Shaking Up Success: Top Tips for Aspiring Bartenders

Bartending is a rewarding career that requires skill, knowledge, and passion. With the growing popularity of mixology, the competition for bartending jobs is becoming increasingly fierce. To stand out from the crowd, aspiring bartenders must invest in their education, develop their skills, and build a professional network. In this blog post, we’ll discuss several tips to succeed behind the bar.

Investing in High-Quality Bar Tools

The quality of the drinks you make is directly related to the quality of your bar tools. Investing in high-quality bar tools, also known as barware, is essential for aspiring bartenders. Not only can they improve the quality of drinks, but they can also make the job easier. Some essential bar tools include:

• Shaker – Used to mix ingredients for cocktails. A good shaker should be made of stainless steel and have a tight-fitting lid.

• Jigger – To achieve precise measurements of ingredients in cocktails, they use a measuring tool called a jigger. A reliable jigger should be made of stainless steel and feature clearly marked measurements for accurate pours.

• Strainer – To ensure a smooth and consistent texture of cocktails, it is essential to remove solid ingredients such as ice from the shaker. A high-quality strainer made of durable stainless steel and designed to fit securely on top of the shaker can effectively strain cocktails.

Learning Mixology Fundamentals

Mixology is the art and science of creating cocktails. Aspiring bartenders must have a solid understanding of mixology fundamentals to create quality drinks. Here are some mixology techniques:

• Muddling – A technique used to extract the flavor of herbs or fruits, involves crushing them. This method is widely used in cocktail making, particularly for drinks like mojitos and old-fashioned.

• Stirring – Stirring, on the other hand, is the process of mixing ingredients without shaking. This technique is commonly employed in preparing cocktails like martinis.

• Building – Another technique for crafting cocktails is building, which entails layering ingredients in a glass without stirring or shaking. The Negroni, for example, is a cocktail that typically uses this approach.

Attending Bartending Schools

Attending bartending schools can be a great way for them to gain the knowledge and experience they need to succeed. Bartending schools offer comprehensive training programs that cover everything from mixology to customer service. Learning how to craft quality cocktails is essential for any bartender, so attending a bartending school can be an invaluable experience.

Taking Online Mixology Courses

In addition to attending bartending schools, they can also take online mixology courses. Online mixology courses offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. This can be a great option for those who don’t have the time or money to attend a full bartending school.

Taking an online mixology course can help aspiring bartenders gain the knowledge they need to craft quality cocktails. Moreover, some online mixology courses offer certification upon completion, which can be beneficial when applying for bartending jobs.

Building a Professional Network

Building a professional network is essential for them. A strong professional network can help you find job opportunities, learn new skills, and advance in your career. Some ways to build a professional network are the following:

• Attending Industry Events – Attending industry events, such as trade shows and conferences, is a great way to meet others and industry professionals.

• Joining Online Groups – Joining online groups, like Facebook groups or forums, can also be a great way to connect with other bartenders and industry professionals.

• Volunteering – Volunteering at industry events, charity events, or local festivals can help you interact with others and build relationships with industry professionals.

• Networking With Regulars – Building relationships with regular customers can also be beneficial for aspiring bartenders. Not only can they become repeat customers, but they may also have connections in the industry that can help you advance your career.

Practicing Time Management

Time management is crucial for them. Bartending can be a fast-paced and high-pressure job, especially during peak hours. Prioritizing tasks can help you stay organized and focused during busy shifts. Make a list of tasks that need to be completed, and prioritize them based on their importance and urgency.

Multi-tasking can also be helpful during busy shifts. For example, while waiting for a cocktail to shake, you can start preparing the next drink. Maintaining an organization can be incredibly beneficial in terms of time management and error prevention. Make sure that your bar tools and ingredients are well-organized and easily accessible.

Bartending is a rewarding and exciting career, but it requires dedication and hard work. Aspiring bartenders can set themselves apart from the competition by investing in high-quality bar tools, learning mixology fundamentals, attending bartending schools or taking online mixology courses, building a professional network, and practicing time management techniques. By following these tips, aspiring bartenders can succeed behind the bar and achieve their career goals.