The Working Bartender: The Best Beginner Bartending Course from Udemy

The Working Bartender online bartending course is designed to fast-track aspiring bartenders into the service industry with a focus on practical, job-ready skills. This program stands out for its efficiency and targeted approach to bartending education.

Course Structure

The course is structured to deliver essential knowledge and skills in a condensed timeframe, allowing students to be job-ready after just one day of intensive learning. Key components include:

Video tutorials covering bartending basics
Focused curriculum on high-demand skills
Practical knowledge for real bar and restaurant environments

Key Benefits

Rapid Job Readiness: Students can prepare for employment opportunities in the service industry within 24 hours.
Industry-Relevant Content: The curriculum is tailored to meet current industry demands, ensuring students learn what employers are looking for.
Practical Skill Development: The course emphasizes hands-on skills that are immediately applicable in a working bar setting.
Efficient Learning: By concentrating on the most necessary elements, the course eliminates extraneous information, streamlining the learning process.

Course Focus Areas

Essential Drink Recipes: Students learn to prepare the most commonly ordered cocktails and beverages.
Bar Operations: The course covers crucial aspects of managing a bar during service.
Customer Service Skills: Emphasis on interaction with patrons and handling various service scenarios.

Advantages Over Traditional Methods

Unlike traditional bartending schools or lengthy apprenticeships, The Working Bartender offers:

Time Efficiency: Rapid training compared to weeks-long programs or years of on-the-job learning.
Cost-Effective: Online format reduces expenses associated with in-person training.
Flexibility: Students can learn at their own pace and revisit materials as needed.

Industry Recognition

While the course provides a solid foundation, it's important to note that hands-on experience in an actual bar setting is still valuable for developing comprehensive skills. However, The Working Bartender's focused approach gives students a significant advantage in securing entry-level positions quickly. Including insider tips on how to go out and get on the job experience before getting hired in a restaurant.

By prioritizing the most crucial aspects of bartending and delivering them in an accessible online videos, The Working Bartender positions itself as an efficient and effective solution for those looking to enter the bartending profession with confidence and relevant skills.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn how to bartend and make great tips!
Learn how to get a bartending job fast!
Learn how to make drinks and use all the bar tools properly!

Understand what is important to get the job you want in bartending.***
Understand the industry language used in a bar or restaurant.

Learn how to bartend and make great tips!
Learn how to get a bartending job fast!
Learn how to make drinks and use all the bar tools properly!
Understand what is important to get the job you want in bartending.***
Understand the industry language used in a bar or restaurant.

Syllabus

After this section you'll understand the general structure of a bar or restaurant and industry etiquette basics. You'll know the names of all the bar tools and have an intro to spirits, wine & beer.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on practical skills and industry-relevant content, which prepares learners for entry-level bartending positions quickly

Covers essential drink recipes, bar operations, and customer service skills, which are crucial for success in a bar environment

Includes insider tips on how to gain on-the-job experience before getting hired, which can be valuable for building confidence

Teaches industry language and etiquette, which helps learners communicate effectively in a bar or restaurant setting

Emphasizes efficiency and a targeted approach, which streamlines the learning process for those seeking rapid job readiness

Requires hands-on experience in an actual bar setting to develop comprehensive skills, which may require additional effort outside of the course

Reviews summary

Practical bartending for beginners

According to learners, this course provides a practical and effective foundation for aspiring bartenders, particularly those seeking entry-level positions quickly. Students appreciate the clear explanations, focus on essential bar tools and basic drink recipes, and the inclusion of valuable tips for getting hired and succeeding on the job. While designed for beginners, some advanced learners might find it too basic, but for its stated goal of rapid job readiness, it seems to largely succeed.

Includes advice on finding and getting hired.

"Practical advice that goes beyond just making drinks."

"It gives you a strategy for entering the industry."

"The tips on how to actually go out and get hired were incredibly valuable."

"Loved the section on getting on-the-job experience before being officially hired."

Teaches essential tools, lingo, and basic drinks.

"Learned about all the essential bar tools and how to use them."

