Bad Bartending Habits

We all would like to think that we are the best bartenders in the world and that we never make any mistakes or have any bad habits. However, we are human and human nature is to not be perfect. There are several bad habits that bartenders tend to do.  

Wasting Product

One of the biggest bad habits is wasting products. Bartenders tend to do this in a variety of ways. For instance running the tap for a few seconds before putting a glass under it or giving out extra garnishes. It’s important to try to manage how much you waste. Wasted products hurts revenues for the establishment so be mindful of what you give out. After all, if you save your boss money by limiting waste, he will be happy and so will you.

Over-serving

Over-serving customers with alcohol doesn’t help establishment revenues and can actually be dangerous for customers. Be sure to pay attention to how much you serve and how often. If they seem to be getting too intoxicated you have to be the responsible bartender and cut them off.  And if anyone does get too intoxicated, be sure to help them find a safe way home by calling them an Uber or a taxi.  You could be liable if you allow them to drive home drunk and an accident occurs.

Not Offering Food Or Appetizers

Offering food to your customers not only generates more income for the establishment, it also makes sure that your customers do not drink on an empty stomach. If you aren’t asking every customer if they would like to see a menu, you truly are not meeting all the requirements of your profession.

Paying More Attention To Friends Or Certain Customers

People can tell when you are ignoring them and not giving them enough attention. It is never okay to ignore a customer or forgot why you are there. Your job is to serve everyone and take care of their needs. In doing so, you will generate more income and you will build repeat customers. You never know which customers will become ‘regular’ so it’s key to treat all your customers the same.

Acting Inappropriately

We all act inappropriately at times. However, in the workplace, there is no place for that behavior. Bartenders can act inappropriately by over-flirting and only giving certain customers free drinks. It’s very important to watch the language and the gestures being used.  Bars are fun atmospheres where you maybe able to get away with some inappropriate behavior, but don’t forget this is still your place of work and their is a level of professionalism that needs to be upheld.

Not Following Your Work Schedule

An occasional sick day or requested time off is normal in any career. However, if you are always coming in late, calling in sick or leaving early, don’t expect that you will have a job for too long. When you don’t work your given schedule you are forcing others to have to work it. This will create problems with other bartenders, servers and your management staff.  And keep in mind your favorite customers will be checking in for you so if you are not there, you lose their trust and their money.  In order to keep your job and reputation, come to work on time and when you are scheduled.

Not Using A Bar Recipe Accurately

Bartenders tend to mix a lot of drinks. It’s great if you have many of these recipes memorized, but you won’t know all especially just starting out.  Make sure you know how to follow a recipe in order to make a drink properly. Be sure to measure accurately and don’t try to put your own spin on a drink you have never made before. This could end up badly.

If you minimize your bad work habits and learn good, productive habits you will impress your managers and your customers will love you. When in doubt, always remain professional and courteous.  

Original Article: https://botyapp.com/blog_bad-bartending-habits/ 

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The Silent Disconnected Bartender (Video)

The Silent Disconnected Bartender. 😂 😂 😂 http://bit.ly/2amezut #BOTYFilms

Why do People Love the Bar?

Being in my late 20’s I’ve come to realize that there are two different types of a ‘night out’. There’s the one where you put on one of your better dresses, do your hair and makeup just right and go to a club where you and your friends dance with strangers and drink the night away.

Then there’s the night where your clothes consist of comfortable jeans and a stain free shirt with your hair in a messy bun as you walk into your favorite bar to relax for the evening. It probably comes as no surprise that I prefer the second type of night and if you’re wondering why then I’ll explain.

There’s something cozy and homey about bars and after spending time visiting ones from all around the world, I’ve come to realize a few things about why bars are so attractive to people.

Fact #1: Variety 

No matter your lifestyle there is always a bar out there for you. From the upper class that serves prohibition style cocktails to the dive bars where country and rock pour from the jukebox, there is a bar for everyone. Personally I prefer the Irish pubs, where the main drinks are Guinness and Heineken while Dropkick Murphy’s plays in the background.

Fact #2: Want to Talk, Don’t Want to Talk?

Have you ever had one of those days where you don’t really feel like talking to anyone but you don’t necessarily want to be alone?  The wonderful thing about bars is that they are always full of people and there’s no obligation to talk. Sometimes it’s just nice to be a part of a collective conversation and too just nod your head along, and sometimes it’s just nice to be surrounded by quiet chatter while you reflect over your drink.

Fact #3: A Place to Vent

Being in a bar, it’s almost a requirement to share the details about something that may not be going great in your life. Here no one is passing judgment because they may be going through a similar experience.  It’s not all bad news because the bar is also the place to have a shot to celebrate a birthday or toast to a new promotion.  The bar is the place to express yourself through the good or bad times.  

Fact #4. Introvert, Extrovert? We Love Them All!

Bars are definitely the place where everyone can come and find themselves at ease.  An extrovert is a friendly person who truly enjoys talking to and being around other people.  If you’re an extrovert there will be plenty of people to talk to and swap stories with.  It’s not as easy for introverts to make new friends because it takes up so much energy to get to know someone.  So introverts will most likely be the one listening to the most outrageous stories.     

Fact #5. Comradery

If you’re lucky enough you will find a bar that becomes your home away from home.  You know the one where you know the owners, all of the bartenders know you by name and have your drink poured as you walk through the door.  The other patrons warmly welcome you and probably know details about your life that no one else does. It is in these bars where stories and advice are doled out over beer and anyone can be dragged into a conversation.

The thing I personally love about bars is the ease of the atmosphere. No one cares where you’ve been and no one cares about your mistakes, everyone is just looking for the same thing – a cold drink and a fun story to listen to.

