How to Go to Bartending School

Bartenders are key players in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Tending bar allows for a flexible schedule combined with good money. One of the best ways to get a good bartending job and be a good bartender is to attend a bartending school.

Instructions

1. Find a bartending school licensed in the state you live in. Professional Bartending Schools of America offers bartending schools licensed in each state (see Resources below). If you live in New England, DrinkMaster Bartending School in Boston may be a good option for you.

2. Choose between online and live classes. Online classes may be cheaper, but you may not learn as much as from live classes, or employers may not accept your online classes. However, you can do online classes easily if your life is very busy. Live classes offer networking opportunities, and you may learn more from a live instructor.

3. Budget your finances and time carefully. Live classes may require you to give up a week of your time (or the equivalent of 20 to 30 hours of classroom time). In addition, quality bartending classes will cost a few hundred dollars.

4. Complete the bartending course. The core requirement is a "mixology" course that explains the different types of liquors and brands and teaches you to make various cocktails. You will also take courses on beer and wine, bar setup, safety, legal considerations, management of transactions and gratuities, presentation techniques and many other topics. Classes take place in spaces equipped like cocktail lounges so that you can become familiar with the bar environment and equipment.

5. Get your diploma and licenses and start looking for a great bartending job. See if your bartending school can help you with resources and contacts.

Resources

• Professional Bartending Schools of America
• DrinkMaster Bartending Schools