The allure of bartending comes from its social atmosphere and the craft of cocktail creation. It presents an opportunity to engage with people, develop a unique skill set, and earn a solid income. The profession is a dynamic blend of service, artistry, and efficiency, attracting individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments. This guide provides a practical look into bartending, from daily duties to securing your first position.
Understanding a Bartender’s Responsibilities
A bartender’s role extends beyond mixing drinks. The primary responsibility is to prepare and serve beverages, from simple beers to intricate cocktails, accurately and efficiently. This function is deeply intertwined with customer interaction; bartenders act as the face of the establishment, greeting guests, taking orders, and ensuring a positive experience. They are often expected to be knowledgeable guides, offering recommendations from the drink menu.
Beyond direct service, a significant part of the job involves transactional duties. Bartenders handle payments, operate cash registers or point-of-sale (POS) systems, and are responsible for the accuracy of their till. Maintaining a clean and organized bar area is a constant task, involving wiping down counters, washing glassware, and restocking supplies during service.
Behind the scenes, bartenders often play a role in inventory management. This can include tracking the stock of spirits, wine, beer, and other supplies to prevent shortages. They may be responsible for restocking shelves, changing kegs, and informing management when inventory is low. These combined duties create a multifaceted role demanding technical skill and interpersonal finesse.
Developing Essential Bartending Skills
Success in bartending hinges on a combination of hard and soft skills. The hard skills are the technical foundations, starting with a knowledge of spirits, beer, and wine. This includes understanding the flavor profiles of different liquors, the characteristics of various wine grapes, and the distinctions between beer styles. This knowledge is applied when executing classic cocktail recipes a bartender is expected to know.
Proper technique is another hard skill. This involves more than memorizing recipes; it includes mastering pouring techniques to ensure accurate measures and minimize waste. Developing speed and efficiency is also important, as a busy bar requires producing high-quality drinks quickly. Familiarity with the tools of the trade, such as shakers, jiggers, and strainers, is a given.
Soft skills govern interactions and workflow. Excellent customer service is paramount, involving a friendly demeanor and the ability to make patrons feel welcome. Strong communication skills are needed to understand orders clearly and engage in pleasant conversation. Bartenders must be adept multitaskers, capable of juggling drink orders, payments, and maintaining the bar’s cleanliness. A reliable memory for orders and regular customers can set a bartender apart.
Choosing Your Training and Certification Path
Aspiring bartenders follow one of two paths: formal education or on-the-job training. Bartending schools offer a structured curriculum, providing a concentrated dose of knowledge in a short period. These programs cover drink recipes, pouring techniques, customer service, and inventory management, with hands-on practice in a simulated bar. The primary advantage is the speed of learning, though these schools can be costly and do not guarantee job placement.
A more traditional route is learning through direct experience, typically by starting as a barback. A barback supports bartenders by restocking inventory, changing kegs, preparing garnishes, and cleaning. This position offers an immersive education in the operations of a real, working bar. This path provides invaluable practical experience and often leads to an internal promotion to a bartending role.
Regardless of the training path, obtaining an alcohol safety certification is a common requirement. Programs like TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) and ServSafe Alcohol are nationally recognized and teach responsible beverage service. This training covers topics such as identifying intoxicated patrons, checking identification properly, and understanding legal liabilities. Many employers mandate these certifications as they demonstrate a commitment to safety.
Meeting the Legal Requirements
Before you can legally serve alcohol, you must meet specific age and licensing requirements dictated by state and local laws. In the United States, the minimum age to serve alcohol varies, generally falling between 18 and 21. It is your responsibility to research the specific age mandate in your state, as serving underage is a serious offense. For example, the minimum age is 18 in New York, but 21 in California.
Some states or municipalities require bartenders to obtain a specific permit or license to work. This is separate from the training certifications focused on responsible serving. For instance, Washington requires a Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) permit. To determine if your area has such a requirement, you should contact your state’s liquor control board.
It is a common misconception that bartending schools provide a “bartender’s license.” The certificates from these schools demonstrate completion of a training course, but they are not a legal credential to serve alcohol. The legal right to work as a bartender comes from meeting age requirements and obtaining any government-mandated permits. Always verify the specific rules for your location.
Landing Your First Bartending Job
Securing your first bartending position requires a strategic approach, starting with a well-crafted resume. Even without direct bar experience, you can highlight transferable skills from other jobs. Emphasize experience in customer service, cash handling, or any fast-paced environment. Be sure to prominently feature any certifications you have earned, such as TIPS or ServSafe.
When searching for openings, cast a wide net. Look at online job boards but also consider the direct approach of walking into bars and restaurants during off-peak hours, such as a mid-afternoon on a weekday. This is when managers are more likely to have time to speak with you. Networking is also powerful, as personal recommendations can be very effective in the hospitality industry.
Be open to starting in a support role to get your foot in the door. Applying for a barback position is a common and effective strategy, positioning you for an internal promotion when a bartending spot opens up. This allows you to gain experience and demonstrate your work ethic. When you land an interview, be prepared for it to include a practical component where you may be asked to make a few standard cocktails.