Junior Barkeeper Course – Work in progress.

Objectives:

• To familiarize students with the basic bar equipment
• To understand the different types of glasses used in bartending
• To learn the standard bar measurements and their importance
• To know the basic bar setup and organization

Materials:

• A list of common bar equipment and tools
• Demonstration videos or images of bar equipment in use

Instructional Content:

1. What is Bartending? 

Hi there and welcome to our lesson on Introduction to Bartending and Bar Equipment! First things first, let’s talk about what exactly bartending is. Bartending is the art and science of making drinks and serving them to customers. Bartending is a unique and dynamic profession that combines the art of creating visually appealing and delicious drinks with the science of measuring ingredients and following recipes. It involves using a variety of techniques and tools, such as mixing, shaking, and garnishing, to craft cocktails that not only taste great but also make a lasting impression on customers.

In addition to making drinks, bartenders are also responsible for providing exceptional customer service, which includes greeting customers, taking orders, making recommendations, and ensuring that everyone has a good time. They must have excellent communication skills, be able to multitask, and have a strong understanding of responsible alcohol service and regulations.

Bartending is more than just making drinks; it’s a form of entertainment that requires creativity, skill, and a passion for the craft. Whether it’s a busy Friday night or a slow Monday afternoon, bartenders are the life of the party, providing guests with a memorable experience and making each visit to the bar a special one. If you’re up for the challenge, it can be a fun and rewarding career!

2. Bar Equipment: 

Now that we have a better understanding of what bartending entails, let’s take a closer look at the tools of the trade. In the world of bartending, there are a ton of different tools and equipment that you’ll need to know about. From shakers to strainers, jiggers to bottle openers, there’s a lot to learn. But don’t worry, we’ll go through them one by one and make sure you’re a pro in no time!

A. Types of Bar Equipment: Here’s a list of some of the most common bar equipment and tools that you’ll need to know about:

Common Bar Equipment and Tools:

• Shaker – This mysterious tool is used to mix and chill drinks. It’s a simple but powerful tool that comes in various shapes and sizes, but most commonly in the form of a classic cocktail shaker. To use it, simply fill it with ice, add your ingredients, and shake, shake, shake!
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• Strainer – The strainer is like a bar magician’s tool, used to keep unwanted ingredients out of your drinks. It’s typically used in conjunction with a shaker, to ensure that your drinks are smooth and free of pesky ice chips or fruit bits. Strainers come in different shapes and sizes, but the most common one is the Hawthorne strainer
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• Jigger – The jigger is a tiny but mighty tool used for measuring liquids. Bartenders use jiggers to ensure that every drink is made with precision and consistency. Jiggers come in different sizes and shapes, but the most common ones are double-ended, with small and large measurements.
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• Glasses – Glasses are not just for seeing, they are also for drinking! In the bar world, there are various types of glasses for different types of drinks, including martini glasses, highball glasses, and shot glasses. Each type of glass is specifically designed to enhance the drinking experience, so make sure you choose the right one for each drink!

Types of Glassware in Bartending:

1. Martini Glass – This elegant and mysterious glass is used for cocktails that are shaken or stirred, such as the classic Martini or the Vodka Martini. The long stem allows you to hold the glass without affecting the temperature of the drink. It’s said that a good Martini should be stirred, not shaken, but we’ll let you decide for yourself.
2. Highball Glass – This tall and mysterious glass is used for highball drinks, such as the Whiskey Highball or the Gin and Tonic. The large size makes it perfect for refreshing drinks that are served with plenty of ice and a mixer. Just be sure to drink them slowly, or you’ll get high-balled!
3. Old Fashioned Glass – This classic and mysterious glass is used for cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan. The wide mouth and sturdy base make it perfect for muddled drinks and cocktails served over ice. Just don’t get old-fashioned in your bartending skills!
4. Shot Glass – This small but mighty glass is used for shots, such as Tequila Shots, Whiskey Shot, and Jägermeister. It’s typically used for quick and strong drinks that are meant to be taken in one swift gulp. Just be careful, these shots can pack a punch!
5. Champagne Flute – This elegant and mysterious glass is used for champagne and sparkling wines. The tall, slender shape helps to keep the bubbles intact, while the narrow rim enhances the flavor and aroma. Pop the cork, make a toast, and let the bubbles fly!

