Top Picks for Bartending Training Online: Master Mixology from Home

Welcome to the world of mixology, where the art of crafting cocktails has been transformed into a science. Thanks to the power of technology, the secrets of the world’s best bartenders can now be unlocked right from the comfort of your home. Read on to discover the top picks for bartending training online.

Key Takeaways

• Navigate online bartending schools to find affordable courses suitable for both amateur and professional levels.
• Learn essential tools, cocktail recipes & techniques, responsible alcohol service, customer service skills and more with award-winning instructors from virtual training platforms.
• After completing a course, use the certificate to access job opportunities in the field or Enhance your career through additional training.

Navigating the World of Online Bartending Schools

Online bartending schools have created numerous opportunities for aspiring bartenders. Platforms like BarSmarts provide extensive knowledge and skills for cocktail making and bartending. You can choose from a diverse selection of courses, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

These courses are usually affordable, and many platforms offer a 30-day refund policy for peace of mind.

Decoding the Online Bartending Course Offerings

Courses like Typsy’s Bartending for Beginners, the BarSmarts program by Pernod Ricard, A Bar Above Mixology, and Ananas Academy are just a few examples of the variety of online offerings. These courses cover a wide range of topics, from the essential bartending tools to cocktail history and service management.

Whether you’re an amateur cocktail enthusiast looking to improve your skills at home, or a seasoned professional seeking to elevate your expertise, there’s a course for you.

Certification and Accreditation: What Counts?

Bartender certification is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a testament to your knowledge, skills, and dedication to professionalism. It keeps you updated on industry trends and can open doors to expanding professional connections and advancing within the industry, such as landing a bartending job with a bartending license.

Certifications from the following institutions are highly esteemed and hold global recognition:

• The European Bartending School
• The Spirit Lab (UK)
• New York Bartending School
• The Mixology Academy (Italy)

Accreditation bodies ensure that bartending schools uphold high standards of quality and professionalism, giving students confidence in their education.

Mix it Up: Learning Cocktail Recipes and Techniques

Courses such as ‘Bartending 101: Seven Simple and Delicious Drinks,’ a free course offered on Udemy, and ‘Bartending Basics for Small Batch Learning’ on Udemy, provide a comprehensive exploration of drink categories and basic mixology skills. In these courses, you’ll learn about drink recipes and cocktail techniques, the history of cocktails, and the role of a professional bartender.

Advanced courses like the ‘Masterclass With Lynnette Marrero & Ryan Chetiyawardana’ provide practical guidance for creating cocktails, valuable insights into the industry, and a historical perspective on the craft cocktail movement.

Setting Up Your Virtual Bar Station

Establishing your home bar for bartending practice is a significant step in putting your online learning into practice. From identifying the essential ingredients, tools, and glassware needed for each cocktail, to organizing your bottles in a visually appealing and accessible manner, setting up your home bar is a fun and practical part of your bartending journey.

Essential Tools for the Aspiring Online Bartender

Establishing a home bar station begins with the basics. This includes:

• a shaker
• a jigger
• a citrus press
• a muddler
• a wine opener
• a bar spoon
• a hand towel

These tools are the backbone of any cocktail, and having them at your disposal will allow you to experiment and hone your skills.

Once you’ve gathered your tools and set up your space, you can engage in virtual training provided by online bartending courses. This practical approach allows you to apply the knowledge gained from online courses into tangible skills.

From Screen to Bar: Translating Online Learning to Real-Life Skills

While online bartending courses provide a wealth of knowledge, translating what you learn on the screen to practical bartending skills can be challenging. Yet, it’s an essential part of becoming a successful bartender. Here are some ways to apply your learning into practice:

• Engage in virtual training
• Watch tutorial videos
• Memorize cocktail recipes
• Practice making cocktails at home

Some online bartending schools, like the highly-rated online bartending school, even offer interactive experiences through simulation software, giving you a virtual taste of working in a real bar environment.

The Journey to Becoming a Professional Bartender Online

Becoming a professional bartender online involves several steps. From enrolling in specialized courses to participating in online bartender communities and obtaining necessary bartending tools, the journey requires dedication and a willingness to learn. Whether you’re a beginner with no prior experience or an experienced bartender looking to enhance your skills, there’s an online course tailored to your needs.

Starting Without Prior Experience

If you’re a novice with no prior experience, don’t worry. There are many online bartending schools catered to beginners, such as Udemy and Bartending 101. These schools provide courses and resources tailored to individuals who are new to bartending. As a newcomer, you’ll learn about various alcoholic beverages, become acquainted with common bartending tools, learn to follow drink recipes, and build strong communication and customer service skills.

