our story
I’m Rachel D’Acquisto, the Owner and Creator of Cocktail Lab AZ, a hospitality consulting and drink product development studio built on real-world experience and intentional systems. Cocktail Lab AZ was born during COVID, at a time when the hospitality industry was facing immense change. What started as a way to help businesses navigate uncertainty also became an outlet for my creative nature and a deeper commitment to supporting the industry I love.
I’ve spent many years working across nearly every role in hospitality, from dishwashing to Beverage Director. That hands-on experience shapes how I approach consulting today. I focus on practical, workable solutions grounded in day-to-day operations, especially within front-of-house and bar systems. I believe that thoughtful details, clear processes, and strong systems can make a meaningful difference for both guests and staff.
My love of hospitality comes from the act of hosting and creating memorable experiences. I find real joy in helping teams build environments where people feel supported and businesses can operate more efficiently. Many of the challenges I help solve stem from negative workplace culture and inefficient systems that lead to lost sales. I work closely with teams to address these issues with clarity, intention, and respect.
Alongside consulting, I’ve always made space for creativity through product development. I began by creating bar syrups and mixers for farmers markets, which eventually grew into ready-to-drink cocktails. That journey gave me firsthand experience in developing beverage products from concept to execution.
Cocktail Lab AZ works best with independently owned bars and restaurants, as well as brands and independent makers looking to develop or expand beverage products. My approach is purposeful, people-first, and rooted in respect. At the core of everything I do is a genuine desire to help hospitality businesses adapt, grow, and succeed.
What Cocktail Lab AZ Does
HOSPITALITY, HANDLED WITH INTENTION
We supports bars, restaurants, and hospitality brands by building systems that work in real service environments. The focus is on strengthening operations, improving guest experience, and creating sustainable workflows that support long-term success.
Services currently offered include bar operations, menu and beverage strategy, training programs, and event planning and programming. Each project is approached with hands-on operational insight and tailored to the unique needs of the business, whether that means refining day-to-day service or preparing a team for growth.
Support That Meets You Where You Are
Clients most commonly partner with Cocktail Lab AZ when they need operational clarity, structure, and support during key moments of growth or change. This includes optimizing bar operations and workflow, conducting operational audits, and troubleshooting systems that are impacting efficiency or revenue.
Cocktail Lab AZ is frequently brought in for opening and relaunch strategy, soft openings, and pre-opening systems, helping teams prepare for service with confidence. Ongoing consulting and advisory support is available for businesses seeking long-term guidance, along with support for staffing structure, hiring, training systems, front-of-house standards, menu development, beverage strategy, and full cocktail program design and execution. Event strategy and programming are also used as tools to build momentum, test systems, and connect concepts with their community.