Bartender Training - Tips for Getting Into the Bartending Profession

Bartenders are often the people you barely notice, yet they're usually the reason you're having a good time. They typically work in the background but play a central role - good bartenders can create cocktail creations from memory within minutes, knowing exactly how much alcohol and sugar is in them and what the taste and color of the drink should be.

A good bartender always keeps an overview of the bar and the people around it when making cocktails, so a new cocktail can be mixed at any second. But they don't just create the fun - they often contribute to our wellbeing too. Excellent bartenders aren't just pros at mixing cocktails, they're also people readers and listeners. They're the heart and soul of a good bar. Discover 478 cocktail classes across the US.

Bartender training: requirements

• As a bartender, you need to be physically and mentally resilient to handle the night shifts, the pace, and the guests.
• A bartender should definitely have a high alcohol tolerance, since you'll be working with high-proof spirits.
• Excellent bartenders are good with people and hospitable, since they need to take orders and respond to customer requests.
• It's also important to be able to make quick decisions so you don't lose track of what's happening at the bar.

As a bartender, though, you also need other skills. You need to know about inventory, handle cash register closings, and place orders. Bartenders can sometimes be booked for team events too, where they teach beginners the basics of mixing as a team-building activity. Here, understanding people again plays a central role. So if you want to get into the bartending profession, you should be clear on what this demanding job entails. To get a first overview of the profession, you could also visit one of the best cocktail bars and dive deeper into the world of cocktail mixing.

Can anyone work as a bartender?

In principle, anyone with the necessary skills and qualifications can work as a bartender. There are no fixed requirements like specific educational degrees or fields of study that must be completed. Rather, practical experience, communication skills, a friendly demeanor, and a certain level of knowledge about drinks and mixology are decisive.

However, to work as a bartender, it's helpful to complete appropriate training or a course. There are various schools and courses specifically designed for bartender training that teach practical knowledge and drink preparation techniques.

It can also be an advantage to have some industry experience and knowledge of alcoholic beverages, cocktail recipes, and service standards. This can help you stand out from other applicants and improve your chances of getting hired as a bartender.

How do you become a bartender?

Anyone can, in principle, work behind a bar and shake a few cocktails. Many students work behind the bar to earn some extra money alongside their studies.

However, to become a truly professional bartender, quite a bit more skill is required. Bartending is a craft, and there are genuinely good career opportunities in it today, which makes it worth pursuing further training.

There's one circumstance that can make the bartending profession tricky, though: the fact that the term bartender isn't a legally protected title. In theory, anyone can call themselves that, since there's no standard training path for it. So what does it take to complete bartender training? There are generally two paths to breaking into the bartending profession.

Training as a hotel and restaurant professional

The classic path to becoming a bartender is training in hotel and restaurant management. Interestingly, mixing cocktails and other drinks doesn't play as large a role here as you might expect, since the focus tends to be on the kitchen, the office, and inventory management. The service area is often not clearly defined either, which doesn't necessarily mean you'll end up behind the bar mixing drinks.

Of course, that shouldn't discourage you from taking this training path, since it teaches important hospitality knowledge that can be helpful. If you're genuinely interested in pursuing the bartending profession, you'll definitely find ways to mix cocktails behind the bar.

The path through bartending school

There are two certifications you can earn in Germany to successfully complete bartender training. The IHK offers the certificate "Barmixer" as well as "Barmeister." To earn the first, though, the prerequisite is having already completed training in the restaurant and hotel industry and having at least one year of professional experience in these areas. After three years of professional experience, the Barmeister certification becomes possible.

What does bartender training look like?

