TX; Sigma Surveillance in Plano, TX; and Austin College in Sherman, TX.

About the Owner

Photo of the owner, Gwendolyn Serpa Born and raised in Rhode Island, Gwendolyn Serpa has traveled and lived throughout the United States to attend college and experience life. She moved to Texas to spend time with her family, especially her young niece.

After ten years in the customer service industry, including fashion, photography, retail management, and four years of tending bar — she started Shaken Things Up! Former employers include Fuel (The Full Shilling) and Underground Lounge in Wrigleyville, Chicago; Bistro N / Nordstrom at Northpark in Dallas; and Martini Park at The Shops at Legacy in Plano, TX. Currently, she can be found at The Franchise Grill & Bar in Plano, TX.

We will work closely with you to choose the perfect cocktails for your event. After the drink menu has been set, we will create a detailed shopping list based on your drink choices and expected number of guests. Whet your appetite by browsing a sampling of drinks available (choices not limited to this list):

FAQ

Are your bartenders TABC certified?
Yes, documentation is available.
What are your rates?
See the Hire Us section below.
How many bartenders will I need?
For a party of 25 or less, one bartender; 26 to 75 guests, 2 bartenders; 76 or more guests, 3 bartenders.
Should guests tip the bartender(s)?
Although we will never place a tip jar on the bar, both the guests and the host are welcome to give a gratuity.
Is a deposit required?
Yes, 1/2 of the total amount is due upon signature of the Service Contract. We will send an invoice for the deposit amount to your email address. You can pay the deposit with any major credit or debit card via PayPal (a PayPal account is not required). The bartender will collect the balance, cash only, upon event completion.
Is there a cancellation fee?
As our time is very valuable, the deposit amount will be forfeited if you cancel less than 96 hours (4 days) before the event. You will receive a full refund of the deposit amount minus PayPal fees if you cancel more than 96 hours in advance.
What is the bartenders dress code?
The standard dress code is solid black pants, top, shoes, belt, and socks. The bartenders are allowed to wear some jewelry, unless otherwise specified by the host. Dress code is subject to change per the host.
Will Shaken Things Up! provide service for theme parties?
Definitely, we can discuss cocktails and martinis that will compliment any theme and create a drink list tailored specifically for your event.
Does the bartender provide the liquor?
No, we do not have the required liquor license to purchase alcohol; however, after consulting with you, we will provide a detailed shopping list.
Am I limited to the drinks listed on this site?
Absolutely not. This is just a glimpse of what's available. You can pick from this list, and/or we can create a list of other choices.
What supplies will I need to purchase?
That depends on the cocktails you plan to serve. Again, after consulting with you, we will provide a detailed shopping list. A typical shopping list may include:
Supplies: ice, glasses, beverage napkins, straws (small and tall), swords for olives, umbrellas, toothpicks, simple syrup, juices (orange, cranberry, pineapple, grapefruit, cranberry lemonade), soda, soda water, tonic water, heavy cream, whipped cream, espresso, coffee, and Rose's Lime Juice for glass rimmer
Garnishes: olives, onions, cherries, bananas, strawberries, raspberries, pineapple chunks, limes, lemons, oranges, sugar, pixie sticks, margarita salt, celery salt, celery, nutmeg, coconut cream, chocolate bar (for chocolate shavings), chocolate syrup, and fresh mint leaves
The bartender will prepare fresh sweet and sour mix per drink.
What equipment will the bartender supply?
wine key, beer bottle opener, can opener, glass rimmer, bar organizer, condiment keeper, paring knives, shakers, strainers, bar rags, bar spoon, muddler, liquor pourers, lemon and lime squeezers, spill mat, grater
What can be used to create a bar if we do not have one?
An island in a kitchen, counter space, or a small — at least 4' in length — table or fold out table. A nearby sink is desirable.
Don't see your question?
Contact us using our Contact Us form below.

Hire Us

Rates

All bookings require a 4 hour minimum commitment. 2 of the 4 hours will be dedicated to setup and cleanup. Gratuity not included.

  • $25/hour/bartender

Miscellaneous Fees

  • $25/hour comprehensive event planning/consultation — 1 hour minimum. This fee will be added to your outstanding balance and will be collected upon event completion.
  • The current IRS Business Standard Mileage Rate will be charged from the office of Shaken Things Up, Inc. to the event location based on the driving distance obtained from MapQuest.
  • A non-refundable PayPal transaction fee will be added to your deposit: 2.9% of the deposit amount + 30 cents.

Booking Your Event

  1. Contact us through the Contact Us form below.
  2. Fill out our Service Contract (provided after initial contact).
  3. Pay the deposit via PayPal — we will email you the invoice with instructions.
  4. Plan the menu.

Contact Us

Please contact us about your event.

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