if you want to be a bartender, you should know that it takes a little bit more skill and training to succeed than pouring a few shots and mixing a few simple drinks for customers. But like mastering anything hard, you have to start with the basics and build a foundation from which you can build off of.

So what are some of the most important basics that an aspiring bartender should know about? Keep on reading to find out.

Tools

No matter what kind of industry you are in, odds are you are going to need some tools to accomplish your job. Much like a barista needs a coffee maker, bartenders need their own set of tools as well.

• Bar Cloths/Mops – You didn’t think you would be a bartender without having to clean up messes, did you? This tool is essential to keeping your station clean.
• Measuring Cups – Used to measure the ingredients that you will be adding to your cocktails. Too little or too much of something can mean the difference between a great drink and a horrible drink.
• Cocktail Shaker – Used for mixing cocktails, and for those who enjoy their beverage shaken rather than stirred.
• Strainer – Use the strainer to keep pulp, ice and other such ingredients out of your drinks.

Prepping Your Area

In the bartending industry, organization is key. It helps to have a great memory to remember all of the orders that you have to make, but organizing your work area will help minimize goof-ups and blunders.

Make sure that you have easy access to everything that you will need during your shift. Keep your tools and other necessary items as close to you as possible. Try the spirits that you use the most closest to you.

Also, prep your garnishes before things get too out of control during rushes. It’s one less thing that you’ll have to think about when you’re in the weeds.

By having an organized area, you are also presenting a better appearance of your skills. Patrons who see a bartender with an exceedingly messy station aren’t going to take you seriously, and may not tip as much.

Techniques

If you’re still arranging interviews with different establishments, it’s probably a good idea learn some techniques before you go. This also gives you an excuse to have a few drinks for “research” purposes.

Shaking – This technique is used when you need to mix and chill a drink at the same time.

Blending – This technique is used when you need to mix ingredients that can’t be broken up by shaking them in a shaker.

Straining – This is where your hand strainer will come into play. This technique keeps out unwanted ingredients and provides the customer with a delicious drink.

garnish – making cocktails is not just about delivering the drinks, but how they look a taste as well and adding a cocktail garnish is what helps to makes the drink.