Incredible Layered Drinks for Special Occasions

Sometimes, a regular cocktail just doesn’t do it, especially during the holidays. It’s not that it tastes bad, but sipping something that looks like a regular glass of alcohol doesn’t really scream “holiday spirit,” if you ask me.

Behold the layered drink.

The idea of layering your alcohol might sound like something from a high school science project—you know, the old oil-versus-water trick—but layered drinks have some serious kick to them, both in presentation and taste. Not to mention a lot of them are downright perfect for major occasions, such as Valentine’s Day and Halloween.

Here are five incredible layered drinks you can make for some of the most popular occasions:

1. Love Bite

Perfect Occasion: Valentine’s Day

 Ingredients:

• Cherry liqueur
• Clear orange liqueur
• Cream

Not everyone supports the idea of Valentine’s Day, but why hate on a day that encourages the sweetest, fruitiest and most mouth-watering flavor combinations? Here’s where the Love Bite comes in. It’s a beautiful layered shooter, fruity in some areas and tart in others, and perfect for a small toast between two or a date with Netflix.

To make it, layer the orange liqueur on top of the cherry liqueur. Finally, top with cream and sprinkle with love—or self-pity, if that’s what you’re into.

2. Pot o’ Gold

Perfect Occasion: St. Patrick’s Day

Ingredients:

• Bailey’s Irish Cream
• Goldschläger Cinnamon Schnapps 

St. Patrick’s Day usually means either way too many beers or way too many green drinks, so I say it’s time we break these traditions by downing some lucky Pots o’ Gold instead. This definitely-not-green drink consists of a sure-fire combination of Bailey’s Irish Cream (Duh!) and Goldschläger Cinnamon Schnapps.

It’s nontraditional, delicious and easy to make. Just layer the cinnamon schnapps on top of the Irish Cream and enjoy. Garnish with a microscopic leprechaun if desired.

3. American Flag

Perfect Occasion: Independence Day

Ingredients:

• Grenadine
• Crème de cacao (white)
• Blue Curacao

If you ever find yourself bored to tears while waiting for a fireworks show to start, consider passing the time by making an American Flag. Not an actual flag, mind you, unless you’re a descendant of Betsy Ross or something. This colorful and oh-so-patriotic combination of red syrup and blue and white liqueurs makes it a guaranteed hit at a Fourth of July barbecue.

Simply layer the ingredients starting with the grenadine and ending with the Blue Curacao. The drink has a couple of variants; one includes swapping the crème de cacao for peppermint schnapps or vodka and the grenadine for cherry brandy. Either way, you will be the one chanting “Amurika!” once you get one of these in your hand (and a sparkler in the other).

4. Alien Brain Hemorrhage 

Perfect Occasion: Halloween

Ingredients:

• Peach schnapps
• Bailey’s Irish Cream
• Blue Curacao
• Grenadine

Eek! Now this is one scary-looking drink. The Alien Brain Hemorrhage is one of those how-the-heck-did-anyone-come-up-with-this kind of cocktails. Perfect for a Halloween party, the shot looks eerily similar to what we imagine a bloody and stringy section of brain would look like. Weirdly, though, it tastes pretty good.

To make it, fill a shot glass halfway with peach schnapps and then layer Bailey’s Irish Cream on top. Add a dash of Blue Curacao (it will sink past the Irish Cream, giving it that “zombified” glow) and a little grenadine for the goopy brain bits. Prepare yourself for some grossed-out glares.

5. Santa Shot

Perfect Occasion: Christmas

Ingredients:

• Grenadine
• Green crème de menthe
• Mint or peppermint schnapps

 Stuck at one of those boring company Christmas parties? Ask the bartender to whip up a couple of Santa Shots for you and your coworkers. These Christmas-colored shots are simple yet sophisticated and pumped-to-the-max with zesty holiday spirit.

For this concoction, start with the grenadine, and then layer the crème de menthe and schnapps on top (the two may mix together). For an even stronger Christmas twist, use a candy cane to stir your shot or garnish it with a handful of crushed candy cane pieces. Oh, and be sure to offer one to Santa—he’ll need a drink more than anyone.

No matter the occasion, rest assured there’s a layered drink you can make for it. Remember, not only do these drinks look impressive, but they also taste pretty good. So brush up on your layering skills and start planning those lame holiday parties, pronto!

Original Article: https://botyapp.com/blog_incredibl...

Sign Up for Email Updates

Bartenders: 5 Things to Look for During Training

Training at a new bartending job is tough. It takes time to develop the relationships and workflow that make any service industry gig worthwhile. Sometimes, by the time you get a new job, you may not have the luxury of stressing over whether it’s a good “fit” or not.

Of course, if you’re super hard up for money, you may have to take what you can get. That said, we don’t want you to accept a job that will ultimately make you miserable. Here are some things to look out for during your training shifts that can give you a better overall idea about the establishment and the position as a whole.

How do the Managers and Staff Interact?

This is a big one, and thus, number one on the list. Every bartender or server knows that the difference between a crappy job and one you love; many times comes down to management. So, during your first few shifts, take a look at how the staff reacts to their higher-ups. Do they roll their eyes when the boss walks away? Are they comfortable and relaxed, yet remain respectful? It has been my experience that my relationship with a manager can make or break a job.  

