How to Be Bartender/Mixologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 6, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Being a bartender or mixologist can be rewarding, as it provides an opportunity to create new and exciting drinks, engage with customers, and stay on top of the ever-evolving bar culture. There are a number of skills needed to be successful in this role, including knowledge of spirits, liqueurs, mixers and garnishes; the ability to listen and take direction; a creative approach to creating drinks; and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. With the right set of skills, bartenders and mixologists can cultivate a loyal customer base and make a positive impact on the bar industry. In turn, this often leads to greater job satisfaction, better tips, and more job opportunities.

Steps How to Become

Learn the Basics. Start by understanding the basics of bartending and mixology, such as the different types of liquors, spirits, liqueurs, and mixers, and learn how to mix them into delicious cocktails.
Take a Bartending Course. Consider taking a bartending course at a local community college or vocational school. This can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful bartender or mixologist.
Get Certified. Once youve learned the basics and have taken a bartending course, you may want to get certified. There are several different certifications available, such as the Certified Professional Bartender (CPB) or the Certified Mixologist (CM).
Practice. Now that youve got your certification, its time to put your skills to use. Start practicing making cocktails in your own home or find a local bar or restaurant that will let you practice with their ingredients.
Network. Networking is key when it comes to finding a bartending job. Make sure to attend industry events and join professional organizations, such as the United States Bartenders Guild (USBG).
Get Experience. Once youve gotten your foot in the door, start gaining experience. Look for opportunities to work in bars, restaurants, and other establishments that are looking for experienced bartenders or mixologists.
Market Yourself. Once you have some experience under your belt, start marketing yourself. Create business cards and a website to showcase your skills and experience, and start reaching out to potential employers.
Keep Learning. Bartending and mixology are constantly evolving fields, so make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. Consider taking continuing education classes or attending seminars to stay ahead of the game.

Efficiency and reliability are two key elements of a successful bartender or mixologist. Being organized, having a system in place and knowing the layout of the bar are core components that help ensure that orders are taken quickly and accurately. possessing proper knowledge of different types of alcohol, garnishes, and flavors is essential for a bartender to be able to efficiently make drinks and manage customer expectations.

Having a good understanding of common recipes and techniques can also help to speed up the delivery process. By mastering these skills, a bartender or mixologist can provide reliable and efficient service to their customers.

You may want to check Mobile Bartender, Alcohol Mixologist, and Lead Bartender for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers, answer their questions, and make suggestions for drinks.
Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in accordance with standard recipes.
Check identification of customers to verify age requirements for purchasing alcohol.
Stock and restock bar with supplies such as liquor, beer, wine, ice, glassware, napkins, and other items as needed.
Clean and organize the bar area to ensure cleanliness and compliance with health and safety regulations.
Take orders from customers and serve beverages according to customer requests.
Operate cash registers to process customer payments.
Monitor customer alcohol consumption and intervene when necessary to prevent over-consumption or disturbances.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of available drink menus and specials.
Ensure that all beverages served meet quality standards.
Make recommendations for pairings of drinks with food items.
Create and promote new drinks and cocktails.
Develop and maintain relationships with customers.
Record drink orders accurately and promptly deliver them to customers.
Follow all applicable laws and regulations related to the sale of alcohol.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including ingredients, brands, and recipes.
Ability to mix drinks quickly and accurately.
Knowledge of bar tending tools and equipment.
Ability to interact professionally with customers.
Excellent communication skills.
Knowledge of customer service principles and practices.
Ability to adhere to health and safety regulations.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to troubleshoot product or equipment issues.
Ability to upsell drinks, snacks, and other items.
Ability to handle cash transactions accurately.
Ability to multi-task and stay organized.
Ability to lift and carry heavy items such as bottles and boxes.

Mixology is an important skill for a bartender or mixologist to have. It involves understanding the different flavors and aromas of different types of drinks, such as cocktails, spirits, wines, and beers. Knowing how to combine different ingredients to create unique and delicious drinks is a key part of the job.

A good mixologist also needs to have excellent presentation skills, a creative eye for detail, and the ability to multitask when dealing with multiple orders. The ability to keep organized, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and handle customer complaints in a professional manner are all other key skills. Having a thorough knowledge of drink recipes and liquor laws is also essential.

These skills help to ensure that the bartender or mixologist provides their customers with the highest quality drinks and an enjoyable experience.

