Shaking. This involves using a cocktail shaker to mix and chill drinks. [2] X Research source Straining. Cocktail shakers have built-in strainers, which you use to strain the ice from the liquid. Stirring. There’s a proper way to do this to ensure the drink doesn’t get watered down. Muddling. This involves using a muddler to press the flavor from fresh ingredients. Blending. You’ll need a blender to make drinks like blended margaritas.

Basic mixed drinks like a whiskey soda, a greyhound, orange juice and vodka, Jack and coke, gin and tonic, and so on. Other highballs like a bloody Mary, dark and stormy, fuzzy navel, melon ball, and Alabama slammer. Lowballs such as a White Russian, a godfather, and a peppermint patty. Martinis, Manhattans, and Rob Roys. Tropical drinks like pina coladas, daiquiris, margaritas and hurricanes. Shots like a lemon drop, slippery nipple, Jäger bomb or an orgasm. Other cocktails like a mimosa, a mint julep, a mojito, or an Irish coffee.

You don’t have to go to bartending school to become a bartender, but it can help you learn the basics much faster.

If you’re worried you don’t have enough experience, that shouldn’t necessary deter you from applying. If you’ve practiced bartending skills and memorized the drinks, you may get hired anyway. [3] X Research source Make sure your resume is up to date, well-written, and proofread. Highlight any customer service experience you have, not just bartending experience. Any type of restaurant work is also a plus. Some establishments prefer to hire bartenders with no experience because they won’t have any bad habits to break. Experienced or not, the cover letter and resume need to be exciting and pop with personality. A great personality and attitude will elevate you above the competition every time. Double-check your state’s laws before applying for a job, as different states have different laws for serving liquor. For instance, you can get a bartending job in California without a bartending license or any experience, but it’ll be really hard.

Dress the part. Your appearance will be a factor when it’s time to interview for a job. If you want a gig at a fancy restaurant, dress professionally. If you want a job at a hip club, dress edgy. If a dive bar gig is fine by you, dress tough. Most bars are going for a certain look or image, whether they tell you that or not. Be ready to show your skills. Don’t show up without knowing how to make a martini.