You have learnt the basics of mixing up some pretty great cocktails. You may have even started your career behind the bar at your local watering hole. You love this job and think you may have found your passion. You feel that mixology runs in your veins. Perhaps you even dream about new cocktail concoctions in your sleep. Now you are thinking, what’s next?
Developing your skills as a bartender involves a great deal of training. It takes education, practice and dedication. Bartenders who want to be the best continually work on their craft. This may be self-taught practices, or for the best results, skills taught through a school like Thirst Bar Academy. Courses provide a faster, more effective way to learn the necessary skills.
While learning the tricks of the trade may take some time, here are a few small tips you can use to become the best bartender you can be:
Always Remember Hospitality
Even if you have mastered the art of cocktail creation, you can’t call yourself a good bartender without having good hospitality. Bartending is just as much about serving drinks, as it is making them. Hospitality doesn’t have to be too complicated either. Here are a few simple things you can do to provide a positive experience for all your customers:
- Smile at your customers (this makes a huge difference)
- Greet every customer before serving
- Have a good attitude (no matter how you feel that day)
- Always be polite and respectful
- Never argue with a customer
- If a customer complains, listen to their concerns
Just these small changes can make a huge impact on your overall service. It’s important to remember that at the end of the day, you can make or break a customer’s entire experience at your bar or event.
Don’t Stress
Chill out. Yes really. Bartending – especially at a busy event or club – can get a little hectic. The last thing you want to do is let this fast-paced environment overwhelm you. It is better to take a step back and enjoy the work. The best feeling at the end of a long shift is knowing you held it all together during the busiest hours.
Keep in mind that mistakes do happen, especially during a cocktail rush hour (or an entire busy night). If you do happen to mix up an order, break a glass or spill a drink, don’t have a breakdown. Simply apologise, clean up and move on. Maintaining your composure at all times will make you a great bartender everyone will want behind their bar.
Keep it Clean
No, this is not an unnecessary extra chore. Trust us; keeping the bar clean at all times is in your best interest. A clean workspace will make it easier to manage a busy bar. It is also safer and more comfortable for your customers and fellow employees.
Monitor your Measurements
Not only will your manager thank you for saving the bar money on wasteful drink measurements, but your drinks will taste better too. True mixology is about precise measurements; exactly the right flavours and tastes in one perfect drink. Measuring every ingredient to a T may seem tedious, but actually shows dedication and artisanship. Everyone will appreciate your attention to detail and the great cocktails you’ll make every single time.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun
It may sound cliché, but loving what you do is important. Bartending is a trade that allows for this in many different ways. You’ll get to work in all different kinds of places and meet all kinds of people. The best bartenders have a true passion for people as well as their craft.
You could even learn fun tricks to keep things exciting for an audience of patrons, such as a bottle flipping. These kinds of tricks provide your patrons with a little entertainment. Just be sure to practise plenty before you try it out at work. The last thing you’ll want to do is accidentally flip a bottle into an unsuspecting customers face. Ouch.
As you can see, being the best bartender involves more than just mixing. If you are looking to further your skills as a bartender, contact Thirst Bar Academy for more information.