Climbing the Ladder: Advanced Training for Seasoned Bartenders

For experienced bartenders, online training can provide opportunities to refine and enhance their skills. Advanced courses like the ‘Bar World of Tomorrow,’ ‘Free Bartender Training from Typsy,’ and specialized Masterclasses like the ‘Champagne Masterclass’ offered by The Cocktail Service are just a few examples of courses tailored for seasoned bartenders.

Through these Diageo Bar Academy courses, experienced bartenders can acquire advanced skills such as mixology techniques, cocktail presentation, flair bartending, menu creation, and customer service, all essential in training bartenders to excel in their profession.

Mastering the Art of Responsible Alcohol Service

Responsible alcohol service is a key aspect of bartending. This encompasses the legal obligation of servers and bartenders to recognize indications of intoxication in patrons and respond accordingly. Responsible alcohol service not only ensures customers’ safety but also protects bartenders and servers from being held accountable for over-serving.

Serve Alcohol Responsibly: Why It Matters

Responsible alcohol service is vital in bartending. It helps prevent overconsumption, intoxication, and potential harm or accidents and fosters a positive and professional image for bartenders and their establishments. Irresponsible alcohol service can lead to legal and civil charges, fines, potential harm to public health, and damage to the establishment’s reputation.

Responsible alcohol service contributes to public safety and prevents alcohol-related issues.

Achieving Alcohol Server Certification Online

Securing an online Alcohol Server Certification demonstrates your commitment to responsible service. This certification can be obtained through various online courses and programs and holds significant weight in the bartending industry. Reputable online platforms for Alcohol Server Certification include:

• 360 Training
• A Bar Above Mixology
• A+ Server Education
• Serving Alcohol Inc
• LIQUORexam
• ABC Permits
• ServSafe
• Responsible Training

These courses usually encompass subjects such as safe alcohol serving, alcohol laws and regulations, identifying counterfeit IDs, and detecting signs of intoxication.

For more on online bartending classes, see this article.

Interactive Learning Platforms and Mobile Convenience

Online bartending courses offer convenience and flexibility. With platforms like EdApp, you can access learning content from your mobile device, promoting ongoing learning and proficiency enhancement irrespective of location.

Engaging with Award-Winning Instructors Virtually

An engaging instructor can significantly improve your learning experience. An instructor who offers interactive modules, effective communication, and a range of teaching methods can help enhance your understanding and retention of the course material. You can actively engage with your instructors by participating in discussions, using chat or messaging features, and attending live sessions.

Some of the top-tier bartending instructors you might encounter in online bartending courses include:

• Award-winning instructors from BarSmarts
• A Bar Above Mixology Training
• TopShelf Bartending Academy
• Liquid Lab

On-the-Go Training: Access Courses Anywhere, Anytime

Online bartending courses that are mobile-friendly provide convenience for those with busy schedules. Whether on the train, waiting in line, or relaxing at home, you can access your course material and continue learning.

Platforms like Bartending 101 on Udemy, ABC Mixology’s online courses, and Barsmarts have all been designed with mobile learning in mind, offering flexible learning options and expert guidance at your fingertips.

Fine-Tuning Your Product Knowledge and Customer Service Skills

A bartender’s role goes beyond merely serving drinks. Understanding your customers’ preferences and gaining expertise in alcoholic beverages are equally important. You can enhance your customer service skills and product knowledge through online bartending courses, offering your customers a more personalized and enjoyable experience.

Beyond the Drinks: Understanding Customers and Their Preferences

Understanding customer preferences is key to delivering personalized experiences. This not only elevates satisfaction levels but also fosters a loyal customer following. Here are some ways to tailor your service to meet your customers’ needs:

• Read body language
• Adapt to various situations
• Engage in conversations with customers
• Demonstrate bar skills
• Remember preferences

By following these tips, you can provide a personalized experience that will leave your customers satisfied and returning for more.

Expertise in Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, Wine, and Spirits

A professional bartender needs to know:

• The unique features of different beer types, including ale and lager, and understanding how to distinguish between beer styles
• Popular red wines and how to pair them with various types of food
• The main categories of spirits, including brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey, to craft a diverse range of cocktails.

Course Completion and Next Steps

After completing your online bartending course, passing a final exam will earn you a certificate validating your knowledge and skills. This certification is important for demonstrating your professional capability as a bartender.

Afterwards, you can explore job opportunities in the bartending field. Many bartending schools provide job placement support for their alumni, and you can further enhance your bartending career through additional training or gaining practical experience in the field.

Summary

Mastering mixology from home has never been easier, thanks to many online bartending courses. From understanding the world of online bartending schools, setting up your virtual bar station, and becoming a professional bartender online to mastering the art of responsible alcohol service, engaging with award-winning instructors virtually, understanding customers and their preferences, gaining expertise in various alcoholic beverages, and preparing for your next steps, the journey to becoming a professional bartender is a fulfilling and rewarding one.

Frequently Asked Questions