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Christopher Makrides

The no B.S. guide to becoming a successful bartender. Learn all of the techniques and habits to thrive in any cocktail bar in the world.

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The no B.S. guide to becoming a successful bartender. Learn all of the techniques and habits to thrive in any cocktail bar in the world.

Ever wanted to bartend professionally? Then this is the course for you. Taught by a working bartender, this course will set the foundation for you to go the next step in your bartending career. All of Christopher's secrets after bartending in New York city on how to Bartend at the highest caliber. After this course you will know what it takes to become a bartender and what it takes to work as one behind the bar. This course has been remastered from it's original content from 2019. Every lesson has been remade, and more lessons have been added. What sets this course apart from other courses is that the teacher is a working bartender and you will see footage of Christopher working behind bars. You will know what a bartender actually does. That is the aim of this course. This course is not for people who want to just learn drink recipes, it is for people who want to become professional bartenders. That is why only 35-40% of the course are drink recipes. While the rest of the course are core lessons teaching the bartending profession.

“If you are looking for a job that makes good money, allows you to meet new people, people that could potentially help you get to that next level in your career, then bartending is the perfect job for you.” –Christopher Makrides

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The habits and techniques needed to bartend at the highest caliber
  • How to make the most popular drinks at the highest caliber of service
  • Everything that a bartender does, a bartender’s mindset and duties. the entire job not just making the drinks like other classes
  • How to run your bar, to serve, and how to make people like and respect you
  • The proper technique on how to make drinks
  • The proper technique on how to serve drinks and wine
  • How to get a job as a bartender

Syllabus

Introduction
Introduction To The Course, and What This Course Will Cover
Core Section
The Mentality Of A Bartender
Read more
Giving A Safe Experience
How To Make People Like You

Top Books:

3-Ingredient Cocktails, By Robert Simonson

Liquid Intelligence, By Dave Arnold

Amaro, By Brad Parsons

Nomad Cocktail Book, By Leo Robitschek

Wine Folly, By Madeline Puckette


Top Documentaries:

Somm, Made in 2012 Directed by Jason Wise

Scripts
Steps Of Service
What You Need To Know About Spirits
What You Need To Know About Wine
Describing Red Wine
Describing White Wine
Selling Bottles Of Wine
Opening A Bottle Of Wine
Pouring A Glass Of Wine
Opening A Bottle Of Champagne
Introduction To Duties
Duties: Opening The Bar
Duties: Cutting Lime & Lemon Wedges
Duties: Making Simple Syrup
Duties: Making Lime and Lemon Juice
Duties: Tapping A Keg
Duties: Pouring Beer From A Tap

Step One: Learning How To Bartend

The Beginning of your journey. You want to become a bartender, Have no experience.

Where do you start?

1. Take an online course

2. Go through the motions alongside the online course


Step Two: Getting Your Resume Ready

1. Get ServSafe certified

2. ETIPS certified

3. Fill out Bio

4. Fill out any work experience you have.

5. Get a professional picture (optional)


Step Three: Getting Experience

1. Do you have any contacts in a bar? Manager, friends or family who own a place. Ask anyone you know who could help you get a job

2. Look on craigslist daily for job openings under Jobs-hospitality,

3. Search on google for catering companies, catering companies are great because once you work a catering job you can then put on your resume, Catering Bartender.

4. Walk into places you would like to work at and ask “are there any openings for bartenders”




LINKS TO SERVSAFE AND ETIPS CERTIFICATIONS:


ServSafe Alcohol: https://www.hrfoodsafe.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjw0ZfoBRB4EiwASUMdYREN-Er-bbTDWbtZYCP4gH4w6n2MezxFNhAYXBhY9OMi6xsr2BqP5RoCZFMQAvD_BwE


eTIPS On Premise: https://www.gettips.com/online/index.html


End of Core Section
Drinks Section
Equipment
How To Make Drinks
How To Shake and Strain
How To Use A Mixing Glass
Building Drinks In A Glass
On The Rocks Verses Neat
Introduction To Drinks Section
Vodka Soda
Gin & Tonic
Martini Introduction
Regular Vodka Martini
Dry Vodka Martini
Dirty Vodka Martini
Regular Gin Martini
Dry Gin Martini
Dirty Gin Martini
Martini Conclusion
Margarita
Old Fashioned Traditional
Old Fashioned Modern Take
Cosmo
Manhattan
Mojito
Espresso Martini
Conclusion To Course

