Steps to Become a Bartender

Written by Staff Writer

Becoming a bartender requires a combination of skills, product knowledge and a passion for creating memorable experiences for customers. Whether you're looking to kickstart a new career or want to explore the world of mixology, you'll need to learn bartending skills. This guide will walk you through the important steps.

Learn more about how to bartend, skill development, the legal requirements of alcohol servers and more as you begin your journey.

Bartending Basics for Beginners

Bartenders are responsible for preparing and serving alcoholic drinks as well as preventing alcohol sales to minors. They create an upbeat atmosphere and promote customer satisfaction through quality service.

There’s a lot to think about before you pour your first cocktail.

Skills to Pay the Bills

Tending bar is equal parts art and science. From measuring liquor and chopping mint to layering striking cocktails, successful servers can do it all. Learning how to become a bartender starts with building your skill base.

Bartending skills and responsibilities include:

Customer service: Provide friendly, attentive service by promptly addressing customer needs. Display a positive attitude and develop lasting relationships.
Recognizing intoxication: Identifying intoxicated patrons and stopping service are key skills behind the bar. Overserving intoxicated customers is not only unsafe for customers and those around them, but can also make you and/or your employer liable for any alcohol-related incidents or damages.
Drink knowledge: Have a thorough understanding of your bar’s menu, the types of liquor, beer and wine you serve and know how to accurately prepare drinks upon request.
Multitasking: Manage multiple orders at once to help the bar run smoothly and keep customers satisfied.
Inventory management: Monitor stock levels and place orders when supplies are running low to ensure you can properly serve customers.
Cleaning and organization: Keep the bar area clean and free of spills to promote safety and sanitation in the establishment.
Presentation creativity: The visual appeal of a drink is just as important as the taste. Knowing the right garnish arrangement and glass selection can take the drinking experience to the next level.
Pouring techniques: Practice free pouring and using a jigger (a small, hourglass-shaped tool used to measure ingredients) to achieve accurate measurements as you recreate cocktail recipes. Consistency in pouring is essential for maintaining the balance and taste of your cocktails.

Tool Tips and Tricks

Additionally, understanding bar tools and equipment will improve your efficiency, helping you handle high volumes of orders without compromising quality.

Learning the nuances of a variety of tools allows you to experiment with techniques and adapt to evolving mixology trends. Your equipment proficiency not only showcases your creativity but also enables you to meet customer preferences. It’s an easy way to foster relationships, attract regulars and earn more tips.

Your kit may include:

Shakers: These containers help you mix ingredients to harmonize flavors. Tumbling liquor over ice before pouring it into a cup also keeps cocktails from becoming diluted over time. Common shakers include two-piece Boston shakers, three-piece cobbler shakers and French shakers. Ensure a snug fit when using a Boston shaker to avoid spillage during shaking.
Strainers: Many cocktails include textured ingredients you don’t want to remain in a finished drink. You may need to separate citrus pulp or even whole spices using a variety of strainers. Some, like a Hawthorne strainer, fit over the mouth of the glass. Others, like a julep strainer, might sit inside the glass itself.
Bar spoons: Spoons are versatile tools. You might need to stir a drink with this long, twisting utensil. Alternatively, you might pour liquor down a spoon while creating a layered cocktail to avoid breaking the surface tension of earlier ingredients.
Jiggers: We mentioned these handy measuring tools earlier. They are simple, hourglass-shaped glasses meant to standardize your pours with precision.
Muddlers: Mashing or pulping ingredients can extract delicious flavors. These blunt tools act like a mortar and pestle to crush fruit and herbs. Muddlers are typically wooden or metal with a rubber tip.
Citrus press: Similar in function to a muddler, a citrus press squeezes the juice from citrus fruits like limes and oranges. While traditionally hand-pressed, there are plenty of electric juicers.
Blender: Just like the one you have at home, your bar blender will chop, crush and mix all kinds of ingredients. These are ideal for frozen cocktails and fruity drinks, including classics like the margarita.
Ice tools: This is a whole class of simple tools like buckets, scoops, mallets, picks and even Lewis bags. You might even have a hacksaw! Alcoholic beverages call for ice in every form, including everything from simple cubes to specialty molded shapes.
Paring knife: A precise cutting tool is invaluable for garnishes and fruit twists. Keep your blade sharp for cleaner, safer cuts.
Garnish tray: Organize and present your garnishes with a convenient tray. Separate compartments make it easy to grab the garnish you need every time.
Misting spray bottle: Unique beverages may call for a fine mist of spirits, liqueur or water. A spritz may add aromatic qualities without diluting or overpowering the rest of the cocktail.
Speed pourers: These decanting devices come in all shapes and sizes. But they all control your pours for consistency and prevent spills.
Glassware: There’s no shortage of specialty vessels for different drinks. Popular standbys include the highball, the lowball, pint glasses, shot glasses, wine flutes and more.
Bar mat: Keep your work area clean and prevent glass slippage. Contain spills and errant ingredients. A rubber or silicone mat is easy to clean and portable.
Bar towels: What can’t a towel do? Wipe down surfaces, clean spills and dry glasses. Keep stacks of clean towels wherever you can. You will go through piles of them every night.

