Have you ever been to a bar where the service was painfully slow, the bartender seemed completely overwhelmed, or they simply didn’t know how to make the drink you ordered?
Those experiences can put a damper on a night out, right?
That’s exactly why we’ve decided to devote an entire article to the essential skills every successful bartender needs to have.
See, many aspiring bartenders jump into this role thinking it’s just about pouring drinks, but this job is quite demanding and requires a unique blend of talent.
The kind of blend that will take your bartending game from amateur to all-star, ensuring you not only land the job but also thrive in it.
Want to know what that blend of skills is? Keep on reading!
People Skills
Most people, when thinking about what does a bartender do, think straight to working nights and weekends, making fancy cocktails, and raking in big tips.
While that’s not entirely untrue, first and foremost, bartending is all about people.
Your ability to engage with customers, make them feel welcome, and create memorable experiences sets you apart as a bartender.
This skill not only keeps your boss happy by retaining customers but also boosts your tips.
As one bartender put it, “People need to like you, or you’re missing out on an extra 100-200 per shift.”
Multitasking and Prioritization
Bartenders juggle multiple tasks at once.
Meaning: You need to be able to mentally multitask while holding conversations, making a drink, and cleaning, all at once.
Also, prioritizing tasks is yet another essential skill to have as a bartender.
Knowing what needs immediate attention and what can wait is what will keep your bar running flawlessly.
Efficiency and Organization
The next thing you need to master is minimizing the number of steps you take and consolidating your tasks.
Work as efficiently as possible as you travel from one end of the bar to the other, as this will minimize wasted movement and maximize your time spent interacting with customers.
In doing so, never forget to keep your workspace clean and organized at all times. This guarantees swift service and eliminates needless hold-ups.
Product Knowledge
A successful bartender needs to have a well-rounded knowledge of drinks, including spirits, wines, beers, and cocktails.
Knowing what goes into each drink, how to mix them properly, and being able to recommend drinks to customers is what levels up your bartending game and makes all customers feel like regulars.
And isn’t that the point of this job?
Customer Service
Excellent customer service is all about creating a welcoming atmosphere and addressing customer needs promptly.
In other words, the ability to handle difficult situations calmly and professionally is a must for all bartenders.
For instance, seasoned bartenders will tell you there’s an art to managing intoxication. It’s about knowing when to keep the drinks flowing and when to call it a night.
Sometimes, a good bartender needs to gently suggest someone has had enough, even if they don’t necessarily want to hear it.
Physical Stamina and Endurance
Bartending is physically demanding; there’s no doubt about it.
It involves long hours of standing, lifting heavy items, and constant movement. That means you need to be able to do just about anything and everything physically.
To keep up with the demands of the job and maintain your energy throughout the shift, it’s advisable that you develop a consistent workout routine, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.
A little goes a long way in building stamina and preventing fatigue during those long shifts.
Stress Management and Adaptability
The bar environment is known to be chaotic and stressful, especially during peak hours.
That’s why you must keep a cool head no matter what, and you must always be willing to learn something new.
But what does the willingness to learn something new have to do with stress management, you ask?
The experienced will tell you that a growth mindset, where you’re always open to picking up new skills and techniques, can often help you adapt to unexpected situations and stay calm under pressure.
Take, for instance, a customer who orders a drink you’ve never heard of before.
Learning that new recipe on the fly not only solves the immediate problem and keeps the customer happy, but it also expands the bar’s repertoire and potentially attracts new customers who appreciate a wider selection.
It’s a win-win situation for all!
Conclusion
As you can see, while a successful bartender needs to possess a well-rounded skillset, adaptability reigns supreme.
This skill is the cornerstone that allows you to excel behind the bar and empowers you to connect with a diverse clientele, handle unexpected situations with ease, and continuously learn and grow as a bartender.
Remember, the most memorable nights are often the ones where you think on your feet and keep the drinks flowing—all with a smile. So go off and do just that!