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides practical guidance on securing bartending positions, including resume preparation, networking, and leveraging contacts, which is essential for breaking into the industry
Covers essential aspects of bartending beyond just drink recipes, such as customer service, bar management, and creating a safe environment, which are crucial for professional success
Includes a curated list of recommended books and documentaries, offering learners additional resources to deepen their understanding of mixology and the beverage industry
Requires learners to obtain ServSafe and eTIPS certifications, which involve additional fees and may pose a financial barrier for some students
Teaches techniques for making popular drinks and serving wine, which are fundamental skills for any bartender
Focuses on the mindset and duties of a bartender, offering a comprehensive view of the profession beyond just mixing drinks, which is valuable for career preparation

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How To Be A Successful Bartender with these activities:
Review Basic Cocktail Recipes
Solidify your understanding of fundamental cocktail recipes before diving into advanced techniques. This will provide a strong foundation for the course.
Show steps
  • Find recipes for the most common cocktails.
  • Practice making each cocktail at home.
  • Taste and adjust recipes to your preference.
Review '3-Ingredient Cocktails' by Robert Simonson
Explore simplified cocktail recipes to understand the core elements of drink creation. This book will help you grasp the fundamentals before learning more complex recipes.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and understand the author's philosophy.
  • Select and try making at least five different cocktails from the book.
  • Analyze why these cocktails work with so few ingredients.
Perfect Pouring Techniques
Refine your pouring accuracy to minimize waste and ensure consistent drink quality. Practice makes perfect when it comes to free pouring.
Show steps
  • Use a measured pour spout and practice pouring specific amounts.
  • Compare your pours to a jigger measurement for accuracy.
  • Repeat until you can consistently pour accurate amounts.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Cocktail Recipe Video
Solidify your knowledge by teaching others how to make a specific cocktail. This will force you to understand the recipe and technique thoroughly.
Show steps
  • Choose a cocktail recipe from the course.
  • Film yourself making the cocktail, explaining each step.
  • Edit the video and add clear instructions.
  • Share your video with classmates for feedback.
Design Your Own Signature Cocktail
Apply your knowledge to create a unique cocktail that reflects your personal style. This project will test your understanding of flavor profiles and techniques.
Show steps
  • Research different flavor combinations and ingredients.
  • Experiment with different ratios and techniques.
  • Name your cocktail and create a compelling description.
  • Present your cocktail to friends or family for feedback.
Review 'Liquid Intelligence' by Dave Arnold
Explore the science behind cocktails and learn advanced techniques to elevate your bartending skills. This book will provide a deeper understanding of the chemical and physical processes involved.
Show steps
  • Read chapters on techniques like clarification and carbonation.
  • Try one or two of the advanced techniques described in the book.
  • Reflect on how these techniques can improve your cocktail making.
Volunteer Bartending at a Charity Event
Gain real-world experience by volunteering your bartending skills at a local charity event. This will allow you to practice your skills in a fast-paced environment.
Show steps
  • Find a local charity event that needs bartenders.
  • Prepare a list of basic cocktails you can make quickly.
  • Volunteer your time and skills at the event.
  • Reflect on your experience and identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete How To Be A Successful Bartender will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Bartender
A bartender crafts and serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in a bar or restaurant setting. They interact with customers, manage the bar area, and ensure a high standard of service. This course provides comprehensive training, encompassing not just drink recipes, but also core lessons of the profession, such as bar management, service techniques, and customer interaction, making it an ideal stepping stone to becoming a proficient bartender. The course's focus on the 'mentality of a bartender' and its practical approach, showcasing footage of a working bartender, is particularly valuable in this role.
Nightclub Bartender
A nightclub bartender works in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, serving a wide variety of drinks to a large crowd. This course provides the practical skills needed to become a successful bartender. The course emphasizes the core lessons of bartending, and is particularly relevant for someone who intends to learn how to work efficiently and effectively in a busy setting. The comprehensive nature of the course, including techniques and service methods, are beneficial for a nightclub bartender.
Catering Bartender
A catering bartender provides bar service at events and gatherings, often working in diverse and dynamic environments. This course provides the essential skills in crafting popular drinks, understanding wine service, and executing efficient service practices. The course’s lessons on practical techniques, coupled with its focus on the duties of a bartender, are excellent for someone seeking to work as a catering bartender. In particular, the course goes into detail on how to get hired as a bartender, and suggests seeking a position at a catering company.
Bar Manager
A bar manager is responsible for overseeing the operations of a bar, which includes staff management, inventory control, ensuring smooth service, and maintaining the bar's overall quality. This course will be beneficial, especially with its discussion of a bartender's duties. The course will help build a foundation that can lead to understanding how to run a bar, serve correctly, and cultivate a positive reputation. The course also goes into detail on opening and closing duties, as well as making juices and syrups, all of which are necessary for someone managing a bar.
Bar Back
