Being a bartender is often glamorized as a rockstar-like gig, where the night is always young, and the drinks are endless. But behind the bar, there’s a unique blend of skill, personality, and grit that makes a truly great bartender. Here’s a deeper dive into the commandments that every bartender should live by.
1. Be a People Person
The heart of bartending lies in understanding people. It’s not just about mixing drinks; it’s about reading the room, engaging in small talk, and intuitively grasping your customers’ needs. Sure, your cocktail-making skills are crucial, but what really keeps people coming back is the way you make them feel. A pretentious or distant demeanor won’t do you any favors. Remember, your ultimate goal is customer satisfaction.
2. Defy the Bartender Stereotype
There’s a common misconception that bartenders are all about wild parties and heavy drinking. While some may embrace that lifestyle, bartenders are a diverse group with varying interests. You don’t have to be a party animal to excel behind the bar. Whether you’re a homebody who enjoys a quiet night in with your cat or a nerd with a passion for mixology and bartending books, there’s room for everyone in this profession. Being true to yourself will resonate with your customers just as much as your drinks do.
3. Be Precise and Pay Attention to Detail
Details matter more than you might think. A perfectly mixed drink can be ruined by a poorly chosen garnish, a chipped glass, or the wrong background music. Customers notice these things, and they can significantly impact their experience. Precision in your work, from the exact amount of lime juice to the correct garnish, shows professionalism and enhances the overall enjoyment of the drink.
4. Develop Your Palate
A great bartender is always tasting and experimenting. The only way to truly excel in mixology is to continuously refine your palate. Tasting ingredients, understanding flavor profiles, and creatively combining them is the cornerstone of making exceptional cocktails. Keep your taste buds sharp and your mind open to new flavor combinations.
5. Know Your Recipes
There’s no getting around it: you must know the classic cocktail recipes by heart. Whether it’s a Negroni, a Manhattan, or a Daiquiri, these are the foundations of your craft. And yes, there are a lot of them! But memorizing these recipes is non-negotiable if you want to earn the respect of your peers and customers alike.
6. Master the Art of Stress Management
Bartending is a fast-paced, high-pressure job where things can go wrong at any moment. But here’s the trick: your customers should never know that. Maintaining a calm demeanor and a poker face is essential, even when you’re juggling multiple orders, dealing with difficult patrons, or handling unexpected issues. The ability to manage stress while still providing top-notch service is what separates the pros from the amateurs.
7. Love What You’re Doing
Bartending can be tough—long hours, night shifts, and the occasional rude customer are all part of the job. But if you genuinely love what you’re doing, these challenges become more manageable. Passion for your craft can turn a tough night into a rewarding experience, providing a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to find elsewhere. Plus, bartending offers plenty of opportunities to flex your creative muscles and express yourself through your work.
8. Don’t Be a Lone Wolf
While it might be tempting to go it alone, bartending is a community-oriented profession. The best way to grow is by sharing your knowledge, discussing recipes, and learning from others. Visiting other bars, engaging with fellow bartenders, and being open to advice can significantly enhance your skills. Remember, sharing is caring, and the bartending community thrives on collaboration.
9. Embrace the Cleaning
Cleaning is an inevitable part of bartending—whether it’s glasses, bar tools, or even the floor and toilets. While it might not be the most glamorous part of the job, it’s essential. Embracing this aspect can even be meditative, offering a break from the hustle of the night. On those quieter or messier nights, you might even find yourself grateful for the simplicity of cleaning tasks.
10. Things you never talk about with you clients.
Politics, religion and their previous visit. Each of these topics can lead to uncomfortable or contentious situations, which can quickly spoil the vibe at the bar.
Politics is one of the most divisive topics in any social setting, and a bar is no exception. People often have strong opinions about political issues, and discussing them in a public space, especially one where alcohol is involved, can quickly escalate tensions.
Religion, like politics, is a deeply personal topic that can evoke strong emotions. Discussing religious beliefs at the bar can lead to uncomfortable situations, misunderstandings, or even offense, especially in a diverse setting where patrons may come from various religious backgrounds.
Last but not least by avoiding references to previous visits, you respect your customers privacy and ensure that each experience feels fresh and unencumbered by past interactions. Moreover, some patrons prefer anonymity and might not appreciate being reminded that they are remembered, particularly if they visit multiple bars frequently.
As a bartender, your role is to keep the atmosphere light and enjoyable.
Bartending is more than just mixing drinks—it’s about mastering a blend of skills, from customer service to stress management, all while maintaining a deep passion for the craft. By following these 10 commandments, you’ll not only serve great drinks but also create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back.
Learn more about how to become a bartender, what age requirements there are and how the licensing works.