Bartender training generally involves a combination of theoretical instruction and practical experience. The exact process can vary depending on the training program, but generally the training includes the following steps:

1. Theoretical foundations: In the early stages of training, aspiring bartenders are taught fundamental knowledge about different drinks, spirits, cocktail recipes, and mixing techniques. Topics like workplace safety, hygiene regulations, and service principles are also covered.
2. Practical training: After the theoretical instruction comes practical training at a bar. Here, aspiring bartenders have the opportunity to develop their skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. They learn how to properly mix drinks, handle glasses correctly, serve customers, and create a pleasant atmosphere.
3. Deepening skills: Throughout the training, the skills and knowledge of aspiring bartenders are continuously expanded. They learn special techniques like flair bartending (acrobatic mixing) and advanced mixology to prepare sophisticated cocktails. Learning how to handle difficult situations and efficiently manage orders is also part of it.
4. Internship or professional experience: Many training programs include an internship or a phase of professional experience. Here, aspiring bartenders have the opportunity to apply what they've learned in a real work environment and gain valuable practical experience. This allows them to further improve their skills and position themselves in the job market.

What are the course contents for the bartending profession?

• Product and beverage knowledge
• Cocktail knowledge and sensory training
• Speed training
• Show mixing
• Accounting
• Business and legal studies
• Technical English and French

How long does bartender training take?

The training duration to become a bartender can take up to six months and varies depending on the bartending school you choose to attend.

Where can you complete bartender training?

Barschule Rostock, Barschule Munich, as well as Pro Destillate in Koblenz are good places to complete bartender training in Germany.

How much do bartenders earn?

Bartender salaries can vary depending on factors like experience, location, type of bar, and hours worked. Bartenders typically earn a base salary that's often supplemented by tips. Tips can make up a significant portion of their income.

According to statistics, the average annual salary of a bartender ranges between $40,000 and $60,000. In popular bars and upscale restaurants, however, experienced bartenders can earn even more. Bartenders also often have the opportunity to further boost their skills and income through competitions, events, or working at upscale bars.

What's the difference between a barkeeper and a bartender?

The difference between a barkeeper and a bartender mainly comes down to geographic and linguistic usage of the terms. In the US, the term "bartender" is commonly used, while in the UK and other English-speaking countries, the term "barkeeper" is more common.

Aside from this linguistic nuance, though, there are no meaningful differences in the tasks or skills associated with either term. Both barkeepers and bartenders are responsible for preparing drinks, serving customers, taking orders, and mixing cocktails. Bartenders at the best cocktail bars have broad knowledge of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, are creative, and have strong communication skills to provide excellent customer service.

Checklist: Is bartender training right for me?

A checklist can help you determine whether bartender training is a good fit for you.

• Interest in drinks and mixology: Are you fascinated by different drinks, their flavors, and the art of mixing? Do you enjoy discovering and creating new cocktails?
• Communication skills: Are you a communicative person who enjoys interacting with customers? Can you present yourself in a friendly, professional way and create a pleasant atmosphere?
• Creativity: Are you resourceful and do you enjoy developing new combinations and presentations of drinks? Can you express your creative side in cocktail preparation?
• Flexibility and stress resistance: Are you willing to work in a dynamic and sometimes hectic environment? Can you work efficiently under pressure and stay calm in stressful situations?
• Team skills: Can you work well in a team and coordinate with other staff at a bar? Is it important to you to work in a collaborative environment?
• Working hours: Are you willing to work evenings and weekends, since the bar and hospitality industry is often open during those hours?

If you can answer these points positively, it's a good sign that bartender training could be a great fit for you.

The bartending profession - what you need to know

Going to bartending school is a great way to pursue your dream of becoming a bartender. However, you should be aware that this profession isn't right for everyone and should be a well-considered choice.

You need to be clear that your working hours will usually differ from those of your friends and family, which can limit your social life somewhat. Working weekends and holidays is part of the bartending lifestyle. But as with all professions: good organization is key!

For those who want to learn to mix cocktails on the side and learn more about spirits, cocktail classes and tastings are also a great way to get a closer look into the world of cocktails. That way, you can find out whether the bartending life is right for you or not.