Legal Aspects of Bartending

Earning your bartending certification requires a solid understanding of the legalities surrounding the service of alcohol. Alcohol laws vary by state. So do the steps to become a bartender. It's essential to familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations for your area.

Basic requirements may include:

Age requirements: Under the 1984 National Minimum Drinking Age Act, individuals must be at least 21 years old to consume alcoholic beverages in the United States. States are free to set local age requirements for on-premises alcohol servers. The age range to begin bartending is usually 18 to 21. Check carefully — some states have different requirements for servers and bartenders.
Licensing and certification: Some states require a formal bartender license, which may involve passing an exam or completing a training program to ensure an understanding of alcohol laws and safety. California, for instance, requires Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training. Meanwhile, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) certification is optional — but highly encouraged. Check the local laws in your area to make sure you fulfill all legal requirements.
Liability: Servers may be held legally responsible for overserving alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons under “dram shop laws.” Learning the signs of intoxication and knowing when to refuse service is crucial to avoiding legal ramifications and ensuring the safety of customers.
Hours of operation: Familiarize yourself with the legal hours of operation for bars and restaurants in your area. Violating these regulations can result in penalties for the establishment and, in some cases, for individual employees.
ID verification: Strictly adhere to ID verification processes to confirm the legal drinking age of patrons. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences for both you and your employer.
Local alcohol control boards: Be aware of local alcoholic beverage control (ABC) boards or commissions that oversee the licensing and regulation of establishments serving alcohol. Learning local guidelines and procedures can help ensure compliance.
Insurance and liability coverage: For legal reasons, employers may require servers to be covered by liability insurance. Understand the insurance policies in place to protect both employees and businesses in the event of an incident.
Employee rights: Be aware of your rights as an employee, including wage laws, working hours and any additional requirements specific to bartenders in the hospitality industry. Familiarize yourself with local labor laws to ensure fair treatment and compensation.

Becoming a Bartender

Excelling behind the bar requires a combination of education and hands-on experience. Whether you’re starting from scratch or you’re an established bartender seeking to enhance your existing skills, quality training is important. Here are some possible training avenues that can address your needs:

Bartending School

Consider enrolling in a reputable bartending school in your area. These institutions often offer structured courses covering topics such as basic drink preparation, advanced mixology, checking IDs and more. Look for programs that provide hands-on experience and real-world simulations that match the pace of a busy bar.

Online Courses

Study for your bartending certification online. Online education offers a flexible learning schedule, allowing you to study at your own pace. This format makes it easy to fit study into your busy schedule and eliminates the hassle and extra costs — such as gas and parking — associated with in-person classes.

Hands-on Experience

Nothing beats hands-on experience as a bartender. Consider starting as a barback, a server or a related role to get your foot in the door. Learn the nuances of customer service in bartending firsthand. Practical bar operation skills will prepare you for success.

Get Started with Seller Server Online

Consider Seller Server Online as your online training partner. We are a reputable, 100% online learning platform. We will help you meet your state’s training requirements at your own pace. Our alcohol seller-server courses are approved by many state regulatory entities. Lessons cover important topics such as underage drinking, overserving customers, honing your skills and more.

Mixology

For those aspiring to reach new heights in the world of bartending, specializing in mixology opens doors to a realm of creativity, innovation and elevated drink craftsmanship. Mixology, the art and science of crafting bespoke cocktails, allows bartenders to showcase their unique skills and create memorable drinking experiences.

Mixology requires a deep understanding of flavors, ingredients and the chemistry behind creating balanced and delightful cocktails. Our online mixology course will teach you everything you need to know to prepare dozens of classic cocktails plus discover your own concoctions. Our program comes with a PDF collection of more than 30 detailed cocktail recipes.

Consider enrolling in advanced mixology courses or workshops to deepen your knowledge and hone your skills. These programs often delve into advanced techniques, flavor pairings and the art of presentation to provide a solid foundation for aspiring mixologists.

Putting It All Together

As you familiarize yourself with essential tools, refine your techniques and immerse yourself in training opportunities, remember that being a good bartender contributes to creating enjoyable experiences. Leave a lasting impression on those you serve by completing proper training and learning how to bartend.

With dedication and a commitment to continuous improvement, you'll be equipped to create memorable experiences behind the bar.