Learn to Bartend

Bartenders are the aristocrat of the working class, Doug Coughlin Cocktail. The profession has often had an appeal that is unlike many others. The most common misconception is that the job is easy. Though the job isn’t easy, with the right attitude it can be fun and financially rewarding. As a woman, the job offers some pros and cons that are not shared with your male counterparts.

The first and most important characteristic in being a successful bartender, male or female, is personality. I don’t care how fast you are, how cute you are, or how well you can mix a drink. If you have no personality or worse, you’re a jerk, having a career as a barkeep will be short lived. This does not mean you need to be overly nice or overly proper. The formality will depend on the culture of the bar. Beyond that, you’ll need to be personable and able to communicate with all walks of life.

The second most important quality is hygiene and grooming. You need to be clean and look it. Even if you work in the proverbial “dive” bar, you are still handling a consumable and need to be clean. Your grooming will also be dictated by the formality of the bar. Maybe you can wear a low-cut blouse and tight pants at your particular watering hole or you are required to wear a buttoned up uniform. Either way, your hair should be well managed and out of the drinks and your fingernails should be clean especially if you have long nails.

Money makes the world go ’round and in the world of the bartender, cash is king. Though the use of plastic has steadily increased, cash is still the language of the bar. To that end, you’ll need to make sure your money handling skills are very sharp. Always take time to count your cash. I cannot stress this enough. Make sure you always keep your draw closed when not in use, hide or secure your tips, and never use the honor system. When you are behind the bar, you are in charge of the room, the bar and the business for the night. Act accordingly.

A great bartender will know how to make most common drinks without looking them up, which scotch to recommend and how sweet or dry the white wine will be. Basically, you should be very familiar with what you are serving or what you have available. Fortunately, your knowledge does not have to be from personal experience. Reading literature or asking around can usually help your knowledge base increase. Not only will this make you more efficient, but it will help your gratuities increase.

More than any other time in history, people are impatient. We have access to all sorts of information and convenience that was unheard of just a few years ago. This has caused a marked cultural shift. We hate waiting. To that end, the world has become quite automated and impersonal. Consequently, we are essential ignored, which makes up more impatient. If someone wants a drink, it is usually with the intention to engage in a leisure activity. Combat both of these cultural phenomena with one vital tip. Make eye contact with your patron as quickly as possible. Even if you can’t get the drink or even the order right away, connect with the patron. He will not feel ignored and it will increase the patience level exponentially. Great bartenders are nothing if they aren’t efficient.

In years past, many bars and restaurants would shy away from hiring female bartenders. It was often thought of as a place unsuited for women. Fortunately, there has been a 180 degree turn around to that line of thinking. Women are now encouraged to pursue the field because of the universal appeal to bar patrons. The preceding tips will be the tools you need to find career happiness in the wonderful world of bartending.