"The bar lingo section was really helpful for understanding the industry."

"It covers the most commonly ordered drinks and how to make them."

"A good overview of the fundamentals needed in a bar setting."

Content is easy to understand and well-explained.

"The explanations are clear and easy to follow, even for someone with no experience."

"The video lessons are bite-sized and get straight to the point."

"Instructor explains things simply and covers the necessary basics."

"I found the course content very accessible and not overwhelming."

Geared towards getting beginners hired fast.

"This course is perfect for anyone looking to get a bartending job fast."

"It really focuses on the practical skills you need to land an entry-level job."

"Gives you confidence to walk into an interview knowing the basics and lingo."

"I felt prepared to start applying for bartending jobs after taking this."

Offers practical knowledge, but lacks real bar practice.

"While informative, it can't replace actual hands-on practice in a real bar."

"You get the knowledge, but you still need to put it into practice yourself."

"The course mentions getting experience, which highlights the need for hands-on application."

"It's a starting point; muscle memory comes from doing, not just watching."

Course is explicitly for beginners, lacks depth.

"This course is definitely for absolute beginners, doesn't go into advanced cocktails."

"If you have some experience, you might find this too basic."

"It gives a great foundation, but you'll need more practice for complex drinks."

"Focuses on speed and basic competence, not mixology depth."

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 The Working Bartender: The Best Beginner Bartending Course with these activities:

Review Basic Alcohol Types and Terminology

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of different alcohol types and common bartending terminology before starting the course. This will help you grasp the drink recipes and bar operations concepts more easily.

Show steps

Review the definitions of common alcohol types.
Make flashcards for key bartending terms.
Take a practice quiz on alcohol types and terminology.

Read 'The Joy of Mixology'

Show steps

Expand your knowledge of cocktail creation and mixology principles. This book provides a solid foundation for understanding the 'why' behind drink recipes, not just the 'how'.

View The Joy of Mixology, Revised and Updated... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the introduction and chapters on basic techniques.
Try making a few of the classic cocktail recipes.
Take notes on key concepts and techniques.

Practice Pouring Accurately

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Improve your pouring accuracy to minimize waste and ensure consistent drink quality. This is a fundamental skill for any bartender.

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Use a jigger to measure precise amounts of liquid.
Practice free pouring with water into a jigger.
Compare jiggered vs. free poured amounts.

Four other activities

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Watch Advanced Bartending Technique Videos

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Learn advanced bartending techniques from experienced professionals. This will expose you to new skills and approaches that can elevate your bartending abilities.

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Search for videos on topics like layering, muddling, and shaking.
Watch the videos carefully and take notes.
Practice the techniques at home with water or non-alcoholic ingredients.

Create a Cocktail Recipe Guide

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Solidify your understanding of cocktail recipes by creating your own guide. This will force you to organize and synthesize the information you've learned.

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Choose 10-15 classic cocktails to include.
Research the correct ingredients and proportions.
Write clear and concise instructions for each cocktail.
Include a brief history or interesting fact about each drink.

Read 'Regarding Cocktails'

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of cocktail history and technique. This book provides valuable insights into the art of crafting exceptional drinks.

View Regarding Cocktails (From Legendary Bartender,... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the sections on classic cocktail families.
Experiment with different variations of a classic cocktail.
Reflect on the importance of ingredient quality.

Design Your Own Bar Menu

Show steps

Apply your knowledge of cocktails, bar operations, and customer service by designing a bar menu. This project will challenge you to think critically about drink selection, pricing, and presentation.

Show steps

Research current bar menu trends.
Choose a theme or concept for your bar.
Select a range of cocktails, beers, and wines.
Write descriptions for each drink.
Design the layout and visual elements of the menu.