Bar Tender Trainer, Draft Beer Technician, and Taproom Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the bartending and mixology industry?
How do you handle customer service challenges?
What techniques do you use to create unique drink recipes?
How would you handle a situation in which a customer wants to order a drink that is not on the menu?
Describe the steps you take to ensure the cleanliness of your work station and equipment.
What kind of measures do you take to ensure customer safety?
What is your experience in handling cash transactions?
What methods do you use to memorize drink recipes?
Describe your experience in restocking and ordering supplies.
How do you stay up-to-date with current trends in the bartending and mixology industry?

Common Tools in Industry

Cocktail Shaker. A tool used to mix alcoholic drinks by shaking them. (eg: Shaking a martini)
Muddler. A tool used to mash fruits and herbs in order to release their flavor into drinks. (eg: Muddling mint for a mojito)
Jigger. A tool used to measure precise amounts of alcohol for cocktails. (eg: Using a jigger to measure 1 oz of vodka for a martini)
Mixing Glass. A tall glass used to stir cocktails with a bar spoon. (eg: Stirring a Manhattan in a mixing glass)
Hawthorne Strainer. A metal strainer designed to fit over the rim of a mixing glass or shaker and strain out ice and other ingredients. (eg: Straining a shaken martini with a hawthorne strainer)
Bar Spoon. A long spoon with a twisted handle used to stir cocktails. (eg: Stirring a Manhattan with a bar spoon)
Juicer. A tool used to extract juice from fruits and vegetables. (eg: Juicing lemons for a margarita)
Zester. A tool used to shave the zest of fruits such as oranges and lemons into cocktails. (eg: Zesting an orange for an old fashioned)
Citrus Peeler. A tool used to scrape the zest off of citrus fruits. (eg: Peeling a lemon for a gin and tonic)
Ice Pick. A tool used to break down large chunks of ice for use in cocktails. (eg: Breaking down an ice block with an ice pick)

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Bartenders Guild
International Bartenders Association
Nightclub & Bar Media Group
The Professional Bartending Schools of America
European Bartender School
National Restaurant Association
American Distilling Institute
British Institute of Innkeeping
National Association of Bar Executives
BarSmarts
National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
National Liquor Law Enforcement Association

We also have Bar Chef, Bouncer/Security Guard, and Bar Supervisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Mise en Place. A French phrase meaning putting in place. It is the bartenders process of organizing and preparing all ingredients, garnishes, and equipment before service.
Barback. An assistant to the bartender, responsible for stocking, cleaning, and running errands.
Garnish. Anything added to a drink to enhance its appearance and flavor. Examples include citrus wedges, olives, and maraschino cherries.
Mixology. The art and science of creating drinks, including the proper measurement and combination of ingredients to create a balanced cocktail.
Shaker. A container used to combine ingredients and chill them quickly by shaking.
Jigger. A small measuring tool commonly used in bartending to ensure accurate measurements.
Float. Pouring a spirit or other ingredient on top of a finished drink instead of mixing it in.
Muddling. Using a muddler (a bartending tool) to press and mash herbs, fruits, spices, and other ingredients against the side of a glass or shaker to release their flavors.
Blending. Combining two or more drinks together in a blender for a smooth, creamy texture.
Strainer. A tool used to separate liquids from solids, such as ice cubes from a finished drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What qualifications are required to become a Bartender/Mixologist? A1: To become a Bartender/Mixologist, individuals typically need to have a minimum of 6 months of experience in the hospitality industry, knowledge of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and a good understanding of customer service. Q2: What skills do Bartenders/Mixologists need? A2: Bartenders/Mixologists need excellent customer service skills, knowledge of a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and the ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment. Q3: What are the duties of a Bartender/Mixologist? A3: The duties of a Bartender/Mixologist include taking orders, preparing and serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, keeping track of inventory, and providing excellent customer service. Q4: How much do Bartenders/Mixologists typically make? A4: The average hourly wage for a Bartender/Mixologist is around $11.50, but this can vary depending on location, experience, and other factors. Q5: How long does it take to become a competent Bartender/Mixologist? A5: It typically takes around 6 months of practice to become a competent Bartender/Mixologist. However, the amount of time it takes to become an expert in the field can vary depending on individual experience and skill level.

Web Resources

Bartender/Mixologist, McKay's at USC usccareers.usc.edu
Bartending/Mixology - Community College of Allegheny County shopcommunityed.ccac.edu
Crescent School | Mixology Classes | Become a Top crescent.edu