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The Top Ten Things a New Bartender Should Know
Bartending
could be one of the greatest jobs around because it is so much
fun and comes with an exciting environment. No matter if you are
working in a restaurant, night club, or a small bar down the street,
you can enjoy your job just the same. Being a new bartender, you
will likely get several tips and strategies from many others and
you'll learn new things every day! Obviously, learning from another
bartender is the best way to go because they already have the
"hands on" experience. However, before you step into
your new job, you can be a step ahead of the game with the knowledge
of ten simple guidelines.
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The Bartenders Station
This is the area on top of the bar where you will keep all of
your utensils you need for mixing drinks. These items may include
your shaker, strainer, and jigger. Underneath there, usually
you will have a sink and your speed rack.
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The Speed Rack
Basically, your speed rack will be all of the well (less expensive)
liquors. The order of the rack goes from left to right and has
an easy saying to help remember. "Vikki Gets Really Trashed
Tuesdays and Wednesdays." Each letter will stand for a
liquor, Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Triple Sec, and Whiskey. Remember,
never use the word "cheap" when you are describing
well liquors.
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The Back Bar
The back bar, usually shelves on the wall behind the bar, consists
of your premium liquors. You will find that some drinks always
call for a premium brand. Keep your back bar shiny and clean,
it is your customers first impression of the bar.
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Equipment
There are several items you will need to have at your bar at
all times. You will need a shaker and cheater (the smaller version
of the shaker), a cork screw (for opening wine bottles) and
a jigger, which is used for measuring ounces of liquor. Many
bartenders may not use a jigger, but it is a good idea for a
new bartender. In addition to these items, you will also want
to have a bar towel, bar spoon, strainer, and salt container,
used to dip glasses in lime juice, salt and sugar.
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Mixes
Orange juice, grapefruit juice, tomato juice, grenadine, cranberry
juice, lime juice, pineapple juice, bloody mary, strawberry
and pina colada mixes are all needed for different types of
drinks. When using sour mix, which is actually sweetened lemon
juice, make sure to dilute it first. Make it half water and
half mix and it should do the job!
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Glasses
Be sure to learn all of your glasses because in a professional
environment, different drinks will call for different glasses.
A few examples would be a shot glass, highball glass, margarita
glass and an old-fashioned glass. There are quite a few glasses,
so do your research and get familiar with them.
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Liquors versus Liqueurs
Know the difference between the two. Liquors include Vodka,
Scotch and whiskey, to name only a few. Liqueurs usually are
sweeter and more colorful. These may include triple sec, sloe
gin, kahlua and midori.
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Garnishes
It is important to know what type of fruit to garnish your drinks
with. Not all drinks call for a garnish, but many of them do.
For instance, a martini will usually have an olive and a kamikaze
will likely have a lime wedge. Study your drinks and know the
garnishes for a much better presentation. The rule of thumb
is, when a drink calls for lime juice, garnish it with a lime.
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Beer and Wine
Alcohol contents vary with different beers and wines. Regular
domestic beer, such as Coors or Budweiser usually contain between
three and one half to four and one half percent alcohol. Light
domestic beers, such as Miller Lite or Michelob Light may contain
between two and one half to three and one half percent alcohol.
Imported beers, such as Samuel Adams or Red Stripe contain four
and one half percent and higher. Different wines can go anywhere
from seven to fifteen percent alcohol. Draft beer has a shelf
life of thirty days and it should always be kept at a cool temperature,
otherwise is will foam badly. Be sure to always hold your glass
at an angle when you are pouring draft beer to get the right
amount of head at the top of the glass.
- A.L.E.
Laws
Being a bartender, it is vital that you know and understand the
laws from the Alcohol Law Enforcement (A.L.E.). Making sure all
of your customers have proper identification, knowing when a customer
has had enough to drink, and understanding tax stamps on liquor
bottles are only a few of several things you must know as a bartender.
Study the A.L.E. laws very carefully.
Bartending
is mainly about memorization and understanding laws. It is very
easy to get the hang of it once you start. Spend a little extra
time studying your drinks. All bars will be different in one way
or another. Some bars may set up differently, only serve certain
liquors, have daily drink specials and in house rules for you to
follow. It is important for you to get familiar with your bar's
do's and don'ts.
The one thing you really want to always keep in mind is that your
charm and personality play a big role with your income at this job.
Leave your problems at home and come in to work to have fun! Many
people come in to a bar as a distraction from their problems and
often turn to the bartender to talk, so have a positive attitude
when you're working! Enjoy your new adventure in one of the greatest
jobs known.
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