Becoming a professional bartender is a career path open to anyone with a passion for hospitality and mixology. This field involves much more than simply mixing drinks; a bartender is a complete professional with knowledge of various beverages, customer service, and business operations.
The bartender: Beyond the cocktail
Many people wonder if there is a difference between a bartender and a barman. The answer is often regional. Barman is the British English term, while bartender is the American English version, with the latter being more widely used. Other titles exist, like mixologist or bar chef, each with unique specializations. Regardless of the name, what truly defines a professional is the set of skills they possess.
A professional is not just a cocktail maker. In a modern sense, a bartender is a versatile professional with a complete knowledge of all liquid products, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. They must be able to serve customers at all times of the day. This means being capable of making a great cappuccino, a delicious non-alcoholic drink, or a vegan smoothie, along with having basic knowledge of fermented products like wine and beer.
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Your first steps into bartending
The path to becoming a barman or bartender is accessible to everyone. There are no barriers to entry; it is an open road for anyone with the desire to learn and get involved. Many people think that having attended a hotel management school is a must, but this is not the case.
This knowledge can be gained through dedicated study at a good bartending academy (such as Spirit Lab London) or school. There are no specific legal licenses to work as a bartender, aside from mandatory health certifications. However, this does not mean you can start working from scratch without any knowledge.
Having skills that align with international standards is of the utmost importance for this job. These skills are acquired through quality training courses. A certificate from a recognized academy is often the best business card to present to an employer.
The case for a professional course
Many aspiring bartenders believe they can learn the trade on their own, a common mistake that often leads to poor work habits and limited career success. Preparing drinks is a blend of art and science, and becoming a great bartender requires more than just flair and creativity.
Knowledge and technique are also required to achieve the right flavor balance while optimizing time, consumption, and costs. Inexpensive online courses or web tutorials can only provide a general idea of the subject.
A primary issue you might encounter is studying with incomplete or even incorrect information. Furthermore, this is a hands-on profession that requires coordination, method, and practice. These qualities can only be developed under the supervision of an experienced trainer.
To become a professional, it is highly recommended to dedicate time to training through a serious bartending course at a certified academy. In a professional school, you can gain basic skills through theoretical and practical courses.
More advanced and specialized courses can further expand your professional knowledge. These comprehensive courses prepare you for the demands of the modern bartending industry.
Acquiring essential skills
A bartender’s skills are varied and encompass both theory and practice. A good training course should start with the history of bartending to help you understand the origins of what is being served today.
The next step is the study of goods, which are the raw materials you will use to make your drinks. This includes everything from spirits to juices, spices, fruits, and salts. Proper knowledge of ingredients is key.
After this, you will proceed to study equipment and necessary tools, along with pouring, preparation, and service techniques. This rich theoretical and practical journey will allow you not only to prepare the most popular drinks in the world but also to create your own recipes.
Finding work as a bartender
The primary advantage of working as a bartender is its marketability. The profession is in high demand worldwide, particularly in tourist-oriented areas. The placement rate for graduates from top schools is often high.
As with all jobs, your resume is the starting point. In addition to work experience, you should highlight your specific skills, the courses you have taken, your language skills, and willingness to travel.
If you are starting from scratch without experience, the best way to get connected is to take a course and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the academy, such as job offers and partnerships with local establishments.
The secret to success
The difference between a good and a bad bartender lies in the willingness to keep learning and improving.
Many people make the mistake of thinking they have “arrived” after taking a basic course, which is wrong. Today’s market requires versatile skills and continuous updates.
You must train, learn about new trends, new types of customers, and new products. This is the only way to achieve constant growth that will lead to great professional satisfaction.
Another important ability for a bartender is the capacity to manage social relationships. Communication is a key aspect of this job and is expressed in many different ways. The bar counter is like a stage. The customer receives constant messages from the way you are dressed, how you move, and how you welcome them. Verbal and non-verbal communication basics are taught in the courses of the best schools.
However, it is also recommended to visit bars and observe how the best professional bartenders behave.
The final piece of advice is to fully immerse yourself in this world by reading and exploring. You can participate in trade shows and specialized events to gain more knowledge.
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