If you’re looking to start a career as a bartender, it is important that you master the basic skills before you do so. Bartending can be an exciting and rewarding job but it requires knowledge of both the drinks and customer service skills. It takes hard work to become a successful bartender, which means taking bartending classes or getting specialized training. While there are many more skills required for success in this profession, here are 13 essential ones every bartender should know before they start their new career. Knowing these fundamentals will help ensure your success as a bartender and make sure your customers have an enjoyable experience when visiting your bar!

Learn the fundamentals of bartending, including how to mix drinks, pour shots, and store liquor

The foundation of becoming a great bartender is having a thorough knowledge of alcohol and the basics of bartending. This means you must know how to mix drinks, pour shots accurately, store alcohol properly, and understand the different types of alcohol. From there, you can begin to experiment with creating unique cocktails that your customers will love! 

Understand the basic bar tools and how to use them

It’s important to be familiar with bar tools and how to use them. From jiggers, shakers, and strainers to ice picks, bar spoons, and bar knives—knowing how to properly use bar tools is essential for a successful bartender. Doing so can help you serve customers quickly and efficiently while creating delicious drinks to their liking.

Learn proper bar etiquette and customer service skills

An integral part of being a bartender is having excellent customer service skills. This requires learning bar etiquette, which includes the basics like maintaining a clean bar area and respecting all customers. Bartenders should be friendly, attentive, and willing to go out of their way to make sure each customer’s experience is a positive one.

Learn how to open and close bar tabs responsibly

Opening and closing bar tabs can be tricky, so it is important that every bartender learns how to do this correctly. A bar tab allows customers to keep track of their drinks as they go and pay at the end of the night. Bartenders should be knowledgeable about bar tab procedures and know how to handle bar tabs responsibly. This is why we always ensure we cover proper open and closing techniques at our bartending school.

Learn how to pour a proper beer, with the right head and carbonation level

Knowledge in pouring beers is essential for a bartender and can easily set them apart from the rest. Bartenders must understand the importance of pouring a beer correctly, with the right head, carbonation level, and temperature. Doing this ensures that each customer has a perfect pint of their favorite beer every time!

Master the art of mixology - from shaken vs stirred to creating layered drinks

Mixology is an art form, and the bar is the canvas. To be a successful bartender, you must have an intimate knowledge of mixology—from shaken vs stirred to creating layered drinks. This can take years of practice and experience, but it’s essential for a great bartender.

Know your liquors - popular brands, top shelf varieties, and ingredients for each type of drink

Knowing your liquors is a must for any bartender. Not only should you be aware of popular brands and top-shelf varieties, but also the ingredients it takes to make different types of drinks. Knowing what goes into each drink and how to experiment with new flavors can help you create unique cocktails that customers will love!

Practice making classic cocktails like Manhattans, martinis, mojitos and more

In addition to knowing your liquors, it’s important to have a good working knowledge of classic cocktails. Knowing how to make drinks like Manhattans, martinis, and mojitos will demonstrate your bar skills and help you master the fundamentals of mixology.

How to shake a cocktail - the proper technique for shaking ingredients together

Shaking a cocktail is an art form in itself. Bartenders must know the proper technique for shaking ingredients together to mix different flavors and create unique cocktails. This requires precision and practice, but once you master it you’ll be able to create delicious drinks with ease.

Learn how to muddle and mix flavors to make unique drinks

For cocktail connoisseurs, a good bartender must know how to muddle and mix flavors to make unique drinks. This requires understanding the different types of ingredients and being able to combine them in creative ways. With practice and experimentation, you can wow your customers with exotic cocktail creations that they’ll love!

Understand different types of glassware used in serving alcoholic beverages

Having knowledge of different types of glassware that are used in serving alcoholic beverages is important for any bartender. Different types of drinks require specific glasses, and it’s the bartender’s responsibility to know which type of glass goes with each cocktail. This will also help you accurately measure out ingredients, which is key for creating balanced cocktails.

Develop Relationships With Your Regular Customers

Building relationships with customers is an important part of bartending. Get to know your regulars and learn their favorite drinks, so that you can make them something special on their next visit. Doing this will not only build customer loyalty but will also help create a pleasant atmosphere in the bar. 

Nail Down The Art Of Small Talk

At the bar, people come to have a good time. As a bartender, you should be able to engage customers in conversation and help make their experience more enjoyable. Being able to keep up light conversation is an important skill for any bartender. This can help create rapport with customers and may even lead to repeat business! 

Learn the Lingo

Bartenders should also know the lingo of the cocktail world. Knowing terms like “neat”, “on the rocks”, and “muddled” will not only help you understand customer orders better but will make you appear more professional as well. 

Know When To Cut Someone Off

Finally, it’s essential for a bartender to know when to cut someone off. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of intoxication and make sure that customers are not over-served. This will keep everyone safe and help create an enjoyable environment in the bar. 

These are just some of the key skills that every bartender should possess before they start working behind the bar. With practice and dedication, you can become an expert cocktail maker in no time!