How to Become a Bartender

Bartending is a great way to earn extra money. There can be negative aspects to bartending including late nights and having to turn away customers who have had one too many drinks. Nevertheless, learning how to bartend can make you the life of the party, that is if you don't mind mixing work with pleasure. Following are some steps to help you break into bartending.

Instructions

1. Enroll in a bartending class. These classes usually run for two hours each and take place fives times a week for close to a month. At the end of the class you will have to make all the typical drinks for the instructor. Some instructors give you a list a drinks to make in a certain time period to see if you can handle the pressure.

2. Join an online bartending school if you do not have the time to attend a class. These classes are geared toward memorizing how the drinks are made. These classes are usually at your own pace.

3. Check to see if local bars are offering positions with on-the-job training. Bars will train you to become a bartender and then may hire you after you are trained. Sometimes they will have you shadow one of their bartenders before you manage the bar yourself.

4. Practice, practice, practice no matter which route you take. A good bartender knows how to make the most requested or popular drinks, while also keeping up to date with new drinks.

Tips & Warnings

• When you begin bartending, don't be timid or afraid to cut someone off. It is your responsibility to keep your customers safe.

Resources

• An online bartending school.
• Directory of bartending schools.