A bar back supports the bartenders by stocking supplies, preparing ingredients, and maintaining the cleanliness of the bar area. This course provides a deep understanding of the daily tasks and expectations of a bartender, which is necessary for a bar back. The skills and knowledge taught in the introductory core bartending steps, and the proper technique on how to make and serve drinks, will be valuable tools to assist in becoming a proficient bar back. The course details duties such as making juices and syrups, providing a unique perspective that may set you apart from other bar backs.
Mixologist
A mixologist is a skilled professional who specializes in crafting innovative and complex cocktails, often requiring a deep understanding of flavor profiles and mixing techniques. This course, while not exclusively focused on advanced mixology, provides a solid foundation in bartending techniques, drink preparation, and the general duties of a bartender. This foundation is particularly useful for aspiring mixologists as it emphasizes the core knowledge needed to thrive at a high caliber. The course's practical approach, with lessons from a working bartender, will be especially helpful.
Food and Beverage Director
A food and beverage director oversees all aspects of food and beverage operations within an establishment. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality field. This course serves as a helpful learning resource for such a role because it goes deep into the core aspects of bartending, and the daily responsibilities of a bartender. The lessons of this course provide a useful foundation for understanding how a bar is operated, and how to properly service customers. The course also goes into the steps of service.
Bar Owner
A bar owner is responsible for the overall management and profitability of their establishment, including strategic planning, financial oversight, and marketing. This course may be useful to someone seeking to one day become a bar owner. The course provides a deep understanding of the daily responsibilities of a bartender, which will help in understanding how to manage a bar. The course's insights into bar operations and service, is a valuable foundation for the many roles that a bar owner must learn.
Restaurant Manager
A restaurant manager supervises daily operations including staff, service, and ensuring customer satisfaction. This course may be helpful because in its core sections, it provides an understanding of key aspects of bar and beverage service and goes into detail on how to provide a satisfying customer experience. The course may provide insight into key elements needed to provide a positive and professional setting. In particular, the course discusses how to get people to like and respect the staff.
Restaurant Server
A restaurant server interacts with customers, takes orders, and delivers food and beverages, ensuring customer satisfaction. This course may be helpful because it focuses on the steps of service, as well as providing a safe experience. The practical skills taught in the course, including how to serve drinks and wines, will help one stand out as a server. The course also goes into detail on how to provide a positive customer experience, making this course a valuable asset for aspiring servers.
Beverage Consultant
A beverage consultant advises bars and restaurants on developing their drink menus, improving service, and optimizing their beverage programs. This course may be helpful for an aspiring beverage consultant as it covers the fundamental techniques and habits needed to thrive in a cocktail bar. The course also delves into the duties and mindset of a bartender, providing a valuable foundation for understanding the practical aspects of the industry.
Hospitality Trainer
A hospitality trainer develops and delivers training programs for staff in the hospitality industry, focusing on skills, service standards, and customer relations. This course may be useful because, as an educational resource, it provides a detailed curriculum of what a bartender needs to know, as well as various service methods. A hospitality trainer can utilize such a course as a reference when designing trainings. The course covers topics such as the mentality of a bartender, and steps of service.
Sommelier
A sommelier is a wine expert, often working in fine dining establishments, who advises customers on wine selections, pairing recommendations, and oversees wine service. This course introduces the basics of wine knowledge, including different types of wine, how to describe them, and how to serve them. While this course does not make one a sommelier, it does provide a helpful starting point, as a sommelier must know how to open bottles of wine and how to pour a glass of wine, all of which are covered in this course.
Event Coordinator
An event coordinator plans and manages various events, overseeing logistics, vendor coordination, and ensuring successful event execution. This course may be helpful to an event coordinator as it introduces the aspects of alcohol service, and can help an event coordinator understand what type of service is required for an event where alcoholic beverages are present. The course will be helpful to understanding the type of steps and planning involved when hiring bartenders. In particular, the course details the steps of service.
Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative interacts with customers to provide support, answer questions, and resolve issues. The course covers the importance of creating positive interactions with customers. It includes sections focused on how to make people like and respect service staff, as well as how to provide a safe and satisfying customer experience. These kinds of interpersonal skills, taught in the course, are applicable in any customer service role.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How To Be A Successful Bartender.
Delves into the science behind cocktails, exploring advanced techniques and ingredients. It's a valuable resource for understanding the 'why' behind cocktail creation. It provides a deeper understanding of the chemical and physical processes involved. This book is best used as additional reading to expand on the course material.
Provides a simplified approach to cocktail creation, focusing on essential ingredients and techniques. It's a great resource for understanding the core elements of classic drinks. It helps build a foundation for more complex recipes. This book is useful for understanding the underlying principles of cocktail construction.

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