I am a massive book lover as well as a cocktail lover.

I have worked as a bartender, sommelier and server and now work mainly in training hospo staff, but still work irregular shifts and events.

I regularly look stuff up and browse through my books. I much prefer to research in a book than the internet when I have the time. There's nothing like enjoying a cocktail at home while looking through a good cocktail book.

I know some are on a key ingredient (Gin, Vermouth and bitters) but for me they are more important as a cocktail ingredient than anything else!

Anyone else a cocktail book collector?

Any more you can recommend?

I plan to collect more old recipe books (e.g. Jerry Thomas etc.). But haven't had much luck in second hand shops for older editions.

Weighing options and considering moving to NY from GA. Looking for any insight from NY people whether you’ve made it a career or temporary deal. I’m currently in a restaurant/late night concert venue bar spot with hours roughly 3pm-4am, 4 days a week. Big on high energy, loud, and free pouring but am aware beggars can’t be choosers. Is finding something similar a realistic hope? Not looking to get by strictly on bartending but do enjoy it. There’s also the inevitable phase of learning a new place and feeling like a clueless lump and building new dynamics. Is it common to have a lot of regulars? One of my biggest restraints would be leaving my bar of 3 1/2 years where over 50% are regulars that tip $200+ multiple times a week. Obviously it would depend on the bar as to whether or not that environment can come about. Used to working with live music and comedy shows mostly and wouldn’t hate to do it somewhere larger.
I’m appreciative and interested to hear anyone’s experiences, vibes of different areas, day vs night bar scenes, any and all of it for brainstorming purposes.

Hello fellow bar folk!

I am inquiring what yall use for syrup/juice bottles behind your bar?

We transitioned to Crew bottles about a year ago and I absolutely HATE them. They chip easily, leak and are a waste of money. We reached out to them to let them know how to possibly manufacture them better and they were quite rude about it.

I would like to find a Canadian company doing something similar and better, I’m hoping for some suggestions but I feel everyone just uses old liquor bottles.

guess who’s back. happy fall cocktail season ya’ll, makin anything fun?

I added a last-minute hospitality minor in my senior year of college, and to get all my credits before I graduate, my advisor is letting me do an Independent study! I chose bartending because in my major (Musical Theatre), we need survival jobs, and I am quite interested in the craft. I already work as a barback, and I know how to mix a couple of drinks. But what should I make sure I cover in my independent study? I have almost complete control over my area of focus.

I got a recommendation from a bartender/sommalier at a fine-dining restaurant that I focus on base spirits, wine, and beer knowledge and notes because that base information is more valuable in the long run. He recommended the book Windows on the World by Kevin Zraly

I also want to get some base certifications like ServSafe because even though I technically don't need it to work in Missouri, I think it is valuable.

I am planning on moving to New York/Chicago after I graduate, so regional insight would also be helpful.

What should I DEFINITELY learn about? And what are some insights you guys have? And resources I should learn from in my study?

Heyy there! I hope this is in the right place, if not please direct me. Also sorry for the length. For starters (not sure if it matters or not though) I’m a 23 year old white female and I’d definitely consider my looks to be above average. I live in a bigger city in southeastern US and I’ve worked at breastaurants since I was 18 (hooters and twin peaks). I’ve bartended there for a couple years now and I really enjoy it though part of me has had the urge to move into a more busy atmosphere such as a nightclub or something like that for awhile now

A couple weeks ago while working a customer must have overheard me talking with another about that topic and gave me a number to call about a job. At first I was reluctant about it especially not having much detail besides the number but I decided what’s to lose and gave it a call after a few days. The man on the phone seamed like he was expecting my call when I explained the situation and everything, which I didn’t really expect. We went over some small details and he described the club as a hip hop lounge type of club before setting up a in person interview 

Today I had my interview and I’m not sure what to think of it. Being a club setting I decide to wear a simple sleeveless black body suit as my top and a black mini skirt with a pair of heels. Showing up the area is definitely kind of ghetto along with the club itself it seamed, though not a huge deal I guess. The guy I interviewed with didn’t sound like the guy I spoke to on the phone but he said he was one of the managers. He sort of gave off sleezy vibes, mainly because his eyes were more focused on other parts of me than my eyes but I’m use to that I guess. Overall the interview felt like it went good but at the end his demeanor changed a little as he offered another opportunity. He suggested I be a bottle girl at the club and explaining that I’d be able to make much more money doing that. Which we talked about it briefly and he said I could think on it and didn’t have to answer right away 

That’s where my question comes in. Being a bottle girl doesn’t sound bad at all. I’m not shy and I’m already use to wearing revealing outfits from work now. Plus it seams like I wouldn’t be working as hard and making more money, answer seams simple. I just wanted to reach out on here and see what other peoples opinions that have more experience was first

I love making things from the cool stuff that comes with liquor packaging, I have a bracelet I made from patron ribbons, a necklace from the pyrat rum pendant and a vast collection of different crown royal bags. Now I have a bottle of Blanton’s and I adore the horse topper but I’m at a loss for what to do with it when the bottle is empty. I figured this creative community would have some cool ideas, and if you have other stuff you’ve made from things that come with your booze I’d love to hear about that too!

