Have you ever dreamt of becoming a bartender but don’t know where to start from or what to do? In today’s bars, employers require bartenders with top-notch services and experience. So, in a world where there’s competition in this niche, how do you thrive on becoming one?
Read on as this article will guide you on the things you can do to become a bartender.
#1: Attend Bartending Schools
There are many bartender tutorial programs available through hospitality schools. In these programs, you could learn the skills of mixology (basic mixing of drinks) and be proficient in serving alcohol safely.
Just like any other job, bartending requires constant practice to be proficient at it. Regardless of the classes and programs, you need to practice probably as a part-time bartender just to sharpen your skills.
As a matter of fact, most of these programs can be observed online in the comfort of your home. Example of an online institution is the École du Bar de Montréal.
#2: Do your Research
In a bar, you see customers come in with a different taste of drinks. Your job as a bartender is to know/learn them and know how to mix these drinks. Examples of such drinks are martinis, cosmos, gimlets etc. and other unpopular drinks.
You could get yourself a book on bartending, more like a “how to do” on bartending and commit it to memory. As a bartender, you must be proficient when it comes to waiting tables, wine/ beer selections and lists.
This means you must be familiar with the brands and know the difference between each of these brands. You have to impress employers and customer with your vast knowledge of the wine/beer list.
#3: Practice
You’ve taken bartending classes, done your personal research what next? No matter how much theoretical knowledge one gains, if he/she doesn’t practice, they’ll never be good at it.
So, as you learn, you practice. Try mixing drinks at home and practice serving methods. Know how long it’ll take to fill a shot glass and do the same into a drinking glass. You can also try memorizing and listing out types of brands and their differences on the drink lists off-hand.
Also, a good customer must pay attention to customers, why? Some of them are lonely or depressed and just need someone to talk with. Constant relationship and practice of good communication skills would help build strong customer bonds which could impress employers.