Stop Bullying at the Bar (Podcast)

Episode #2: Stop Bullying at the Bar Podcast: http://bit.ly/2a8sT8m #BOTYLife #BOTYLife

Stop Bullying at The Bar

We’ve all encountered them; overzealous bouncers and security at bars and clubs. They range from not very friendly (which we can deal with) to blatantly disregarding your rights and your property. Of course, the vast majority of security are professional, gracious, and, quite frankly, deserving of sainthood for all they put up with. However, there are those who cross the line of not just politeness, but the law. Read on for what you may encounter, and how to respond.

What Are Bouncers and Security Actually Allowed to Do?

First of all, you need to know what bouncers are allowed to do by law, and it’s probably less than you think. Legally their job does not have any special provisions about physical force. They are allowed to ID you and refuse you entry if you’re too drunk or aren’t complying with the establishment’s policies in some way. They can also ask you to leave for the same reasons. But, as far as fights go, bouncers can break them up and respond to aggressive behavior with equal force only. So, if you instigate a fight, they can respond in kind.  

What They Can’t Do

Ok so that all makes sense right? Now let’s cover the things that bouncers cannot do. Most importantly, they can’t use unwarranted physical force against you. This includes physically throwing you out of the bar, striking you, or using a weapon of any kind. They also can’t confiscate your ID. Now, whether you want to argue this with a bouncer is entirely up to you, but legally they can’t take it. What will most likely happen is they will turn it over to the cops, who can confiscate it. They also cannot take any of your property without your consent. If you are carrying an item that isn’t allowed in the bar however, they can refuse you entry.

Searches

This is a slightly confusing topic, legally speaking. Bouncers can search you to a reasonable extent, but only if you consent to it. So, if you are comfortable with a pat-down style search then they can perform one. This doesn’t mean that they can perform a strip search or any other invasive procedure and it is absolutely your right to refuse any kind of search. However, they can then deny you entry into the establishment if you do not consent to a search.

What to Do If You Encounter a Problem

If you come across a bouncer who is simply rude, there may not be much you can do. Conduct yourself in a courteous and polite manner so you don’t give them any reason to cite provocation. You can then inquire within the establishment about the company they work for in order to file a complaint. If they are hired privately by the bar, it’s best to take it up with management.

If you are hit by or otherwise physically assaulted by a bouncer, there are several steps you should take.  

• First, make a note of the time and place.
• Then, write a detailed account of the incident.  

• Finally, head to your local police station and file a formal complaint.  

If you suffer serious injury you could potentially sue the bouncer or the company that employs them for damages.

While we hope you never have a bad interaction with security, we are neither lawyers nor cops. If you think a bouncer has crossed the line, contact your local PD.

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The Flirty Bartender

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6 Staples for the Stay-at-Home Bartender

Not everyone wants to work as a bartender, but that doesn’t stop us from becoming occasional bartenders at home.

Sometimes, though, something feels a little bit off when you try to play the part. Like something’s missing. The problem, I’ve realized, isn’t the dearth of customers—you’re guaranteed at least one a night anyway (ba dum tss!).

Rather, it’s the lack of supplies.

Sure, you might know how to mix some soda with vodka, but do you know how to make a killer cocktail for your friends? I’m talking about making a drink taste and look like it actually belongs in a bar—you know, instead of on some crumb-infested kitchen countertop.

Aside from the alcohol itself and whatever syrups and mixers you like, here are six bar staples that’ll transform your home bar from just-out-of-college to pretty-damn-authentic:

1. Glassware

You can’t expect to enjoy a drink if it doesn’t look at least a little bit classy. Spend a few bucks on some expensive-looking glassware (looking being the key ingredient), and you’ll learn how effective presentation can be. Staples include martini, highball, lowball, coupe and red wine glasses, most of which can be bought together in bartender-targeted glassware sets. Be sure to also invest in a mixing glass.

2. Shaker

Like cocktails? Then get shaking. A cocktail shaker is a fairly iconic piece of equipment for the average bartender, and you’ll need one if you’re planning on making your share of fancy-looking mixed drinks. Easy-to-make shaker drinks include black cherry martinis, blinkers and Celtic margaritas, but don’t shy away from conducting your own alcoholic experiments.

3. Bar Spoons

Maybe you’re used to using that one weirdly-oblong-shaped spoon to stir your drinks. But if you want to look like a real professional, chuck that little guy in the dishwasher and go buy yourself a couple of bar spoons. They’re the perfect length for your glassware (read: no accidentally dipping your fingers in the drink when trying to mix that bottom layer). Plus, they make something as simple as stirring look extra sophisticated.

4. Strainer 

I’m not talking about those big old strainers you use for pasta. A cocktail strainer is a small sieve used to keep ice out of your drink as you pour it from a shaker into a serving glass. There are two types of strainers: the Julep strainer, which looks like a tiny version of a pasta strainer attached to a long handle, and a Hawthorne strainer, which contains a metal spring to filter ice. You don’t need both, but they’re usually pretty cheap.

5. Blender

Though not a necessity, a blender will come in handy if you enjoy whipping up frozen daiquiris and other chilly drinks. Any regular blender will do; just make sure it can break down ice without breaking itself first. (In case you’re curious, the trick is to use already-crushed ice, not cubed.)

6. Ice

With all of that being said, the last thing on this list you’ll (obviously!) need is ice. But just having a refrigerator isn’t always enough. For both stylistic and practical reasons, you should be aware of the size and shape of the ice cubes you’re using for particular drinks. Silicone ice cube trays are a good alternative to fridges’ awkward moon-shaped cubes.

Don’t be afraid to make a couple of purchases and get your home bar going. After all, even if you’re your only customer, why shouldn’t you deserve the best after a (presumably) hard day of work? Now that’s something we can all drink to, I bet.

 Original Article: https://botyapp.com/blog_stay-at-home-bartender/

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