If the staff seems comfortable approaching the boss with problems and mistakes that need fixing, and the manager reacts in an understanding and professional way, that’s a good sign.

What are the Shifts Like?

It’s important to understand what you’re getting into as far as shifts go. I’ve seen many a place where they sort of “feel” like they need someone else, but in reality they’re overstaffed. This leads to a lot of tension between colleagues, and possibly less money for you.

Ask some relevant questions like, “What will my shifts be?” and “Is it a set schedule?” You obviously want to do a great job and it may be an amazing establishment to work for, but if there’s not enough shifts, or more shifts than you feel you can handle, it might make sense to walk away sooner versus later.

Who Cuts Who and When?

In every place I’ve ever worked except one, getting cut is a huge source of stress and frustration for the staff.  It can range from the downright unreasonable to the totally inconsistent. So, if you’ll be on the night shift, try to figure out who gets out when and who makes that decision.  

Being released at an appropriate time may mean the difference between a good night’s rest and an insufficient one. It also can affect your wallet. It may be super busy for happy hour, but if you’re tipping someone else out until 3 am, the money may be a disappointment.

What’s the Food Like?

This one’s pretty simple. This is, most likely, the food you’ll be eating almost every day, sometimes twice a day! If it sucks, that could be a real bummer for your stomach and your health. Similarly, if you have to keep apologizing to customers and comping their bills because of subpar fare, it could turn into a real drain on your paycheck.

Speaking of Paychecks…

Please don’t let this be a mystery to you. You have a right to know how much you’ll be making (including training) and how often. Will your tips come in a check? How do they tax you? These are all things to keep track of and fair questions to ask an employer before you start the job.  

Restaurants and bars often give the impression that being asked to train is not the same as being hired. If that’s their attitude, then you should take the necessary steps to train them in and see if it will be a good fit for both of you.

Original Article: https://botyapp.com/blog_5-things-to-look-for-during-training/ 

Sign Up for Email Updates

Nontraditional Places Bartenders Work

Bartending is a career that consist of a variety of venues to work at. When most people think about bartending they automatically think about the stereotypical bartender who works at a bar. However, the types of places that bartenders can work at are endless. This career path really has many wonderful opportunities around the world.

Most bartenders work at nightclubs, bars, hotels, restaurants and catering companies. However, there is a whole range of fun venues and atmospheres that a bartender can work at.  

Fairs

Bartenders can work in beer tents and restaurant stands at any local county or state fair. There is also the possibility to travel with the fair, that will give a chance to experience new places and meet new interesting people along the way.

Amusement Parks

There are so many amusement parks across the world including Disneyland, Six Flags, and numerous water parks. These parks have bars and food stands that serve alcohol. Everyday at an amusement park is filled with fun and adventure. If you like working in entertaining places bartending for an amusement park is the way to go.

Golf Courses

Golf courses and country clubs are quite enjoyable to work for. The tips are usually better too. This is a job that can be indoors or outdoors. I know a few bartenders who work at golf courses that have told me how they love that they get to drive golf carts to deliver drinks to their customers. This is a bartending job that never gets dull.

Casinos

Casinos jobs are fast-paced in very amusing atmospheres. If you like meeting new people all the time and enjoy working in a faster environment you might consider bartending at a casino. Las Vegas casinos has been a promising location for many bartenders.

Themed Venues and Events

There are so many themed venues and events like the Renaissance Faires, Medieval Times, circuses, the race horse tracks and historical reenactments that are always looking for bartenders. It’s even more exciting if you get to play a character bartender while serving drinks.

Cruise Ships

Destination bartenders are such amazing jobs. If you don’t get seasick, this is a great experience for anyone. People are always so happy and friendly while they are on vacation which makes bartending so much more enjoyable.

Sporting Events

Football arenas, baseball stadiums, basketball courts, and even hockey arenas are always looking for bartenders. If you love sports and cheering for you team, this might be a great job for you.

Adult Arcade Centers

From Dave and Busters to Whirlyball, an adult arcade center is truly one of the most interesting and enjoyable places to work as bartender. These places really bring out the kid in all of us.

Concerts

Who wouldn’t love bartending at concerts? Great music, serving drinks, and happy customers. This is another fast-paced environment, however, everyday is different with all types of music genres and bands coming in.

Movie Theaters

Some of the newer movie theaters that serve food also serve drinks, such as some of the IMax theaters. It’s not a heavy drinking venue, however it is a great job for the laid-back bartender. The atmosphere is a bit slower but you aren’t having to deal with people who have had too much to drink all the time. 

This is only a short list of the options available for bartenders. There are drinking venues all over the world which allows you to have a wide range of jobs and different types of environments from the more sophisticated venues to all types of entertainment venues. Bartending is one of those jobs that you can do anywhere. This is a huge plus for bartenders who want to live in different areas. Overall the job market for bartenders is booming. So, go ahead, think outside of the box and go for the job that really makes you happy.

 Original Article: https://botyapp.com/blog_nontraditional-bartender-jobs/ 

Sign Up for Email Updates