These are just a few of the different types of glasses that are used in bartending. Each one is specifically designed to enhance the drinking experience, so be sure to choose the right glass for each drink. Now go forth and pour, drink, and be merry!

• Bottle Opener – The bottle opener is like a knight’s sword in the bar world. It’s used to open bottles of beer and other beverages, saving the day when a bottle just won’t budge. Bottle openers come in different shapes and sizes, but the most common one is the church key.
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• Muddler – The muddler is a bar wizard’s tool, used to create magic with fruit and other ingredients in drinks. It’s typically used to muddle fruit and herbs to release their flavors and aromas. Muddlers come in different shapes and sizes, but the most common one is a simple, club-shaped muddler.
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• Bar spoon
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These are just some of the common bar equipment and tools that you’ll need to know about as a bartender. Each one is important in its way, and mastering their use will help you become a pro behind the bar. Now go forth and mix, shake, and pour your way to bartending greatness!

B. Handling Bar Equipment: 

The right tools can make the difference between a well-crafted drink and a mediocre one. Here is how to work with them:

1. To use a cocktail shaker, fill the shaker with ice, add the ingredients, and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. Strain the drink into a glass and serve.
2. Use a jigger to measure liquids accurately, and pour them into the shaker or glass as required.
3. A bar spoon ensures that ingredients blend well without crushing or breaking them. Take a bar spoon, place it in the cocktail, and stir gently, until the drink is well mixed.
4. To use a muddler, place the ingredients in a glass or shaker, press the muddler on top, and twist until the ingredients are thoroughly crushed.
5. To use a strainer, place it over the top of the shaker or glass and pour the cocktail through it.
6. Ice tongs are used to pick up ice cubes and add them to drinks. To use ice tongs, grab an ice cube with the tongs and place it in the shaker or glass.
7. A bottle opener is used to open a beer and other bottled drinks. To use a bottle opener, place the opener on the top of the bottle cap and press down until the cap comes off.
8. To use a wine opener, first remove the foil from the top of the bottle, then insert the corkscrew into the cork, and pull until the cork comes out.
9. A citrus juicer is used to extract juice from lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits. To use a citrus juicer, cut the fruit in half, place it in the juicer, and press down firmly to extract the juice.
10. A blender is used to mix frozen drinks and smoothies. To use a blender, add the ingredients to the blender jar, and blend until smooth.

C. Basic Bar Setup

A basic bar setup is essential for any bartender to efficiently and effectively make drinks and serve customers. The bar should be organized, clean, and well-stocked with all the necessary equipment and ingredients. Here are some key elements of a basic bar setup:

• Bar Top: This is the main surface where bartenders make drinks. It should be clean, dry, and free of spills.
• Speed Rail: This is a metal rail that runs along the front of the bar, and it’s used to store and easily access frequently used bottles of alcohol.
• Back Bar: This is the area behind the bar where bartenders keep larger bottles of alcohol, mixers, and other supplies.
• Ice Bin: This is a container that holds ice and is used to keep drinks cold.
• Blender: This is an electric appliance used to blend drinks such as smoothies, frozen cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Shaker: This is a tool used to mix drinks, especially cocktails. It consists of a mixing glass and a lid that is shaken to mix ingredients.
• Strainer: This is a device used to strain liquids and ice from cocktails, keeping unwanted ingredients out of drinks.
• Glassware: Bartenders should have a variety of glasses for different types of drinks, such as martini glasses, highball glasses, and shot glasses.
• Juicer: This is a tool used to extract juice from citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes.
• Garnish Tray: This is a tray used to hold and organize garnishes, such as fruit, olives, and cherries, for use in cocktails.

By having a well-organized bar setup, bartenders can efficiently make drinks, save time, and provide better customer service. Additionally, it makes cleaning up after a shift much easier and more efficient.

D.Practice: 

So now that you have a basic understanding of bartending and bar equipment, it’s time to put it into practice! 

Get all the tools and glasses in your hands one by one and try performing the movements and tasks described above and seen in the videos.

We’ll be doing a lot of hands-on practice in the coming lessons, so make sure you’re ready to get behind the bar and start shaking things up!

And that’s it for this lesson on Introduction to Bartending and Bar Equipment! If you’re feeling excited, let’s give a big “Cheers!” to our new adventure into the world of bartending!