Bartender
Also known as: barkeeper, barman, barwoman
In short
A bartender is host, craftsman and tempo maker in one: building drinks, reading guests and keeping track during a full rush. We explain what the job means and how it differs from mixology.
In depth
What does a bartender do?
A bartender does far more than build drinks. The job combines craft and hospitality: mastering recipes, keeping many orders in your head during a full rush, welcoming every guest and carrying the evening with calm. Good bartenders are craftsmen at the shaker and hosts at the bar at the same time.
A job with history
The first star of the trade is well documented: Jerry Thomas, known in the United States as "The Professor", published his major bartending book in 1862 and shaped modern mixing like no one before him. Much has changed since then, but the combination has stayed the same: craft in the glass, wit at the guest.
Bartender or mixologist?
You may know the short answer from our mixology entry: one is the profession, the other is the view of the work in the glass. Bartender describes the whole job, including guest, tempo and menu. Mixology describes the creative and analytical side. In a good bar, both belong together.
What makes a good bartender
- Craft: a jigger instead of guesswork, balance instead of luck
- Tempo: full bar, clear order, no guest gets left behind
- An eye for detail: from the ice to the garnish
- A host's instinct: someone who makes your evening
At our lounge
Behind our bar you will find exactly this mix: craft, tempo and hospitality. Come by, we look forward to meeting you.