I have to ask!!! Any plans for dressing up behind the bar for Halloween? I’m between an espresso martini or a Hendrick’s bottle because I really don’t want to stray from my usual all black uniform that much.

Let’s hear your ideas or plans!!!

Obviously im going to wear a costume but its hard to dress cute for the weather AND in clothes i dont care about. It doesnt help that ive gained weight and nothing ive worn before fits.

This event is famously messy (lots of egos + little experience all in one place + its a tent and everyone is going to be blasted 2 hours in) and its going to be mid 40s. Ive given up and just want to dress "goth" but even so, its hard to find jackets that won't get in the way. Do not get me started on all these shit sleeve options.

Has anyone had any luck with any costumes? Ill take any suggestions at this point. Are there any websites or in-store youve had luck with? Ive done this for 6 years now but ive either been inside the bar or we've been lucky with the weather. My time has come to pay my dues to the cold I guess.

So I have barback experience and the company I work for needs me as a bartender one night. I’ve never poured a drink in my life and have 0 training. I expect to fuck up some, any tips to help the shift go somewhat smooth? It’s for a banquet/wedding so I don’t expect to be too slammed.

Do you describe Stella as a "lager" or a "pilsner"

I recently tried this drink called Velvet Cherry at a restaurant and it was so good! If i went to a bar how would i order this? Is this something i could even order at a bar? Thank you in advanced!

I had to buy a small bookshelf to have a proper area JUST for bottles hahah but I was just curious to see if anyone else has this impulsive bottle buying habit I’ve seemed to have picked up. (Nothing crazy or expensive in my collection)

(Who may read this)
What is it about a bar with lights off, music off, front door locked with the side door open, chairs still on stools, staff setting up the outside tables and our opening times on the door itself … that makes you think “oh yeah that place is definitely open!”
I have so many other questions but this one deffo tops the cake

Hi! Long story but my restaurant isn’t sure if we’ll be open on Halloween night but I’ve also never bartended on Halloween specifically so does anyone have any costume ideas? I work/pool with another bartender (1m 1fm) and I thought I’d turn to Reddit to see if anyone has any costume ideas”couples costumes” that would be fun for two bartenders on Halloween.

Hope it's the right flair...

My most common regular had an aneurysm and was declared braindead this morning, I'm heartbroken. He was always there, after he was done at work he came straight over, knew the rules and regulations better then most workers,he even saved female coworkers from attackers on several occasions. He defended me towards the owner when I had just started working here when I was incompetent.

he was the glue that kept the community at the bar together

What I'm really asking is do any of you know of a good way to honor his memory,

I'm sorry for the post being hard to read and jumbled, it's just really difficult.

hi guys, what is your experience on loop earplugs? i work in a bar where we weekly host PAX +100 private events and it gets really loud with all the people and music, especially if there’s a band performing. i’m thinking of purchasing loop earplugs since they’re quite affordable and i like the look but i’m stuck between engage and experience models. are the engage ones protective enough and will i hear the customer if i get experience ones? thank you!

hey guys, i recently got a trial shift at a bar/pub in the UK.

i do have experience as i have bartended many festivals/events, but this is pretty much just liquor + mixer stuff.

i said that ive poured pints before, which is true, but that was working at a Thatcher's bar for a few hours at a festival, and the pint pouring was kinda done by a big machine.

i also have bar backed one summer in another country, but this bar was very different to one in the uk; it was like a beach bar and i didnt really have to do much.

of course, we spoke about this stuff in my interview, but i was honest and said that im definitely no cocktail bartender. the interviewer said that that didnt matter and that personality matters more, plus training would be offered on the job.

i really hope i get this job, but im nervous as i worry that maybe i inflated my experience?

the trial shift is 4 hours long and im just worried theyre going to be expecting more from me than what i can give.

any advice ?! thanks :)

Seasoned bartender swears this is a proper pour technique. I am baffled. Care to critique?