Interested in becoming a bartender? Maybe you love going out and would enjoy getting paid to be in your favorite type of environment. Or, maybe you have an interest in mixology and want to learn how to make different cocktails. It’s also possible that you’ve heard bartending pays quite well.
Whatever your motivation, if you’re wondering how to get started in bartending, this guide can help you learn more. Whether you’re new to working or thinking about a career change, it’s helpful to learn how to become a bartender to determine if it’s the right career for you.
If you’re ready to start, here’s what to know about how to become a bartender.
Why Do People Want to Become Bartenders?
People choose bartending for many reasons. Some enjoy the fast-paced setting and the chance to meet new people every day. Others like learning to make different drinks or being part of a close team. Plus, it can be a great choice for those who don’t have a bachelor’s degree.
Bartending can also offer flexible hours, which is helpful for students, parents, or anyone working another job. For those who want to grow in hospitality, an industry that is projected to grow faster than other industries, bartending can lead to other roles like bar manager or event coordinator.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh start or a fun way to earn income, there are many good reasons to explore becoming a bartender.
Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Job
While bartending can be quite fun as is often portrayed in movies and online, the job can be challenging when you’re first starting. A bartender does more than just pour drinks. They talk to customers, take orders, follow drink recipes, and clean their work area.
They also check IDs and handle money. Most importantly, they close the bar well after it closes, meaning late nights.
Learning what a bartender does will help you see if it’s the kind of job you’d enjoy. Bartenders generally work as part of a team, stay on their feet, and keep things moving during busy hours. So let’s dig into what the job really entails.
Step 2: Learn the Basics
You will need to know common drinks, glass types, and bar tools, including how to use shakers, strainers, and jiggers.
If you’re wondering how to be a bartender, basic knowledge of the most popular cocktails, like margaritas, martinis, and cosmopolitans, is a good place to start. You don’t need to memorize everything, but knowing the basics can help you feel more confident.
Step 3: Get Some Training
Some people take a short bartending course to learn more. These courses usually teach drink recipes, safety rules, and customer service tips. You can find in-person classes or study at home through an online course at a school that offers vocational learning, like we do at Stratford Career Institute. This can be a great first step if you’ve never worked in a bar before.
While you don’t need a license in most places, some states require alcohol safety training. Be sure to check your local laws to see what’s needed.
Step 4: Start in a Beginner Job
If you don’t have any experience, you might not start as a bartender immediately. You could begin as a barback, server, or food runner. These jobs help you learn how a bar works and allow you to move up.
People who want to know how to get into bartending often start by supporting the bar team. That gives you hands-on experience and shows managers that you’re serious. If you keep showing up and doing a good job, you’ll likely have a better chance of moving into a bartending role. That’s one of the best ways to understand how to get into bartending.
Step 5: Build People Skills
Bartenders talk to many different people, so you need to be friendly, patient, and ready to help. Even when the bar is busy, staying calm and polite is important. Working well with others and being a team player make a big difference.
Customers remember excellent service. Treating people with kindness makes them more likely to come back, which helps the whole bar.
Step 6: Be Ready to Keep Learning
You won’t know everything on your first day. That’s okay. Bartenders are constantly learning by doing, watching others, and making mistakes along the way. The more shifts you work, the more comfortable you’ll feel.
If you’re wondering, “What does it take to be a bartender?” The answer is simple: it takes practice, patience, and a good attitude. Most skills can be taught, but showing up ready to learn matters, too. Anyone who wants to grow in this job should remember that bartending is mostly about showing effort every day.
Start with a Strong First Step
If bartending sounds right for you, getting some training can help you feel more prepared. We offer a flexible, at-home bartending course where you can learn about drinks, tools, safety, and customer service at your own pace, on your own time.
Whether you’re just starting out or are thinking about a new job, Stratford’s course gives you a simple way to begin. No experience required, you just need the motivation to learn.
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