A bartender may seem like it is an easy job, but the training you have to go through to make it through a single night is quite rigorous. Some bars will even demand that a professional bartending course be taken- and only then may the bartender start working for them.

Your first task is to become hip on the bartender lingo. There are different words and phrases that customers will say that you are expected to be aware of. An example would be with a “tot,” which is just a drink with a very small amount of liquor. Others such as the “virgin” won’t have any alcohol at all, but still have the ingredients as the drink would otherwise.

Bartenders are also in charge of stocking a bar at the end of the night or during a shift. A bartender should keep track of the levels of all ingredients, and know when to request more. Part of this is knowing which nights and occasions tend to use more of which ingredient, and plan ahead if possible. As you can see, there is a fine science here to observe when planning your stock.

You will need the proper equipment if you are going to be a bartender. This means you will need to stock up on towels, ice tongs, glasses, measuring cups, ice buckets, knives, and much more. You can get a complete list from retailers who specialize in bartending supplies, or you can ask your employer if you are working for a certain establishment.

Bartenders who are serious about what they do take it to the next level by performing tricks. This is only necessary in famous bars, where the urge to perform is actually encouraged or required. You may learn how to twirl and throw bottles while making a drink, or even learn to handle drinks that light on fire. Do keep in mind that you should be very relaxed and confident before trying any tricks, so as to avoid an accident and potentially harming others.

You can expand upon your current abilities and knowledge by picking up a book from a major book retailer. Some educational video games may also be obtained that can help out your thought process and memory. Some of the best practice is going to come through experience, so you may want to set your sights low and work for a smaller employer first. Then you may work your way up the ladder of famous bartenders.

Final Thoughts

Your friends may laugh when you tell them you want to be a bartender, but after they see how you can multitask, remember tough terminology, and handle yourself around the establishment, they won’t be so humored by it.

Learn more about Learn to Bartend and Bartending Guide.