Q&A for How to Become a Bartender

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I live in east Africa and we don't have bartending school. What can I do to become a bartender?

Tom Blake
Professional Bartender
Tom Blake is a Bartending Expert and the creator of the Crafty Bartending website. He has over 10 years of experience in the industry as a professional bartender, bar manager, and traveling bartender. Throughout his career, he’s worked in all sorts of venues & positions, and notably traveled his way through Europe, the UK, South-East Asia and Australia, all while bartending. He is the author of “The Bartender’s Field Manual”, which covers a myriad of topics, including bartending as a profession, the composition of alcohol and spirits, and craft cocktail recipes.

Tom Blake

Professional Bartender

Expert Answer

Online courses can help quite a lot, as can books. There are quite a few books I’d recommend you check out, such as The Bartender's Field Manual by Tom Blake, The Joy of Mixology by Gary Regan, and The Bar Book by Jeffrey Morganthaler.

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Question

My parents are against me becoming a bartender. How can I defend my decision to them?

Tom Blake
Professional Bartender
Tom Blake is a Bartending Expert and the creator of the Crafty Bartending website. He has over 10 years of experience in the industry as a professional bartender, bar manager, and traveling bartender. Throughout his career, he’s worked in all sorts of venues & positions, and notably traveled his way through Europe, the UK, South-East Asia and Australia, all while bartending. He is the author of “The Bartender’s Field Manual”, which covers a myriad of topics, including bartending as a profession, the composition of alcohol and spirits, and craft cocktail recipes.

Tom Blake

Professional Bartender

Expert Answer

Explain to them that being a bartender teaches you many valuable life skills and there’s a craft and skill behind it that you love and enjoy. There’s a podcast in particular the I’d recommend they listen to that can explain how the hospitality industry can be more than a ‘summer job’. Although the interviewee isn’t a bartender, (they are a sommelier) there’s a lot of overlap:

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Question

What are the first steps to becoming a bartender?

Tom Blake
Professional Bartender
Tom Blake is a Bartending Expert and the creator of the Crafty Bartending website. He has over 10 years of experience in the industry as a professional bartender, bar manager, and traveling bartender. Throughout his career, he’s worked in all sorts of venues & positions, and notably traveled his way through Europe, the UK, South-East Asia and Australia, all while bartending. He is the author of “The Bartender’s Field Manual”, which covers a myriad of topics, including bartending as a profession, the composition of alcohol and spirits, and craft cocktail recipes.

Tom Blake

Professional Bartender

Expert Answer

Write your resume, go to bartending school, then apply for barback and waiting positions.

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Are there instructional books about mixing drinks?

Community Answer

There are several books out there to tell you how to mix drinks, I have one called 10,000 drinks by Paul Knorr. It is a great book, it shows you almost everything you need to know.

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Question

Do I need a bartender's certificate before I can work in a bar, or will the bar certify me for the job?

Community Answer

This depends on the bar. Many bars require a certificate, but small neighborhood bars may let you get experience on the job. If you know other bartenders, they may be able to teach you the tricks of the trade and introduce you to bars that are hiring.

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Question

How do I find a bartending course?

Community Answer

You can search the internet for hospitality or bartending schools and classes.

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Question

I want to be a bartender, but I'm 18. Can I be?

Community Answer

The laws vary region to region. In some countries, and even some US states, you can be a bartender at 18; others require you to be 21.

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How can I practice bartending when I'm not of age?

StormyRocker 152

Community Answer

The best way to start is when you are at a family gathering. Ask people if you can to refill or replace whatever they are drinking.

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Which brands should be kept in a speed rack and why?

Community Answer

In my experience here in Australia, Jack Daniel, Jim Beam White, Bundy UP, Smirnoff, Captain Morgan's and Johnny Walker are kept closest to the prep area because they are the most commonly ordered. Vodka, Pimm's, Bailey's and similar should be kept in their respective tiered shelves further away. Things might be different in a cocktail bar though, where liquors and syrups would be closest to your preparation space.

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What is the qualification need to do bartending course?

Community Answer

Get a job in a bar, that is the best way to learn. The courses will teach you how to mix drinks in your own time, but when there is a bar full of people, taking your time is not the way. Head straight for a bar, even if it is just for one night a week.

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