About Bartending

Bartenders first began honing their craft thousands of years ago. and being a bartender is more than just making drinks. At the heart of most nightlife or socialization, a bar often is where people gather and the bartender is truly the master of ceremonies, the one who keeps everyone refreshed plus entertained.

Identification

Bartending is the activity of serving drinks at a bar or pub. The person who tends the bar is called a bartender. These drinks can be both alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages and may include wines, beers, soft drinks, cocktails, etc. A bartender may or may not be the owner of the bar he tends. Bartending may also include responsibilities other than just serving the drinks.

History

Bartending seems to have begun in ancient times. There are records of bartenders in Asian, Greek and Roman societies. We get the word pub from public drinking houses, which were where people socialized. Through the 14th century, most bartenders were the owners of the pubs and made their own liquor.

Function

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, provides extensive detail on the typical job requirements faced by bartenders, and in some states you have to get a certificate to be a bartender. According to BLS, bartending includes taking drink orders either directly from patrons at the bar or through waiters/waitresses. They need to check the identification of the customers and make sure they meet the minimum age criteria.
Bartenders always have a vast range of drinks that there can prepare. In addition, bartenders must be fast and accurate. They also prepare garnishes for drinks; maintain an adequate supply of ice, glasses, and other bar supplies; and keep the bar area clean for customers.

Warning

Bartending represents the image of the bar to the public. If the bartender is courteous, it might result in good business for the bar. It takes a lot of skills to handle people, such as when a customer is intoxicated. Saying no gracefully to a customer after he has had enough is also considered a part of bartending responsibility.

Theories/Speculation

At some bars, bartenders are supposed to provide some entertainment or interact with the customers. Good bartending should include good listening skills as some people want a shoulder to cry on or ask for some advice. Other unofficial duties of bartenders can include remembering the names and drink choices of regular clients.
Having knowledge of nightlife in the city also provides an edge to the bartender. Know about local events, interesting places to visit in the city, good nearby restaurants, special local places etc. Also let the owner/managers of those places know that you refer people to their place.

Considerations

Bartending is not only about knowing your job well but also about making your customers feel good about being at the bar. Like any other job where you deal with people, bartending is also about giving a welcoming feel to the customers. Give them a reason to come back you, and they will make your business grow.

Expert Insight

If you aspire to be a bartender, you have several options. For more tips and continual learning, go to a bar and watch the bartender closely. There you can learn by watching and in some cases serving as a barback first.
There are also bartending schools that offer detailed courses in everything that you may need to know to be a bartender.

Resources

• Comprehensive Guide of Bar Drinks
• National Bartenders Association