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

Dec 10, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The main cause of an event bartenders job is to serve drinks to guests. This often involves taking orders and mixing cocktails, pouring beers, wines, and liqueurs. As a result, an event bartender must possess a wide range of skills and knowledge to be successful.

This includes having a good understanding of different types of beverages, the ability to work quickly and accurately in a fast-paced environment, and the capacity to interact and communicate effectively with customers. event bartenders must maintain an organized workspace, practice safe and sanitary food handling procedures, and adhere to legal guidelines regarding the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages. they must also be knowledgeable in handling cash, managing payments, and providing excellent customer service.

With all these skills, an event bartender can ensure that guests have a pleasant and enjoyable experience at any event.

Steps How to Become

Research the qualifications and duties of an event bartender. Familiarize yourself with the basics of bartending, such as mixing drinks, serving customers, and adhering to liquor laws.
Obtain a bartending license, if required by your state or local authority. Some jurisdictions have restrictions on the age and other qualifications for obtaining a license.
Take a bartending course or program. There are many courses available online and in-person that can help you learn the basics of bartending and prepare you for working in an event setting.
Gain experience as a bartender in a bar or restaurant. This will give you a feel for typical bartending duties and customer service.
Contact event planners, catering companies, and private event hosts to inquire about available positions. Be sure to explain your qualifications and experience.
Attend job interviews and be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge and skills as a bartender.
Follow up with prospective employers after the job interview and take any steps necessary to secure the job.
Meet with employers before the event to discuss the details of the job and any special requirements or requests from the client, such as specific drinks or setup needs.
Arrive at the event with all necessary supplies and equipment, such as alcoholic beverages, mixers, ice, garnishes, cups, napkins, straws, etc.
Set up a bar area according to the event hosts instructions and prepare any necessary beverages or cocktails ahead of time.
Greet event guests and serve drinks in a courteous and professional manner.
Follow all applicable laws and regulations regarding the sale and service of alcohol.
Monitor guests to ensure they are not drinking excessively or underage and maintain a safe environment for all guests.
Clean up the bar area at the end of the event and ensure all alcohol is secured or disposed of properly.

As a bartender, it is essential to stay up to date on the latest trends, techniques, and regulations in order to provide efficient, quality service. Keeping informed of changes in the industry can be accomplished by regularly attending industry seminars, reading trade magazines and websites, and joining professional organizations. Doing so can help bartenders stay ahead of the curve and provide an edge in their field.

having a good understanding of customer preferences, liquor laws, and proper safety protocols is extremely important for a successful career in bartending. By taking the time to stay updated on all aspects of the business, a bartender can ensure they are providing the best possible service to their customers.

You may want to check Beverage Manager, Spirits Expert, and Lead Bartender for alternative.

Job Description

Greet guests and serve drinks according to company and state regulations.
Ensure all drinks are prepared and served according to company recipes and standards.
Monitor guests alcohol consumption, ensuring they do not become overly intoxicated.
Prepare and organize the bar area before and after events.
Stock and inventory the bar with necessary items.
Take orders from customers, mix drinks and serve them in a timely manner.
Clean and sanitize equipment, tools and glassware throughout the shift.
Accept payment from customers and return correct change when appropriate.
Provide excellent customer service by engaging guests in friendly conversations.
Remain knowledgeable about the bars menu offerings, special promotions, and discounts.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Ability to mix drinks quickly and accurately
Knowledge of state and local alcohol regulations
Ability to handle money and operate a cash register
Familiarity with standard drink recipes
Ability to serve customers responsibly
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Basic knowledge of food safety requirements
Ability to multitask and remain organized
Physical ability to lift and carry heavy items
Ability to recognize signs of intoxication
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays
Knowledge of sanitation and food preparation procedures

Having a good attitude and excellent customer service are the most important skills for a bartender to have. A bartender's job is to provide a great service to customers, so having a positive and welcoming demeanor is essential. Good communication skills and the ability to listen are also important.

Bartenders must be able to interpret customer requests correctly, while also giving them accurate information about drinks, as well as any other pertinent information that may be requested. Lastly, bartenders must know how to make all the drinks on their menu, as well as be able to suggest other drinks that may fit the customer's needs. Having good knowledge of alcohol and its effects on people can also be beneficial.

These skills will help a bartender provide excellent service to customers, create a pleasant atmosphere, and build a good reputation for their bar or restaurant.

Beer Pourer, Club Bartender, and Mobile Bartender are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How much experience do you have working as an event bartender?
What types of events have you bartended in the past?
What is your approach to customer service?
How do you handle busy events and multiple orders from guests?
How do you ensure that drinks are served safely and responsibly?
Are you comfortable setting up and breaking down a bar station?
How do you handle difficult customers?
Have you ever had to deal with a disorderly guest?
Do you have any experience with crafting specialty cocktails?
How do you handle working with a large team of other bartenders?

Common Tools in Industry

Cocktail shaker. A container with a strainer and two halves that can be used to mix ingredients together to create drinks. (eg: martini)
Jigger. A small, two-sided measuring cup used to measure out precise amounts of alcohol for cocktails. (eg: White Russian)
Muddler. A tool used to muddle (crush) fresh ingredients, like mint leaves or fruit, in the bottom of a glass. (eg: Mojito)
Bar spoon. A long-handled spoon used to stir cocktails. (eg: Manhattan)
Strainer. A metal tool with a mesh disc or perforated cup used to strain ice and other solids from a drink. (eg: Daiquiri)
Corkscrew. A device used to pull corks out of wine bottles. (eg: Pinot Noir)
Ice scoop. A scoop for transferring ice cubes from an ice bin into drinks. (eg: Margarita)
Bottle opener. A tool used to open beer and soda bottles. (eg: Pilsner)
Pourer. A metal device that fits over the top of a bottle and has a spring-loaded cap that helps control the flow of liquid into a glass. (eg: Whiskey Sour)
Citrus juicer. A tool used to squeeze juice out of citrus fruits. (eg: Cosmopolitan)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Professional Bartenders (NAPB)
United States Bartenders Guild (USBG)
Association of Professional Bartenders International (ABPI)
International Bartenders Association (IBA)
International Foodservice and Beverage Training Association (IFBTA)
Nightclub and Bar Media Group
American Bartenders School
The Bartending Academy
National Restaurant Association
American Culinary Federation

We also have Bar Porter, Specialty Cocktail Maker, and Bartender Hostess jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Alcoholic Beverage. A beverage containing ethyl alcohol (ethanol) as a primary ingredient. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits.
Mixology. The art and science of preparing and serving drinks, especially cocktails.
Cocktail. An alcoholic drink consisting of a spirit or spirits mixed with other ingredients, such as fruit juice or cream.
Mocktail. A non-alcoholic mixed drink.
Free Pour. The technique of pouring alcohol from a bottle or other container using an open hand, typically without the aid of a measuring device.
Garnish. A decoration added to a cocktail for flavor or aesthetic appeal. Common garnishes include olives, citrus wedges, and mint leaves.
Neat. A drink served without any ice or mixer.
On the Rocks. A drink served over ice.
Up. A drink served in a tall glass without ice.