Bartending
SHAKING, STIRRING, AND STRAINING
Drinks requiring only shaking are covered with a plastic shaker cup and mixed within the glass; whereas shaken and strained or stirred and strained drinks are originally mixed within (a) shaker cups (glass & stainless steel) and then transferred to a glass. Remember to always fill your shaker full of ice before mixing drinks requiring either stirring/shaking and straining. The same applies to glassware; always start with a full glass of ice.
*SAFETY PRECAUTIONS*
Please keep in mind that while directions such as “shoot drink”, “drink without using hands”, “ignite drink”, or “while leaning head over bar pour drink into mouth” are all authentic recipe components, they are only suggestions and should not be attempted if you feel that they might pose a hazard to your health. Make certain to never carry or transport a lit drink, as alcohol is a flammable liquid and should be respectfully treated as such. Before drinking, completely extinguish any drink suggesting ignition.
Always overstock on ice, fresh resupply is critical in the maintenance of professional standards. Whenever glassware or bottles are broken in the vicinity of the ice bin, melt the ice with hot water, clean the bin, and restock with new ice.
Ice
Ice can be one of the most important factors in determining a drink’s quality. Generally speaking, the small square-shaped “slices” usually referred to as “bar” ice are best. Aside from preventing premature blender destruction, the smaller style ice cube, will by virtue of increased surface area, make for a significantly colder drink. The resulting reduction in vapor pressure (fumes) from the alcohol makes for a more palatable mixed drink.
As mentioned before in the section on Ice, whenever glassware or bottles are broken in the vicinity of the ice bin, melt the ice with hot water, clean the bin and restock with new ice.
A 2-speed commercial blender is practically a must for quality frozens. Don’t destroy a 15-speed kitchen blender trying to crush ice; it’s simply not made for the job. Waring® produces a good line of commercial 2-speed Blendor® models that start at less than $90.00.
Liquor Measurement
The use of a shot system has been adopted, whereby a shot is equal to whichever size jigger you use, keeping in mind that the recipes are based on a 1 1/2 oz. shot. When using a different size jigger, correct proportioning can be maintained by using larger glassware and more mixer if the “shot” is bigger or vice versa if smaller. Use a 1 1/4 oz. shot and the specified sizes and measurements for a milder recipe variation. Splashes are 1 oz., scoops are 4 ozs. and dashes are from 3 to 5 drops. This system was chosen not only because it’s quick and easy to use but most importantly, because it’s adaptable to your bartending style.
Liquor Measuring Key
Dash——-3 to 5 drops
Scoop——4 ounces
Shot——-1 1/2 ounces
Splash—–1 ounce
Tablespoon-’/2 ounce (3 tspn.)
Teaspoon—’/6 ounce
A.K.A.—–”Also Known As”
S.A.——-”See Also”
V/O——–”Variation or Option”
/———-”or”
R———-”Registered Trademark”
Bartending is one of the few jobs that you can make a full time income from a part time job. If you are an outgoing person that likes to be in a social environment, then bartending is worth a look.
It is very easy to become a bartender. There are many schools that teach bartending, and it only takes about two weeks to complete the course. Most bartending schools charge less than $300 and help you find a job.
Bartending is actually very easy. It does take some practice, but most bartenders don’t need to learn an enormous amount of drinks. In actuality, most bartenders make only a dozen or two different kind of drinks. If someone asks for something special, they usually pull out a drink recipe book and make the drink from scratch. While some bartenders know a couple of hundred drinks, the general population only knows about a dozen.
You can make great money being a bartender. Most bartenders work only a couple of days of week; however their income can be huge. It is not uncommon to make $100 or $200 a shift. If you work at a large bar or club, you can easily double that. So if you are looking for a great career opportunity, choose bartending.