World Bartender Day is an international celebration on February 24th dedicated to honoring the skills and contributions of bartenders worldwide.
It’s a day to appreciate the mixologists who create our favorite cocktails and play an integral role in our social experiences. From crafting classic drinks to inventing new flavor combinations, bartenders are artists in their own right. Today, patrons are encouraged to show appreciation through generous tips and kind words. So next time you enjoy a perfectly mixed drink, remember to raise your glass to the barkeep!
The Origin of the World Bartender Day
World Bartender Day honors the age-old bartending job, which started in the 1400s and first appeared in Rome, Greece, and Asia. The job got more respect in the 1800s when Jerry Thomas made special cocktails popular in New York City and wrote the book ‘Bartenders Guide.’ Despite the challenges of Prohibition in the U.S., bartenders persevered, and today, they can be found serving drinks at bars, pubs, and nightclubs all around the globe.
Created in recent years, this day probably started with a cocktail contest called The Perfect Blend in Australia and New Zealand.
Ideas to Celebrate this Day?
We’ve listed below some good suggestions for making your World Bartender Day festive:
- Host a Bartending Competition: Organize a friendly competition among friends or colleagues. Have participants create their signature cocktails and judge them based on taste, presentation, and creativity.
- Visit a Local Bar: Support your locals by visiting a favorite bar or trying a new one. Take the opportunity to chat with them, learn about their craft, and maybe even ask them to whip up a special cocktail for you.
- Mixology Class: Sign up for a mixology class or workshop to learn the art of cocktail-making from professionals. Celebrating the day while honing your skills is a fun and educational way.
- Cocktail Party at Home: Host a cocktail party at home and invite friends to enjoy a selection of homemade cocktails. Get creative with margaritas and other mixed drinks. Experiment with different recipes!
- Social Media Shoutouts: Show your appreciation by sharing posts on social media using the hashtag #WorldBartenderDay. Share your favorite stories, photos, or videos, and tag your favorite bars and bartenders.
- Tip Generously: If you’re out at a bar or restaurant, be sure to tip your barman generously to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
- Send a Thank You Note: Take the time to send a thank you note, message, or email to your favorite bartenders, expressing your gratitude for their skill, hospitality, and the memorable experiences they’ve provided.
Bartending as A Career? Check our Online Mixology Courses
Learning the art of crafting cocktails is now easier than ever with online mixology courses. These offer the flexibility to learn from home and at your own pace. Online mixology courses often include video tutorials, written guides, and quizzes to help you grasp the fundamentals of mixology.
Here at DrinksWorld.com, we offer a variety of fantastic courses ranging from our Bar Basics course for beginners to our comprehensive Mixology Certification course. The best part? You can access these courses on your phone to enhance your skills wherever you have internet access.
Another benefit of enrolling in an online mixology course is gaining access to a wealth of resources, such as recipes, tips, and information about different types of alcohol. These resources will deepen your understanding of mixology as you hone your skills.
FAQs
- What are other names for a bartender? Other names include:
- Barkeep
- Mixologist
- Barman (for male bartenders)
- Barmaid (for female bartenders)
- Bar chef
- Cocktail server
- Beverage Specialist
- Drink slinger
- Tapster
- Beverage consultant
- What are the 5 P’s of bartending? Bartenders often focus on the 5 P’s—Preparation, Precision, Personality, Presentation, and Professionalism—to ensure they deliver excellent service and quality drinks to customers.
- How much to tip a bartender? Tipping around $1-$2 per drink or 15%-20% of your total tab is standard etiquette.
- What is Bartender Appreciation Day? Bartender Appreciation Day is a celebration on the first Friday of December to honor the hard work bartenders do to make our time at the bar enjoyable. It was established in 2011 by Sailor Jerry Rum.
- Who’s the best bartender in the world? This is determined through the annual competition known as the World Class Global Bartender of the Year, where professionals from 55 countries showcase their skills. In 2023, Jacob Martin from Canada was announced as the best bartender of the year.
