How to be a good bartender?!
How to be a good bartender?
tell me what to do to become one and what to get
Answers:
I doubt any of the above people are actual bartenders. Well maybe the dude right above me, but he is trying to sell his product too.
Don't go to bartending school (i.e. don't waste the money) unless the job you are applying to requires such an endevour (usually only hotels and casinos ask for that kind of stuff)
Also, most states don't require a license either. Depending on what state you live in you need ot make sure of the age requirements (most states require that you are 21 years old and that's it, some want you to get a state license...etc...) Just check the laws for your state (google bartending laws and the name of your state).
The most important thing that you should do is pick up the Bartender's Black Book (you can usually find it at a local package store, if not order it from Amazon). It has thousands of recipes, Plus all the basics, terms, and measurements you need to memorize immediately. Learning your pour count, knowing how to make a Long Island, a Martini, a Cosmo, how to tap a keg, etc...
Other than knowing how to pour drinks and serve drinks quickly, the main thing a bartender has to do is listen/talk to people. Make sure you are a people person. You have to love to listen too, especially to drunks. You also want to be up to date on local stuff (where the best entertainment spots are, the nearest hotel, the cab's number, etc...) You also need to have at least two jokes you can pull from memory. One dirty, and one you could tell your mother. Both have to be funny. Also be up to date on all sports scores, especially on local teams. Know who is playing who and at what time (make sure to have it on the TV too).
When starting out, it may be tough to get a job. The best thing to do is to apply to all the places that cycle through bartenders/barbacks a lot (like restaurants, hotel bars, etc...) Then find bars that you like personally and become somewhat of a regular at those places. Get to know the other bartenders, owners, managers, and then in a few months drop the line that you would be willing to work for them. Start out as a barback and work your way up. Most small bars are run like families anyway. You will have to know your fellow employees well. That is how I got my first two bartending jobs and eventually made it to bar manager.
Bartending is an extremely fun job. You will meet tons of people and hear lots of interesting stories. Plus you will know alcohol better than the back of your hand. I find it to be quite rewarding when it comes to the bank account too.
Have fun and good luck.
Source(s):
Bartender and avid drinker.
You should attend bartending school and get your liscense.They will give you the training you need.
first you need to be an amateur bartender. read about and learn what goes into certain drinks. it helps to enjoy drinking and being social with strangers. to get a job bartending, you need to be very lucky or very patient. you may have to start out at the bottom dishwashing or barbacking or (heaven forbid) waiting tables.
First off nice head!!!! Either go to school or become a bar back, That stinks but you'll have your bone in the door Good Luck.
First, before , if you choose to attend "Bartending" school...make sure you have a general idea of what you're doing. Simple drinks, bar staples etc.*books, internet, etc*
Most times, though, you won't have to waste money on going to school..just get a job in a bar..even if it's serving. Experience provides the best knowledge.
Hi Skull,
Bartending can be an easy & rewarding job, if you have the knack for it.
For starters, try this free online bartending course, to test your potential bartending skills:-
http://www.freebartendingschool.com/...
“ http://www.freebartendingschool.com/day1...
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If you feel that you stand a chance, think about going to a reputable bartending school that has a good job placement program in your area to get the much needed foundation to give you the basic theory & practical knowledge to get you going to be a successful tender. This page will assist you in choosing a good on for yourself:- http://www.the-authentic-bartender.com/b...
Afterall, education is one of the keys to success -- Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, page 95 of the PDF http://www.milliondollarbookshelf.com/bo... . Also, DON’T FORGET “PERSISTENCE” page 199 of the same PDF because you will be making mistakes in your learning curve of becoming a bartender.
Making drinks comes after you become experienced in barbacking, after all, bartending is the next step up.
5. In the meantime, Get the bar guide that I use & keep it with you when you’re tending:-
The International Bar Guide
6. Use the following bartending tips & tricks to your heart’s content:-
http://www.the-authentic-bartender.com/b...
http://www.the-authentic-bartender.com/b...
7. Start going to fully functional & established bars that make cocktails when your time permits, & watch how the experienced tenders operate, so that you can learn to establish your earn rhythm & system of bartending.
Give yourself a year or so at barbacking to become a junior bartender & about 2 years after that to become a senior one.
And if there is anything else I can help you out with, just email me at
http://www.the-authentic-bartender.com/c... , ASAP.
George
Mr Bostons bartender Guide