Professional Bartending As A Career

Bartending professionally requires a pretty specific skill set. Some say the most important qualification for being a good barkeep is exceptional social skills. Bartenders do best when they use humorous, friendly, borderline flirtatious attitudes. The truth is, most people become more social when they're drinking. It would only make sense, then, that they would want a bartender who can joke around with them, and even join them in conversation. When a customer feels as though the bartender is "one of them," they generally tip much better. As a bartender, your income depends heavily on what tips your customers give you. The second most important prerequisite for being a bartender is having a detailed memory. A barman or barmaid, as a general rule, simply does not have the time to be writing down orders or looking up mixed drink recipes. In order to be successful, they must be able to instantly recall the steps and ingredients necessary to make any drink the customer orders. The longer it takes to make the drinks, the less money is made.

If you're a female bartender, then walking the fine line between friendly and too friendly can be monumental. While it is important to have that unique personality many experienced bartenders are known for, being too flirtatious with men who have been consuming alcohol can be very dangerous. Due to the late hours when bars close, the poor lighting in most parking lots, and the state of mind of many of the patrons, it's often recommended bar employees do not walk alone to their vehicles. Many bar managers and owners make it their policy to escort barmaids to their vehicles. It's also important to keep an eye on customers while they are in the establishment. Bartenders need to keep mental notes on how many drinks each patron has had, as well as any suspicious behavior. Responsible, professional bartending may also mean having to refuse alcohol to an already intoxicated customer, or perhaps even asking a customer to leave the premises if they start to become aggressive.

Professional bartending will never leave you feeling as though it was "just another day at the office." The people you'll meet will have amazing stories, as well as create a few new ones with you. There will be many laughs and tears, and rarely a dull night. If you can avoid the risks, as well as avoid falling into the trap of drinking every night, then you'd probably do quite well providing bartending services in an American bar, pub or tavern.