Cheers: Flair bartenders not only mix a great drink, they also put up a good show

Butterscotch schnapps, cactus juice liquors, Batida de Coco, Mojito, Hawaiian Punch, Singapore Sling — these are the names of a few exotic drinks and cocktails. People like cocktails for a variety of reasons — they are ice breakers, they allow you to let down your hair and have a great time with friends.

Not only does a cocktail need to taste great, but the presentation should be spectacular. Many drinks depend on a particular garnish being served in a certain way. Garnishes are not just there for looks, they typically add subtle flavour to drinks or are on the glass’s rim to allow the drinker to add the fresh zest, juice or essence according to their personal taste.

And to make a really great cocktail, you need a bartender. Bartenders are truly multi-talented — they make great drinks, manage cash and multiple orders at once, and play counsellor and mediator as well. It is a difficult, yet rewarding career that can be a great opportunity financially and personally if you have the right knowledge and personality.

What do I have to do?

Bartenders are found in bars, pubs, taverns, nightclubs and restaurants. They mix and serve drinks, the majority of which contain alcohol. Bartenders also serve water, juice, pop and other non-alcoholic beverages for customers who do not drink alcohol. They are also responsible for taking payment for drinks (either from customers or waiters and waitresses), keeping the liquor supplies and glassware stocked, keeping the bar area clean, maintaining enough ice and garnishes on hand and serving food to customers sitting at the bar.

Often, bartenders are expected to dress appropriately to add to the atmosphere of the bar. In some establishments, the bartender might participate in flair bartending.

Bartenders should be friendly and enjoy communicating with customers. Good bartenders attract regular customers by knowing their favoured drink, recommending drinks or even other bars they would like along with several other unofficial duties. They have to be engaging, welcoming, make people comfortable and have a great smile. Another important aspect of bartending is theoretical knowledge, people want to be sure that you can competently mix anything they order.

Cleanliness and preparation are also crucial; maintaining your bar throughout the night and ensuring that you have the necessary materials to prepare any drink ordered are essential. The trade demands a lot of updation about products from time to time. Bartenders work long shifts and at odd hours.

What should I study?

You should have passed your Plus Two and should be fluent in English. A degree in hotel management is an advantage. Bartending courses offer you the opportunity to train in all disciplines of cocktail bartending — from customer service to bar etiquette, sales and presentation, product knowledge to mixology, flair and much more.

A professional course focuses on knowledge of beverages — from beer and wines to spirit and liqueurs — and an exposure to a bar environment. It also takes students through the practical mechanics of bartending such as bar preparation and upkeep, garnishes and presentation, free-pouring techniques and accuracy. It also gives an insight into building relationships with customers and salesmanship skills.

What next?

In India, the alcohol and beverage industry has undergone a drastic change over the last five years. There has been a considerable increase in the number of bars and pubs, and consumers’ attitude and concepts about drinks and beverages have also changed. “Earlier, bartending was looked down upon. But with the pub and cocktail culture picking up, bartenders are in great demand and the profession is picking up among the youth,” says Sandeep Verma, who runs the Institute of Bar Operations and Management in New Delhi.

There are openings for bartenders all over the country as every bar or pub requires a professional to manage it. Hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise ships, night clubs, private bars, discotheques and resorts recruit bartenders on a regular basis. Freelancing in private or corporate parties also offers a lot of scope. Beverage journalism is another avenue you can explore. Bartenders can go on to become bar managers or beverage managers with experience.

You can work for international beverage marketing companies as well as liquor companies based in India and abroad since these are keen on hiring people who have had prior exposure in this field.

Where to study

• The School of Bar and Beverage Management, New Delhi.
• Indian Institute of Bartending, Chennai.
• Johnnie Walker Bartending Academy, Mumbai.
• Institute of Bar Operations and Management, New Delhi.
• STIR Academy of Bartending, Mumbai.
• Hospitality Training Institute, Mumbai.