Preparing shots and cocktails is not as simple as it seems. Being a great bartender providing a top-notch service is pretty demanding; still, many things make this job attractive. Besides the financial aspect, which will grow according to your experience and skills, there is also customer contact and a relaxed work atmosphere. That’s why people often wonder, is there a possibility of becoming a bartender without any prior experience?

All bartenders were newbies who started their careers from scratch. The answer to the previous question is yes, but you should be ready to learn a lot and develop both professional and soft skills. You need them because you will work with different types of clients.

Be Early Bird

Bartender newbies must prove themselves in front of colleagues and managers. And getting to work on time, or a bit earlier, is an excellent recommendation. If you manage to get something done before the shift, e.g., clean the glasses or the bar, that’s a big plus.

Focus on Service

Excellent service can make up any shortcomings. For example, if you have prepared a cocktail with the wrong ingredients, a gentle smile and offering a free drink replacement can solve the problem. Clients want to feel comfortable, and bartenders sometimes have to make small compromises to achieve this.

Always Professional

You are here because of the guests, not the other way around. Therefore, you need to maintain a high level of professionalism, culture, and discretion. What you see, you don’t see; what you hear, you don’t hear. Don’t say your opinions out loud. Never judge and act in a way that makes people feel bad. If someone orders something you don’t have on the list, politely offer an alternative.

Work on Yourself

Experienced bartenders have their own specialties, i.e. cocktails they invented. It’s not just a random combining of ingredients until you get a drinkable mix. It is an art that needs time to learn and perfect. Stay up to date on the latest trends in the world of mixology. Follow the new cocktail preparation and serving methods. Be innovative and engaging; customers will know to appreciate that.

More about mixology read on the link below:

https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-mixology-759941

Don’t Afraid to Ask

Familiarize yourself with everything you serve, not just the drink list and ingredients from your bar. You need a good knowledge of the complete offer of your workplace, so you can answer questions or provide some explanations – for example, which food and cocktail are right combinations. It takes time to remember all the information; so don’t hesitate to ask experienced colleagues for advice and help. Guests always believe the recommendation of a charming bartender.

Do Your Best

As a beginner in business, you need to show your diligence. If you aren’t busy behind the bar, polish glasses and shakers. Practice cocktail preparation (if you have extra ingredients). Replace empty bottles regularly, refill ice machine, and replenish supplies. Leave your shift clean in every sense (bar, cash register, documentation).

Leave Stress at Home

A bartender is a host of the bar. Their mood significantly affects customers. The moody and cheerful person behind the bar will cheer up the guests as well, while the frustrated and depressed bartender is not a pretty sight to see.

Communicate

Communication with colleagues must be clear in order to prevent ordering errors. Also, you have to interact with customers; among other things, it’s a particular skill that can get you a good tip. A few smart and kind words do wonders. Still, try to keep that talks short; you are a bartender, not shrink.

Tips Are Sanctuary

Unfortunately, stealing colleagues is a bad practice that often happens in tipping. If you are new in bartending, your ‘stake’ in the tip jar is minimal. You still don’t have enough experience and skills to attract and animate customers. But slowly, these will come with time. Let your colleagues decide the part of the tip you’ll have until you get into the business a bit. Check here how to earn more tips.

Enjoy Your Job

To be the best at whatever you do, you have to love that job. Being a bartender, it’s not just about making drinks. It’s about giving people comfort, support, or compassion in your way – with a delicious cocktail and friendly chit chat.