Career center

Learners who complete The Working Bartender: The Best Beginner Bartending Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Barback

A barback assists bartenders by stocking supplies, cleaning the bar area, and helping with basic drink preparation. The Working Bartender course helps by providing an overview of bar operations, bar tools, and industry lingo. Aspiring barbacks should take this course to understand the essential tasks and etiquette required in a bar setting, which helps them become efficient and reliable support staff. The Working Bartender course positions aspiring barbacks to excel in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Barback

Cruise Ship Bartender

Cruise ship bartenders serve drinks to passengers on cruise ships, requiring excellent customer service skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The Working Bartender course helps by providing a solid foundation in essential drink recipes, bar operations, and customer interaction. Aspiring cruise ship bartenders should take this course to learn practical skills, such as making cocktails and handling glassware, and to understand the importance of customer service in a hospitality setting. Skills such as opening wine and prosecco may also be useful in this career.

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Mixologist

A mixologist specializes in creating innovative and high-quality cocktails, often requiring extensive knowledge of spirits, ingredients, and mixing techniques. The Working Bartender course helps by providing a solid foundation in essential drink recipes, bar tools, and industry lingo. Aspiring mixologists should take this course to learn practical skills, such as stirring, shaking, and straining, and to understand the act, show, and audience of bartending. Skills in the course such as learning about ratios, garnishes, and bar basics makes this field accessible. This course will provide a strong start toward becoming a mixologist.

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Mobile Bartender

Mobile bartenders provide bartending services at various events and locations, requiring adaptability, efficiency, and excellent customer service skills. The Working Bartender course helps by providing a solid foundation in essential drink recipes, bar operations, and customer interaction. Aspiring mobile bartenders should take this course to learn practical skills, such as making cocktails, handling glassware, and optimizing income through tips, which are immediately applicable in different event settings. The Working Bartender course prepares students to be mobile bartenders.

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Craft Bartender

Craft bartenders focus on creating unique and high-quality cocktails using fresh ingredients and artisanal techniques. This requires a deep understanding of spirits, cocktail recipes, and bar operations. The Working Bartender course helps by providing a solid foundation in essential drink recipes, bar tools, and industry lingo. Aspiring craft bartenders should take this course to learn practical skills, such as stirring, shaking, and straining, and to understand the act, show, and audience of bartending. The knowledge of bar basics garnishes, and different liquors can allow a craft bartender to shine.

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Head Bartender

A head bartender is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the bar operation, from creating innovative cocktail menus to managing inventory and training staff. The Working Bartender course helps in this role by providing a solid foundation in essential drink recipes and bar operations. An aspiring head bartender should take this course to learn practical skills immediately applicable in a working bar setting and also to understand industry etiquette basics. Knowledge of bar tools and how to use them, developed from the course, is essential for efficient bar management. This course's focus on practical skill development and industry-relevant content helps aspiring head bartenders gain a significant advantage.

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Bar Manager

The bar manager is in charge of the overall bar operations, including staff management, ordering supplies, and ensuring customer satisfaction. This course helps build a foundation in understanding bar operations, customer service skills, and essential drink recipes. Aspiring bar managers should take this course to develop practical skills applicable in a working bar setting. The course's curriculum, tailored to meet current industry demands, and its coverage of crucial aspects of managing a bar, such as bar product preparation, help prepare students for the bar manager role. The course equips them with the skills to efficiently manage a bar and deliver excellent customer service.

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Bar Consultant

Bar consultants advise bar owners and managers on improving operations, creating menus, and training staff. This requires a comprehensive understanding of bartending, bar management, and industry trends. The Working Bartender course helps by providing a solid foundation in essential drink recipes, bar operations, and customer service. Aspiring bar consultants should take this course to ensure they have a strong base of knowledge and practical skills to offer effective advice and solutions. Knowledge of how to make cocktails will assist in this endeavour.

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Catering Manager

Catering managers plan, organize, and oversee catering events, ensuring that food and beverage services meet client expectations. This requires knowledge of drink preparation, bar operations, and customer service. The Working Bartender course helps by providing a foundational understanding of bar operations, essential drink recipes, and customer interaction. Aspiring catering managers should take this course to develop practical skills, such as making mixed drinks, opening wine and champagne, and optimizing customer satisfaction, which are immediately applicable in a catering setting. A catering manager can expand their skills through the course's focused instruction.

