A bartender cheat sheet is a document that bartenders keep behind the bar covering some basic things that are likely to come up during their shift. Most importantly, it usually contains recipes for basic drinks, which we'll cover below.
In fact, most bartenders do NOT know all drinks. Instead, they know what's on the menu in the bar that they work in as well as some of the more popular drinks. Learning every single drink would be a waste of time for most bartenders. Most bars have a set menu and most customers only order popular drinks.
They got the drink slingers' opinions on everything from customers' orders to bar manners, and while some results aren't surprising, others might have you rethinking your cocktail of choice. Lest you think you were just being paranoid, 81 percent of bartenders will change their opinion of you based on your drink order.
Some people wonder how many drinks a bartender needs to learn to make when they learn this profession. The International Bartenders Association (IBA) has an official list of 77 drinks. Those drinks are seen as the true drink selection that can be requested at a bar.
You have to not only be courteous to customers; you also have to offer them some courtesy from time to time. Especially to those who are regulars at the bar. This is an important part of the golden rule. When we talk about courtesy, we refer to a drink or liquor.
Among the many faux pas, don't ever yell, click your fingers — or even wave them. Bartenders hate that.
1. Thou shalt never get so drunk that you can't count the money. Bartenders are often encouraged to drink a little during their shift, whether because a regular wants to buy them a shot or the staff needs a morale booster.
The hardest part of this job is that no matter whether you are having a bad day, or going through something, whenever you sign in to start work, you have to face it, and you have to face it from the very first day. All you have to focus on is looking after the customers to make them happy.
All in all, each person has their challenges in being a sober bartender. But the good news is, more and more people are pulling it off—and having very successful careers without drinking. Many of those who bartend sober say they feel far healthier—and even better at their job—because of it.
“The human interaction is what makes bartenders feel like they're people too. You might run into a gruff bartender who doesn't want to chat, but most are pretty outgoing people. They wouldn't be in this industry if they didn't like talking to strangers.”
If the bar is not busy, requesting that the bartender surprise you with a cocktail can often add a bit of creativity to an otherwise slow shift. But if the bar is jammed, people are clamoring for drinks, and the menu does not ask you to call out a “dealer's choice,” do not do this.
Aside from serving a mean drink, bartenders are expected to be able to carry on a conversation with their customers. It's not just a trope, and a server can't just dive into a social interaction blind. After all, you will want to say all of the right things to ensure a repeat customer.
Every rookie bartender should adopt the mantra “slow is smooth, smooth is fast.” Spilling liquor, over-pouring and ruining a drink, breaking a glass, or slicing a finger aren't only embarrassing consequences of trying to do too much, too fast, they'll also eat up a bartender's valuable time during a busy night.
It is a position that calls for a specific set of abilities, such as the capacity to mix cocktails, pour shots, and serve beer. Bartending can be difficult and stressful, despite what some people may believe.
Bartending can be mentally taxing. Bartending is physically demanding. You'll work in a demanding, high-pressure environment. You'll work late nights – and your weekends won't be your own.
Because we expend most of our social energy at work, bartenders often need quiet time on our days off. This can be hard when you're dating a new person. They often expect you to be the fun-loving, energetic bartender personality that they first met, and it can be disappointing when your off-duty vibe is much different.
Bartenders tend to be predominantly enterprising individuals, which means that they are usually quite natural leaders who thrive at influencing and persuading others. They also tend to be conventional, meaning that they are usually detail-oriented and organized, and like working in a structured environment.
Being social, outgoing, and friendly will help a bartender succeed, sell more drinks, and keep customers happy. Keep in mind that being friendly and outgoing are very important; the underlying job of a bartender is to sell drinks.
Everything from why you shake, when you muddle, to the practicalities of the job, and what we call the five 'P's of world class service: pride, passion, preparation, professionalism and presentation.
A number of other bartenders shared their private codes, revealing how different numbers' meanings varied across countries. The code "900" meant there was a couple on a date where the man was likely to tip well because "he's showing off." (Unsplash)
Using the four-count method, a 1.5-ounce pour is 3 counts using a pour spout. That means you'll start pouring and say “one one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand” and stop.
“I usually spend that time with my team to brainstorm cocktail ideas. Also, revisit old classics and test my team on their knowledge. A lot of times I go over my admin work or set up a research/study station. And there is no better way to pass time at a slow bar than to get everyone to clean!!
Ultimately, cutting someone off is at the bartender's discretion. In general, though, protocol says that if you spot someone who's over their limit, you should stop serving that person alcohol, hand over a glass of water, close the tab and call a cab.