Bar-Cove

Stare down the bar. Look at the bartenders in action.

This isn’t just service. It’s a performance.

They deliberated each movement and calculated the rhythm.

A dash of this, a splash of that. It’s alchemy, transforming basic ingredients into liquid gold.

Watch as they shake, stir, and pour.

It’s rhythmic, and it’s poetic.

Every drink tells a story—your story, tailored to the very last sip. They craft a masterpiece specifically for you, surpassing the simple pour.

They’re not just bartenders.

They’re artists, and that glass in your hand is their canvas.

Bartenders have a magical touch when it comes to crafting drinks, impressing even the most selective of palates.

What I learned in bartending school

I went to ABC Bartending School in 1995 (still open, by the way) and made it a career. Although it wasn’t my primary career, like journalism, the two-week course taught me how to make over 500 cocktails, employ effective bar tactics, entertain guests in a variety of ways, and handle all bartending duties. I invested $300 in my knowledge, which I gained back in 2 days of bartending.

Mike, our teacher at the time, was exceptional. Even if you lacked charisma—which is vital for this job (in my opinion)—he gave us great tips on how to be successful in the art of bartending.

We also cover common courtesy, such as lighting a cigarette (back then you could smoke in bars), pouring a beer, and knowing the current game’s score. We learned how to anticipate a refill even if the guest didn’t ask, when to interrupt or not, and so on.

The class also covered how to manage the clients in front of you (the drunk, the guy into TV sports, the person having a bad day, when your client is problematic, how to deal with the flirtatious kind, etc.).

I had no experience, but boy, was I ready. By the time I completed my certificate, all the doors in Orlando were open and willing to hire me.

All I can say is that a bartender is not just there to “just pour you a drink.”

As you can see, it’s not just a matter of tossing some ice in a glass and hoping for the best.

Oh no, the art of bartending is about understanding the subtle dance of flavors, the exact moment when shaking turns a mix into magic, and the flair that turns serving a drink into a performance worthy of a standing ovation.

Your bartender in Orlando’s nightlife will ensure that your night is nothing short of spectacular.

Let’s outline the prerequisites for becoming a bartender.

Do we earn a significant amount of money? Undoubtedly, our income exceeds the average, and if you excel, it surpasses that of a professional.

I’ll just tell you some requirements:

We have a time to start work, but there is never a fixed time to leave.

Millennials who prefer to spend their 8 hours without eating, drinking coffee, or spending time on Facebook and TikTok should abstain.

Even if you didn’t receive any formal education in school, you should at least be able to read and write, and I don’t mean in a funny or ridiculous way.

If it is in a luxury restaurant, you need at least a high school education.

Understand how to initiate a conversation with a variety of individuals, such as a bricklayer, a child, a renowned actor, a lawyer, an architect, a doctor, a public official, the president of a republic or another country, a disabled person, a mafia member, a scientist, and people from different cultures and languages.

Bartenders know cold reading, psychology, and common sense; are attentive but not invasive; are pleasant but not grotesque; and are polite in such a way that you never disrespect anyone, much less your own colleagues.

DO YOU NEED EXPERIENCE?? Of course… Ensure that you possess a fundamental understanding of the following topics: Gastronomy, Oenology, Spirits, Cocktails, Cooking, Assembly, Use of Cutlery, Corkage of Wines and Champagne, First Aid, Times and Movements, Fine Cut Terms, Logistics, Personnel Administration, Customer Service, Types of Service, Significant Experience in Meals, Dinners, Group Service, Pours, Spirits, Types of Vodka, Types of Whiskey, Types of Wine

Of course, it requires a tremendous deal of patience, self-control, and organization.

We have to have knowledge of hygienic standards such as Distinctive H, cooking temperatures, refrigeration, conservation, and hundreds of hygienic procedures. Indeed, we have the finest quality wines, food, marine, and land resources at our disposal.

However, if you lack the strength or knowledge to manage these resources effectively, you risk becoming a victim of abuse. Either you become an alcoholic or a thief, or you abuse your power. Stay grounded and resist the urge to think that your role as a bartender extends beyond that of a steward or cleaner, or that your role as a manager extends beyond that of a bartender, or that your role as an owner extends beyond that of a manager.

WE ARE ALL A CHAIN, AND A CHAIN IS AS STRONG AS ITS WEAKEST LINK.

SKILLS: While it would be ideal if you could speak English, you should at least be able to speak Spanish. If you can’t pronounce more than 10 words without using phrases like “wey,” “bro,” “pinche,” “no mames,” “okay,” “dude,” “bro,” “ain’t,” and so on, then you’re falling short. Forget it!!!

Keep in mind that physical labor is extremely challenging, and disregard events such as holidays, family gatherings, and meetings.

How to Become a Bartender’s Favorite Regular

Ah, venturing beyond the kingdom of mere currency into the lush fields of bartender adoration. Are you ready to experience a drink that goes beyond just a delicious blend but also embodies a sense of admiration and acknowledgment?

Simply put, if you want to become a bartender’s favorite regular, just showing up won’t do.

You need to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression. This is about more than just enjoying a beverage; it’s about establishing a connection, cultivating an ambiance, and, indeed, becoming the preferred choice.

These are my top reasons to make you one of my favorite customers.

First, you fully accept the art of the bar.

I want to make it clear that working at the bar requires both artistic ability and a strong work ethic. Bartenders can create an experience that is genuinely unforgettable, in my opinion, going beyond just providing beverages. Respecting their ability and effort may help you recognize the commitment and skill they put into their work. Sincere compliments for their knowledge will express your respect.

Keep things upbeat around the bar.

Embracing a positive attitude, maintaining a constant smile, and projecting a carefree and laid-back mindset can truly make a difference. Bartenders will remember you because of your appealing energy. I greatly value those who contribute to fostering a happy workplace.

Master of conversation while seated at the bar.

It’s about how you get along with the bartender as well as your beverage selection. Take in the power of gripping stories, show sincere curiosity, and—above all—let your real personality come through.

It is important to read the clues that indicate someone is ready to chat or needs to concentrate on their work. We cannot overemphasize the importance of learning the motions and understanding the beat.

Also, you should definitely learn how to tip generously.

One cannot overstate the importance of tipping generously.

Leaving kind gratuities is one way, I think, to express your gratitude without going crazy with spending.

It’s about expressing your appreciation for their knowledge, time, and commitment to creating a really remarkable experience for you, not simply about the numbers.

One cannot overstate the importance of maintaining a consistent strategy.

Be a regular but not a fixture. Strike a balance between being present enough to leave a lasting impression and allowing them space. You don’t have to be there every night, but make your visits frequent enough that you’re not just a random face. And when you do show up, be consistently you—the person they’ve come to recognize and look forward to seeing.

Finally, spread the word!

Recommend the bar to friends, praise their skills on social media, and bring in new customers. There’s no better compliment to a bartender than seeing their favorite patron become a champion for their craft.

As you strive to become a bartender’s favorite regular, keep in mind that genuine intentions are the most noticeable.

This isn’t about manipulation or seeking unwarranted attention; it’s about building mutual respect and appreciation. Show up as your best self, respect the craft, and everything else will follow.

However, the ultimate reward is a place that not only looks after you but also values and respects you.

That is a worthwhile endeavor.

Show off your best features, memorize their nickname like it’s a secret code to an exclusive club, and maintain your composure amidst the chaos of rush hour.

These seemingly small but meaningful actions—your manners, interest, and patience—are what separate you from the average customer and transform you into a VIP in the bartender’s eyes.

Therefore, keep in mind that the tip you leave is your applause the next time you find yourself mesmerized by their craft. Show them the love they deserve.