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Step 1
Be prepared. Allow adequate time to set up your bar. Even the best bartender will fail if he has to keep running to find supplies. A minimum set-up should include liquor bottles, mixes, cut fruit (limes, lemons, olives and cherries), glassware, ice, bar napkins and stirs.
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Step 2
Multi-task. The best bartenders are able to do more than one task at a time. For instance, they can be pouring a cocktail while taking the next person's drink order.
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Step 3
Engage your guests. Bartending is more than just pouring drinks. Bar patrons like to interact with the bartender. Even if you're busy, it's wise to greet and talk a bit to your guests. You can do this while making drinks, if necessary.
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Step 4
Clean as you work. No one wants to sit down at a sticky or messy bar. Make sure the bar is wiped clean repeatedly as you work. It's also a good idea to put everything back where you found it. Having to continually search for items will slow you down.
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Step 5
Consider a class. If you're serious about bartending as a full or part-time career, consider taking a mixology course. Such courses last around four to six weeks and cover the basics of making drinks, managing a bar, dealing with patrons and using the correct barware.
