Have you ever watched the bartenders mix drinks and wondered if a special school exists for bartenders? Well, I have discovered that you don’t need to attend any school to become a bartender.
Learn here how to mix drinks like a pro bartender with no prior bartending experience.
Even though there are schools you can attend, you can ditch them to become a bartender still. Pro bartenders advise not to attend those schools. Just get a mentor and you are good.
With little ado, here’s your guide to landing a bartending job as a complete and total newcomer.
Table of contents
How to Become a Bartender Even with no Experience
These are the ways to become a bartender with no experience. Read and follow through.
#1. Read
Even if you wish to attend a bartending school, you need to practice at home before school resumes. Learn the slangs as well.
Here are some important books to add to your collection and begin reading.
#2. Attend Bartending School
Bartending school will fast track you to acheive this goal.
In bartending school, you’ll learn the basics, including mixology. Similarly, you learn the etiquette needed in this profession.
An example of a bartending school is The Nimble Bar and Co.
#3. Get a Bartending Certificate
This is not required in all states, but you can leverage on this, especially if you do not have any experience.
In order to receive a license, you need to reach the minimum age of serving alcohol in a public place and this differs by state.
In addition, you have to be familiar with laws and penalties regarding minors, Identifying the stages of customer intoxication and how to handle them, among others.
If you are going for an online course, ensure it is state-approved.
This way, you can become a bartender with no experience.
#4. Become a Barback
Actual bartenders usually advise those who want to become bartenders without experience to start as a barback. One advised not to waste funds in schools but invest that time in becoming a barback.
A barback requires no experience, just the willingness to work. You will basically be an assistant, and this puts you in a good position to observe and learn
#5. Start at a Resturant Bar
Another way to get behind the bar as a bartender with no experience is to start at a restaurant bar.
The benefit of taking this route is that they have training programs for you. They will also train to mix drinks to their standard.
Similarly, they provide a smaller environment to practice.
#6. Find a Bartending Mentor
As you seek employment, look out for bartenders who are willing to train you.
They will train you with their wealth of experience that cannot be taught in the classroom.
#7. Learn how to Pour Drinks
You need to learn how to pour drinks correctly to achieve a balance between liquor and the mixer. This is essential to master if you wish to become a cocktail lord. You can invest in small bartending tools and start practicing at home. The jigger is one tool to buy as a beginner.
#8. Practice Mixology
Once you’ve mastered the art of pouring, the next step in becoming a bartender with no experience is to practice making your own cocktails.
You may start from gin and tonic recipes, to more complicated mixes.
Although it is not everyone who becomes a mixologist, an understanding of how to make cocktails is important.
#9. Badge the Job
Write an imposing bartender resume and apply for that job. It is ours already!
Conclusion
Becoming a bartender requires more than learning how to mix drinks. Customer relations is a skill required, including multitasking. You’ll mix drinks, keep the bar clean, ensure sufficient stock of drinks, and monitor the customers so they don’t leave without paying. In worse cases, argue and destroy things in the bar. So, you need to be on your toes at every instant.
In conclusion, follow these tips above and learn how to become a bartender without experience.
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