How To Become A Bartender

Step 1: Take Relevant Courses in High School

Aspiring Bartenders can start preparing for this career by taking classes related to food service and hospitality. Some high schools offer classes in Food and Nutrition, Food Service, and related topics.

Step 2: Consider Earning a College Degree

A college degree is not required to become a Bartender. However, a degree can increase your career prospects by demonstrating your commitment to developing new skills and knowledge. Bartenders may also gain the training needed to manage and supervise others. For example, earning an Associate’s Degree in Business Management or a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration can help Bartenders climb the ranks and take on more responsibility.

Step 3: Complete a Mixology Program

Most employers prefer to hire Bartenders who have completed some type of training in Mixology. While not common, some community colleges offer Associate’s Degrees in Mixology. Mixology courses are also available at vocational schools and private institutes. Students who complete a Mixology course may receive a certificate.

Aspiring Bartenders may also complete online training programs. Online programs typically include access to training videos, learning material, tests, and interactive quizzes. Students who enroll in Mixology courses learn common drink recipes and how to prepare them. Bartenders must know how to measure liquids and use different mixing and pouring techniques to create the right taste. Most Bartenders practice in their spare time to become more comfortable with mixing and pouring drinks.

Step 4: Gain Work Experience in the Hospitality Industry

Many employers look for Bartenders who already have customer service experience. Most Bartenders start with entry-level jobs in the hospitality industry. Common jobs include Busser and Barback.

Bussers work in the restaurant and catering industries. They are responsible for setting and clearing tables, transporting dirty dishes to the dishwashers, and assisting the waitstaff. They may not frequently interact with the bar staff but still receive experience in a relevant setting.

A Barback assists the Bartenders. As with the Busser position, Barbacks are responsible for cleaning up messes and transporting dirty glasses to the dishwasher. They help take some of the pressure off the Bartenders so that they can focus on mixing drinks and serving customers.

Working as a Barback is the most direct path to becoming a Bartender. Barbacks work closely with the Bartenders and learn more about their responsibilities. They learn common Bartender lingo, how to deal with customer requests, and the right types of glassware to use for different drinks.

Step 5: Attend a Responsible Server Course

Most states require Bartenders to take a responsible server course. The course often focuses on alcohol laws and best practices for responsible serving. It is not a bartending training program. Students do not learn how to mix drinks. Students need to be old enough to serve alcohol in their state before enrolling in the course. In most states, the minimum age for serving alcohol is 18 or 21.

After completing the course, students may receive a certificate or a license. Some states may require you to retake the course or renew a license every few years.

Step 6: Look for Bartender Positions at Smaller Restaurants

Aspiring Bartenders may need to find their first bartending jobs at smaller establishments before gaining the experience needed to work at trendy bars. Candidates face higher competition for bartending positions at upscale establishments and in major cities. Common employment opportunities for first-time Bartenders include working at the bar at a local restaurant, lounge, airport, movie theatre, hotel, or convention center.

As every bar has different policies and procedures, Bartenders learn through on-the-job training. An experienced Bartender may show new workers the ropes before they can work unsupervised. The on-the-job training process varies for each employer. For example, some employers develop training videos, written tests, instructional booklets, or online programs. However, the training typically only lasts several weeks.

Step 7: Advance Your Career or Look for Work in Bigger Cities

After gaining work experience in a smaller setting, Bartenders can start looking for career opportunities in larger venues, such as upscale restaurants, lounges, and bars. They may also look for bartending jobs in bigger cities with more competition from experienced Bartenders.