Looking into Bartending...?

Question

Right now I'm working as security at a bar in Pittsburgh. I want to open up my own place eventually and want to learn what I can. I meet the age limit and am very willing to learn. But searching the web, I found websites with tons of mixed drinks on it. Do I really need to learn all these drinks, or just a few basics? Or would I have a recipe guide on hand? I understand that some nights may be awesome and some would turn out making no money at all, but it's sort of a learning experience.

So what should I do about bartending school?

I've read into the comments and some other questions but can I just go down to the town hall and file for a bartender's licence? Or is there some other process I need to go through?

Answer 1

So I have bartended for years and this is what I have learned. Learn all of your basic drinks...you should know how to make a Cosmo, most people do things like gin and tonic, vodka and cranberry. I also learned very quickly if they want to drink it they should know what is in it. Don't be afraid to ask the person ordering what is in that drink. Everytime we go some place new that has great mix drinks I copy the recipies either by asking or looking at the drink menue to see what is in them. If you are opening up a place it is good to have a signature drink, try new things. What works at other places? I would copy drinks and add my own twist. Also the Mr. Boston bar guide is not a bad thing to have under the counter. The book is easy to use in fast situations, has a lot of drinks and alternate names for them.
I did not go to bartending school and I have worked with people who have and honestly I can say that I know more, so they can throw the bottle 900 ways, 2 is good enough for me and I can make some killer drinks. As long as you can remember things, talk with people, make good drinks, and make them look good you are in there. Good Luck I hope this helped.

Answer 2

Bartending school is a waste of time if you ask me. I think you learn better by doing. So jump behind the bar with an experienced bartender who is willing to show you the ropes. Thats what i did and I like to think im a pretty good bartender. You defintely need to memorize the basic drinks/shots, that's part of the job, but as far as memorizing every drink that would be impossible. When I bartended I knew a lot of drinks but you're always going to get a patron who throws you a curveball. Don't be shy and just ask politely "ive never heard of that! whats in it?" If theyre not a jerk they will be happy to tell you, they want their drink made right! You'd probably have a book behind the bar to help you too! Good luck and have fun! Thats what bartending is really all about.

Answer 3

Bartending faculties are a waste of time and cash. Nobody hires their 'graduates'. There is tons of employees already looking forward to bartending jobs in authentic golf equipment and eating places. They exhibit you the best way to make beverages with coloured water. You maybe higher off operating in a kitchen, then operating your approach up.

Answer 4

there is no license and yes bar tenting school is a waste of money and time. start with your basics then improve your product knowledge. many slack jaw bartenders will tell you jack Daniels is a bourbon, its not. if you have a passion for the trade you will continue to try to educate yourself and improve your skills. dale degroff does a book on bar tending and how to balance a drink flavor, that should help

Answer 5

just learn the basics and then keep a cheat sheet for the others

Answer 6

use a phone book, then simply call random places. they'll tell ya