Thanks to great reception from the industry, these days a bartender is not just a waiter behind the bar.

He is the friendly guy who knows your drink, your mood and always remembers your name. And yes, there are plenty of women bartenders too...

Learn the Art

Bartending is a strange mix of art, science and technique. It not only keeps you young and contemporary with the rest of the world but also gives you a great environment in which to work. It allows you the flexibility and a chance to directly interact with guests - a chance to showcase your knowledge and skills!

An important aspect of bartending is a sense of taste and vision. Not only does your cocktail have to taste good, it has to look good too! Work with different spirits until you get your mix right. After all, everyone loves a good cocktail. Spike your bartending skills with a touch of flair bartending.

Flair bartending involves the throwing / juggling of bar tools such as shakers and liquor bottles in tricky, dazzling ways. Flair bartenders also play with fire. The action requires skill due to the danger involved from breakage and possible burn injuries.

Often, bartenders have to face customers who are drunk, are rude and easily lose their temper. Whatever the reason, a bartender must never be provoked. Always be patient with customers / guests, however obnoxious they may be. Never lose your temper. Instead use humour to disarm a particularly offensive guest.

Bartenders work late and long hours and have to be constantly on their feet. This requires a lot of self-discipline and motivation. Make sure you get adequate rest and relaxation. And yes, keep your passion to mixing drinks. Don't take to drinking them!

Learn Your Cocktails

Bartending is part of the curriculum at most hotel management institutes. Here students are encouraged to work part-time at a bar to hone their skills. There are a few private institutes that also teach bartending. Not to mention various hotels, restaurants and lounge bars that hold interactive bartending workshops for those who would like to take it up as a hobby or a part-time profession.