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

Jun 3, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The rise in popularity of stand-up bartending has had a significant effect on the hospitality industry. With the ability to create unique and customized drinks, stand-up bartenders are able to create an interactive, engaging experience for customers. This in turn has resulted in an increase in customer loyalty and sales growth for restaurants, bars, and other hospitality businesses.

The increased demand for stand-up bartenders has also pushed businesses to invest in more specialized training and certification programs, which help ensure that customers receive a quality experience each time they visit a bar or restaurant. Furthermore, the need for stand-up bartenders has caused many businesses to focus on the design and layout of their bars, making them more inviting and comfortable for customers. As a result, the hospitality industry is becoming more competitive and offering more innovative experiences than ever before.

Steps How to Become

Obtain the necessary certifications and licenses. Most states require bartenders to have a license in order to legally serve alcohol. Contact your local government office to find out what licenses are required in your state.
Get trained. Many bartending schools offer courses in stand-up bartending, which includes learning how to make popular drinks, handle different types of customers, and provide excellent customer service.
Gain experience. To become a stand-up bartender, you'll need to have some experience behind the bar. Consider working as a busser or barback at a local bar or restaurant to get started.
Stay current on trends. Take some time to research the latest trends in drinks and cocktails. This will help you stay ahead of the competition and impress customers with your knowledge.
Network with other bartenders. Connect with other stand-up bartenders and exchange tips and advice on how to be successful.
Practice your skills. Take time to practice your stand-up bartending skills, such as pouring drinks quickly and accurately and creating unique cocktails.
Promote yourself. Once you have the necessary skills and experience, create a portfolio of your work and promote yourself online and at local bars and restaurants.

Being a skilled and efficient stand-up bartender requires a combination of knowledge, experience, and physical agility. To begin, bartenders must have a comprehensive understanding of beverage types, recipes, and techniques that are needed to create drinks. they must be able to quickly identify liquors and mixers, as well as how to pour accurately.

Experience is also key, as it allows bartenders to both anticipate customer needs and develop an eye for detail when assembling drinks. Finally, stand-up bartenders must be able to remain standing for long periods of time, move quickly and smoothly between customers, and lift heavy items such as cases of beer. When these elements come together, bartenders can become highly efficient and provide excellent customer service.

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Job Description

Greet customers and take orders
Prepare alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks according to recipes
Check identification of customers to ensure they are of legal drinking age
Clean and stock bar area
Collect payment from customers
Maintain accurate records of drinks served
Comply with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations
Make recommendations to customers on drinks and food pairings
Monitor customers for signs of intoxication
Answer questions about menu items, drink specials, and promotions

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of alcoholic beverages and drink recipes
Excellent customer service and communication skills
Ability to multitask and work quickly in a fast-paced environment
Attention to detail and accuracy
Good math skills for accurately measuring and pouring drinks
Self-motivation and the ability to work independently
Cleanliness and organization of work area
Ability to lift heavy items
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Knowledge of health regulations and safety standards

Having the right skills as a stand-up bartender is essential to running a successful bar. An important skill to have is the ability to multitask. This includes being able to quickly and accurately take orders, manage cash, and efficiently prepare drinks.

Good customer service is also essential, as it will create a positive and memorable experience for customers. Furthermore, a stand-up bartender must be organized and have knowledge of the menu options and pricing. Being able to anticipate customer needs can help make the experience even more enjoyable.

Taking the time to learn about different alcoholic drinks and how to best serve them is also important. Lastly, having good communication skills and being able to work well as part of a team are essential for any successful stand-up bartender. With the right skills and a great attitude, a stand-up bartender can make any bar or nightlife establishment a success.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a stand-up bartender?
How do you handle difficult customers?
What techniques do you use to interact with customers in a positive way?
What strategies do you have for upselling and creating strong customer relationships?
How do you handle multiple orders at once?
How do you manage time and prioritize tasks while tending bar?
What safety protocols do you follow when handling alcoholic beverages?
What steps do you take to ensure customer satisfaction?
How do you stay current on drink trends and recipes?
What do you think separates a great stand-up bartender from an average one?

Common Tools in Industry

Bottle Opener. A tool used to open bottles of beer and other beverages. (eg: Churchkey Bottle Opener)
Ice Scoop. A tool used to scoop ice from an ice bin. (eg: Winco Ice Scoop)
Jigger. A measuring device used for accurately pouring spirits. (eg: OXO Steel Double Jigger)
Muddler. A tool used to muddle fruits, herbs, and spices for cocktails. (eg: OXO Muddler)
Bar Spoon. A long-handled spoon used to stir drinks. (eg: Final Touch Twisted Bar Spoon)
Corkscrew. A tool used to open wine bottles. (eg: Rabbit Corkscrew)
Cocktail Strainer. A tool used to strain out ice and other ingredients from a cocktail. (eg: Hawthorne Cocktail Strainer)
Citrus Reamer. A tool used to extract juice from citrus fruits. (eg: OXO Citrus Reamer)
Bar Knife. A sharp knife used to cut garnishes and slice fruit. (eg: Victorinox 8-Inch Bar Knife)
Cocktail Shaker. A container used to mix ingredients for cocktails. (eg: OXO Steel Cocktail Shaker)

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Bartenders Guild (USBG)
International Bartenders Association (IBA)
National Bartenders Association (NBA)
Professional Bartending Schools of America (PBSA)
National Restaurant Association (NRA)
National Association of Bar Executives (NABE)
American Bartenders Association (ABA)
International Association of Professional Bartenders (IAPB)
Society of Professional Bartenders (SPB)
International Bartenders and Mixologists Association (IBMA)

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Common Important Terms

Mixology. The art and science of creating cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.
Barback. A barback is a person who assists the bartender with various tasks such as stocking, cleaning, and restocking the bar.
Flair Bartending. Flair bartending is a type of showmanship bartending in which the bartender performs tricks such as bottle-juggling and flipping in order to entertain the customers.
Bar Menu. A bar menu is a list of drinks, food, and other items available at a bar or restaurant.
Garnish. A garnish is a decoration or accompaniment to a cocktail or other beverage, typically consisting of a fruit, vegetable, or herb.
Blending. Blending is the process of combining different ingredients in order to create a unique flavor.
Muddling. Muddling is a technique used in bartending to crush fruits and herbs in order to release their flavor into a drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stand-up Bartender?

Stand-up Bartender is an online bartending school that offers courses in mixology, bar management, and beverage service.

How long does each course take?

Each course varies in length, depending on the level of instruction. Most courses are 8 weeks in duration.

What topics are covered in the Mixology course?

The Mixology course covers topics such as cocktail recipes, bar tools and equipment, drink preparation techniques, bar math, and responsible alcohol service.

Does Stand-up Bartender offer certification?

Yes, Stand-up Bartender offers a Certified Bartender Certification upon successful completion of the Mixology course.

Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in a Stand-up Bartender course?

No, there are no prerequisites for enrolling in a Stand-up Bartender course. However, it is recommended that students have a basic understanding of bar operations before enrolling.