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Bartending Instructor

Bartending instructors teach aspiring bartenders the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the profession. This requires a comprehensive understanding of bartending techniques, drink recipes, and bar operations. The Working Bartender course helps by providing a structured curriculum covering essential topics, such as bar tools, drink preparation, and customer service. Aspiring bartending instructors should take this course to gain insights into effective teaching methods and to ensure they have a solid foundation in bartending knowledge. If an instructor has the knowledge of this course, they can be sure to guide the students to success.

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Restaurant Manager

A restaurant manager oversees the daily operations of a restaurant, ensuring smooth service and customer satisfaction. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of restaurant roles, service etiquette, and basic bartending knowledge. The Working Bartender course helps by providing a foundational understanding of bar operations, drink recipes, and customer interaction. Aspiring restaurant managers should take this course to gain insights into the bar aspect of the restaurant business and to learn practical skills that enhance their ability to manage staff and ensure quality service. Insight in this course into areas such as industry lingo, glassware handling, and bar etiquette will allow restaurant managers to work successfully with all employees.

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Food and Beverage Director

A food and beverage director is responsible for overseeing all food and beverage operations within a hotel or resort. This includes managing budgets, creating menus, and ensuring high-quality service. The Working Bartender course may be useful by providing a foundational understanding of bar operations, drink recipes, and customer interaction. Aspiring food and beverage directors might take this course to gain insights into the bar aspect of the food and beverage industry and to learn practical skills that enhance their ability to manage staff and ensure quality service. Aspects of the course such as bar lingo, glassware handling, and bar etiquette may be useful.

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Restaurant Server

Restaurant servers take orders, serve food and drinks, and ensure customer satisfaction in a restaurant setting. The Working Bartender course may be useful by providing a basic understanding of bar operations, drink recipes, and customer interaction. Aspiring restaurant servers might take this course to enhance their knowledge of bar service and to improve their ability to serve customers effectively. Aspects of the course such as service etiquette, service language, and non-alcoholic drinks may be useful and will allow restaurant servers to work successfully with all employees.

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Event Planner

Event planners coordinate and manage events, including selecting venues, arranging catering, and ensuring smooth execution. A basic understanding of bar operations and drink service enhances an event planner's ability to organize successful events. The Working Bartender course may be useful by providing a foundational understanding of drink preparation, bar operations, and customer interaction. Aspiring event planners might take this course to gain insights into the bar aspect of event planning and to learn how to manage beverage services effectively. Knowledge of prosecco and champagne may be particularly useful.

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Sommelier

A sommelier is a wine expert who advises restaurant guests on wine selections and oversees wine service. Although primarily focused on wine, a sommelier benefits from a general understanding of bar operations and spirits. The Working Bartender course may be useful by providing introductory knowledge of bar operations and the basics of spirits. Aspiring sommeliers might take this course to broaden their understanding of the beverage industry beyond wine, helping them provide more comprehensive service to guests. Syrups and garnishes may be particularly useful.

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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 The Working Bartender: The Best Beginner Bartending Course.

The Joy of Mixology, Revised and Updated Edition

Save

Comprehensive guide to the art of mixology, covering everything from essential techniques to classic and contemporary cocktail recipes. It delves into the history and theory behind cocktails, providing a deeper understanding of flavor profiles and ingredient pairings. It's a valuable resource for aspiring bartenders looking to expand their knowledge beyond the basics taught in the course and develop a more refined approach to cocktail creation. This book is commonly used as a textbook in bartending schools.

The Joy of Mixology, Revised and Updated Edition:...

Kindle Edition

Regarding Cocktails

Save

This book, written by the late Sasha Petraske, founder of the Milk & Honey bar, focuses on classic cocktails and the importance of simplicity and quality ingredients. It emphasizes the fundamentals of bartending and the art of creating balanced drinks. It useful reference tool for understanding the core principles of cocktail making.

Regarding Cocktails (From Legendary Bartender,...

Hardcover

The Working Bartender

The Best Beginner Bartending Course

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Practical bartending for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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