How to Be a Successful Bartender

Bartending is a fast-paced, fun job where you can make fast cash if you have the right skills and personality. Take these tips to heart, and you'll have more tips in your pocket in no time at all!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Determination
• Knowledge of drink recipes
• Patience
• Personality

1. Know your drink recipes. Any successful bartender will tell you that memorizing cocktail and shot recipes is essential to being a successful bartender. If you are a bit shaky on some drinks, buy a cocktail recipe book, make flash cards and memorize as many recipes as you can.
2. Invent a few signature drinks. While this may seem hard, it's easy once to invent a new cocktail once you have memorized traditional cocktail recipes. By adding a different liquour or mixer, you reivent the flavor of an old favorite. Ex: Make a watermelon margarita by adding a splash of watermelon liquour to traditional margarita recipes.
3. Get to know your regulars. Regular bar customers can make or break you. Learn their names and what they drink, and you will already be on your way to making friends with some of the most loyal tippers you can have!
4. Don't be afraid to talk to customers. Friendly bartenders will always make better tips than those who are quieter, rude or just plain shy. Try telling a joke, asking someone how their day is or just talking about the weather to get a conversation started. After all, the longer a conversation lasts, the more your customer will drink, and the more tips you will make!
5. Smile. This may seem minor, but when new customers are coming into your bar, a smiling bartender will be far more inviting. Also, smiling will project warmth and happiness that is sure to create a good atmosphere in the bar.
6. If you don't know something, ask. If a customer orders a cocktail you have never heard of, ask him what's in it or offer to make him something else. As long as the cocktail you don't know isn't a standard recipe, most customers will be flexible about choosing another drink.
7. Don't be afraid to cut people off of alcohol. An overly intoxicated person can ruin a bar atmosphere in no time at all. If you feel someone has had too many, simply tell him that you aren't going to serve him any more. If the customer refuses to listen or take "no" for an answer, tell him: "You can leave now on your own and come back tomorrow. Or, I will get someone to drag you out of here and you will never be allowed back again." This line is a true savior of many successful bartenders!

Tips & Warnings

• Be familiar with where all the bar supplies are, including backup alcohol bottles, beer kegs, napkins and straws.
• Try to stay up on current events, such as sports, politics and local news. These topics always make great conversation at bars.
• Learn a few funny jokes that you can use to amuse customers with during slow points in your shift.
• Avoid drinking on shift because it will may make you make mistakes with register or cocktails.