by Teia Rogers

Created on: July 27, 2009   Last Updated: September 14, 2010

Bartending is an art form. The new term for bartender is bar chef. If you've been to a high end dining establishment or a trendy new club recently you'll see what I mean. Bartending isn't simply about memorizing a list of drinks, measuring the proper amount of liquids and serving them to a customer. Good bartenders are creative in their invention and presentation of cocktails. Bartenders are continually reinventing the art of drinking and bringing new life and flare into the art of the drink.

Successful bartenders create experiences for their customers. They can take simple requests and create masterpieces. The role of the contemporary bartender is to take traditional recipes and redesign for a changing world. Bartenders should have a depth of knowledge that includes the origins of cocktails and their histories. Bartending is a craft that is timeless. The world will always need bartenders. We drink in times of sadness and in celebration. Expert bartenders are prepared for both social climates and conduct themselves accordingly.

Bartenders are the social directors of the world. They know the latest news about everyone on Earth and if you're lucky can help score a date with someone at the other end of the bar. Good bartenders are everyone's best friend and as a result are masters of many personalities. A successful bartender has the ability to both regulate a crowd and keep the energy of the clients light and high. Nothing is more valuable to a bartender than the ability to manage large groups. Crowd control is essential to a bartender as it enables them to overcome obstacles and create a positive atmosphere.

You don't have to be a bottle tossing wild man with a blue Mohawk. Flair bartending is just one of many tools. It isn't necessary to learn, but it never hurts to know a little about it. The most important elements of bartending involve your customers, your service and your drinks. Excellent bartenders know how to engage their clients and provide above average service of top notch beverages.

To become a successful bartender it is essential to know your craft. Learn as much information as you can about alcohol and the ingredients and new drinks. Use your connections to other bartenders to continue learning and developing your skills. Innovation is the name of the game if you don't want to be left behind the pack. The beverage service industry is always changing. There is always a new drink leading the industry. There is always a new brand trying to make it to the top. The more you know about your drinks and the more enjoyable you can make the environment around you, the better off you'll be.

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