Bartenders prepare and serve drinks to customers in bars and restaurants.
Did you know there are more than 1,000 drink recipes? The number of martini recipes alone is astounding. Add to this the number of microbrewed beers and wines and you've got a cornucopia of drinks on your hands. Those who have been pouring drinks for years are practically encyclopedias of wine, beer, and spirits.
Bartenders prepare standard mixed drinks and pour wine and beer. They also prepare mixed drinks to match customers' specific orders. Most bartenders know dozens of drink recipes. They must be able to prepare drinks quickly, accurately, and without waste. Some large restaurants use machines that create drinks. Bartenders who use these machines just push a button. However, they must know how to prepare drinks in case the machine breaks. In most bars and many restaurants, bartenders take orders directly from customers. However, in some places they receive drink orders from waiters and waitresses.
In addition to serving drinks, bartenders collect payments and operate cash registers. They also clean up after customers and clean their work area. They often serve food to customers seated at the bar. Bartenders check identification of customers. Bartenders must be sure customers meet age requirements for the purchase of alcohol and tobacco products. They also make sure customers do not drink too much alcohol.
Bartenders are in charge of ordering and maintaining liquor and bar supplies. They often form attractive displays out of bottles and glassware. Bartenders wash the glassware and utensils after each use.