How to become a bartender?!
How to become a bartender?
hey, im interested in becoming a bartender but have no experence and i would like to know how much average pay is and what the age requirement is in connecticut, my friend said you can bartend at 18 but it didnt make sence to me because you need to be 21 to drink so im just interested to know how everything works and if you recommend doing it? all answers will be greatly apprecaited. :)
Answers:
To become a bartender, I would recommend that you go to local establishments and ask to become a "barback." A barback is someone who picks up all the empty glasses, washes them, and restocks the bar. Once you are a barback, you can learn from the bartenders on how to mix drinks and maximize tips. From there, you have a greater chance of becoming a bartender.
Take a 'mixologist' course and then get a job in a bar?
I've taken the Mixology courses. They're expensive but do help with your skills. Unfortunately, most bar managers would prefer someone with experience so it looks like applying at a Barback would be the best first step.
Depending on the bar you may need to work anywhere from weeks to years before you get promoted to bartender. Just be patient and work hard!
Yea you can bartend at 18 in CT. 18 to serve, 21 to drink.
I just took a bartending class at Atlantic Bartending School (Waterbury, Connecticut). It was like $600. It takes 2 weeks to graduate and they try and help you get a job. You should check it out. Or there are others in the state (if you don't live in the Waterbury area). Just google Bartending Schools in CT. Hope that helps mate :)
The bar back answers are right on. Do not spend your money on bartending school before you've had some experience. Barbacking is the best way to get into the business. Once there it might be worth going to the school so you can move up to bartender. Also go out and network try to meet owners or bartenders that might be able to get you a job.
Your best way to learn is hands on. I started as a cocktail server, which really helps you to learn which drinks are which. Then I moved on to being a bartender. It really doesn't matter if you take a course or not, because everywhere you go people have many different names for the very same drink-it's just a learning experience.