In recent years, bartending has become a very popular profession, attracting many young Vietnamese people. So what is a bartender? Why is bartending so appealing? How to become a professional bartender?
All these questions will be answered by Hai Phong Tourism College in the content below.
What is a Bartender?
A bartender is understood to be an employee who mixes alcoholic, soft, and non-alcoholic drinks from various ingredients such as: spirits, fruit juices, carbonated soft drinks, etc. Bartenders usually work in the bar area of restaurants, hotels, resorts, or bars.
Students studying at the Hotel and Restaurant Management Department of Hai Phong Tourism College will receive in-depth training in bartending. The school trains students using a dual training model (both at the school and at businesses). After graduation, students will have a solid grasp of skills and professional expertise to meet the requirements of businesses.
Students from the Hotel and Restaurant Management Faculty are doing an internship as bartenders at Paradise Vietnam Hotel.
Why is bartending an attractive career for young people?
- A lively, vibrant, and relatively relaxed work environment.
- No feeling of constraint or confinement.
- High aesthetic value: Bartenders are not simply people who mix drinks; they are true artists through the decorative styles they create on their creations or their precise and skillful mixing performances.
- Gender-neutral; both men and women can pursue this profession.
- Very attractive salary.
Students practice at the Bar Practice Center - Hai Phong College of Tourism .
10 Steps to Becoming a Professional Bartender
Step 1: Start by researching the recipes of popular cocktails and memorizing them. Some suggestions are Old Fashioned, Martini, Margarita, Long Island Iced Tea, Bloody Mary, Whiskey Sour, and Manhattan. Of course, there are hundreds of drinks you need to memorize, but having a basic knowledge of some classic cocktails will make you see the ropes and be eager to learn the ropes when it's time to learn how to pour.
Step 2: Learn common bartender terminology
There are many important terms that every bartender should know, and while you can learn these during training or on the job, it seems better to have a little understanding of them beforehand. Some of these terms are words people commonly use when ordering drinks, such as “on the rocks,” “up,” “neat,” or “with a twist.” Other terms refer to how drinks are made, such as muddling, shaking, or stirring.
Step 3: Spend some time at bars
Go to a bar where you can order drinks and observe the bartenders as they work. Watching bartenders mix drinks really helps you learn a lot. If you meet a friendly bartender, you can tell them about your desire to become a bartender and ask for some advice.
Step 4: Become a bar assistant
Now that you're familiar with some bar terminology and classic cocktail recipes, it's time to find a bar assistant job. You can search for this job on online job websites or go directly to restaurants and hotels and ask the managers.
One of the most important skills of a bartender is talking and listening to people – so make sure you're completely comfortable with that.
Step 5: Put Your Best Effort into Your Bar Assistant Job
Once you've found a bar assistant job, make sure you take it seriously. At some bars and restaurants, this position can be seen as a stepping stone to a bartender position. Make sure you're always on time, dress nicely, and put your best effort into your work.
Step 6: Befriend the Bartenders
While you might not want to bother the bartenders when they're busy, you should still be friendly and try to build a good relationship with them. Always ask if they need any help and chat with them when the bar isn't too busy. This will be very helpful for your future job as a bartender.
Step 7: Ask for More Learning and Practice
Once you've determined that you're a good employee and have built a good relationship with the bartenders, you should start expressing your desire for more practice. Tell the bartenders you're working with that you want to learn more and want to become a bartender. In most cases, if you already have a good relationship with the bartenders, they will be willing to teach you the basics during breaks. Learn everything you can about different types of spirits, beers, garnishes, and various mixing techniques.
Step 8: Practice Hard
Once you've learned the basics from your colleagues, you should invest in some bartending equipment and start practicing on your own. Try bartending at friends' parties to gain more experience. Then, ask for honest, straightforward feedback from them. This feedback not only helps you refine your technique but can also increase your resilience, as some customers will not be pleased if they are dissatisfied with your product.
Step 9: Talk to the manager about your readiness to become a bartender
If you don't speak up, you'll never have a chance. A manager can't read your mind, even if you always work hard at the bar. You can talk to the bartenders and ask for their advice on how to talk to the manager.
If the bar where you are currently working doesn't meet your legitimate aspirations, consider moving to a different bar. If you're going around to new restaurants or bars, be friendly with the bartenders, as this will help you get ahead. Be outgoing and confident every time you talk to the manager, and let them know about all your experience and your commitment to the profession.
Step 10: Be confident and live your passion to the fullest
Finally, if you have become a bartender, congratulations! Always be confident and strive your best on the path you have chosen.
(Admissions Committee - compiled source)
