Crafting Success: Skills Every Bartender Should Master

From the clinking of glasses to the artistry of crafting perfect cocktails, bartending is about much more than just serving drinks. It's an experience. However, becoming a successful bartender requires a unique blend of skills that go beyond mixing a mean margarita. From mastering the art of mixology to navigating bustling crowds, this blog delves into six essential bartender skills that you'll need to master to make your boss happy and maximize your tips.

#1: Mixology Knowledge

Mixology is one of the first things that come to mind when you say "bartender skills." It's what rookies often focus on, and although it's far from the most important skill, it is fundamental.

At first, you'll want to focus on mastering your mixology techniques and how they're best applied. It would help if you learned how to shake and stir, but also when to do each. Learning the "why" can turn seemingly arbitrary rules into common sense, so we suggest you focus on deeper understanding rather than memorizing the steps.

#2: Customer Service Skills

Customer service, for bartenders, is the number one determiner of income. Your tips depend on how happy you make customers.

This includes:

• Greeting everyone warmly
• Reading body language to know whether to chat or leave them be
• Keeping an eye out for people who need your attention
• Being proactive with refills and the bill
• Acknowledging that you see new customers even if you can’t help them immediately
• Learning about regulars to make them feel seen
• Graciously handling complaints
• Knowing how to defuse tension and de-escalate conflict

Your ability to multitask, which we’ll discuss below, will also impact how customers perceive your service.

#3: Beverage Trends

Beverage trends in bartending will vary from season to season and year to year.

There are seasonal beverage trends that will impact what is in demand, the supplies you need to keep on deck, and what inventory will move quickly.

Then, there are the latest beverage trends. These will vary by target audience and change over time. Keeping up with these larger trends can help you know what to suggest when customers ask, as well as what kinds of signature drinks you should have on the menu.

#4: Cleanliness

Food safety is a crucial part of any business that serves food or beverages, which means that cleanliness is a key bartender skill.

Food contact surfaces need to be sanitized to prevent the spread of foodborne illness, and your station needs to be clutter-free to prevent hazards to your own safety. Even your hygiene is an important part of the picture. You’ll probably get more tips if you’re well-groomed and presentable, but for food safety reasons, your hair needs to be pulled back, and your hands need to be clean.

Some jurisdictions require servers to complete food safety training, but even when it’s not a regulatory requirement, you can benefit from developing your food safety skills. Check out the food handler courses on our sister site.

#5: Multitasking

Working behind a bar requires juggling a variety of related tasks at once. You might need to take orders while mixing drinks, handle payments while making small talk with customers, and fulfill multiple orders at once without losing the plot.

Being able to multitask and do it accurately will lead to an efficient workflow, faster service, and more satisfied customers. And all of that? Adds up to more money for you and the business.

#6: Responsible Alcohol Service

As a bartender, you’re responsible for following your jurisdiction’s alcohol laws. In some jurisdictions, you can be held civilly or even criminally liable for serving minors or intoxicated persons, should they go on to harm themselves or someone else.

That’s why responsible alcohol service is one of the smartest bartender skills you can cultivate. You need to know how to prevent direct sales to minors, recognize third-party sales, and judge when a patron needs to be refused service.

Our online TIPS courses provide practical strategies and tips for avoiding the illegal sales that will get you in hot water. In many jurisdictions, TIPS courses count toward state-approved responsible alcohol training. Learn more about the laws in your state and enroll today!