Finish Your Whisky or Beer: Closing Time for World’s Oldest Bartender

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For many, bartending is a college gig, something to do part time, or a great way to meet attractive members of the opposite sex. Angelo Cammarata on the other hand, has rang the bell for last call and hung up his mixer after 77 years of service.

Now 95, he has been bartending at Cammarata’s, a bar he started since the stroke of midnight, April 7, 1933. What’s even more amazing about this, is that this was the very second prohibition ended in the United States. Check out more on an interview with him here.

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Mixology 101 with Joe Bartender

 Loading ... For those of you that have followed JoeBartender for the last few months you will have noticed a massive site overhall.  We completely redesigned the site from scratch with a brand new look, logo and layout.  Admist all that change there is something we didn’t want anyone to overlook, and that is the new Drink Finder (you can find the link at the top of the screen). We have added thousands of drink recipies to our database and have put together one of the most advanced drink searching utilities available on the net.  Here is a quick little tutorial to help you get started cranking our recipies using the tool:

1.  Basic Drink Finder

The purpose of the basic drink finder is to search by drink name.  So if you are looking for martini recipies then put ‘Martini’ in your drink search.  If you want to find something specific, try typing in ‘Twisted Stache’.  The basic drink finder can help you dig up the recipie of your favoire cocktail.

2.  The Advanced Drink Finder

The second tool is the custom developed advanced drink finder.  Here you can select any of the ingredients you have laying around your home and the drink finder will look through our huge database of drinks looking for a match, and list all the possibly drinks you can make given your ingredients.  It’s been a lot of work getting this tool to function so that it benefits people the most.  Please post your feedback and we will keep making adjustments.

3.  Results

Regardless of how you search you will be directed to the same resuilts page.  It provides the drink names, and ingredients of the matching drink results sorted by rating.

Now you may notice that not a lot of drinks have currently been rated yet and thats because our rating system is new to!  In order to rate a drink simply click on a drink and click on the number of stars you would like to give it.

Ok, so now that I’ve taught you how to use some of the new Joe Bartender features, try them out and let us know what you think!

- JB

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Secrets to Becoming a Successful Bartender

A bartender is a person who serves drinks and beverages in bars, taverns and similar places. A bartender is also referred to as a barkeeper, a tapster, a barmaid, a barman or a mixologist. There are many bartenders in Canada.

To become a successful bartender, one has to have the skills and knowledge required by the job. Professional bartenders enjoy rewarding but very demanding careers. Highly trained bartenders are expected to offer high quality work to their customers in different occasions. They are often involved in corporate functions, engagements, weddings, confirmations, holiday parties, private parties and even boat cruises. A good number of licensed bartenders travel with their tools of trade to various venues giving them exposure and experience. This diversity earns them much money. Toronto bartending has several licensed bartenders involved in this kind of service.

So, what makes a good bartender in Ontario? To start with highly trained bartenders should be licensed. Licensed bartenders have freedom of movement and choice. They can move within lawfully allowed areas to offer their services without restrictions. Most of the highly trained bartenders involved in Toronto bartending are licensed bartenders. Having a license has the added advantage of being able to start a personal business and be recognized by bartending agencies and companies. It also adds credibility to the bartenders' business and personal portfolio.

Another highly trained bartender's secret is the knowledge of different drinks and their recipes. A good bartender, being also a mixologist is expected to know different kinds and mixtures of beer, milkshakes, softdrinks, soups, cocktails, coffee and wine among others. There are various bartending online and offline resource material and courses that offer knowledge on thousands of drink recipes and mixtures. Toronto has opened several bartending schools and institutions to offer such courses. Toronto bartending schools and institutions rank among the best in the world.

The other important aspect on drinks for highly trained bartenders is knowledge of glassware. Some customers prefer taking specific drinks in specific glassware. The Martini drink for instance is usually served in its signature glass. Another useful tip on drinks is to know how to stir one before serving it. The drink's ingredients are first poured into the mixing glass, slowly stirred in the clockwise direction and then poured on some cold ice inside the glassware. This practice is common in Toronto bartending.

Highly trained bartenders are also expected to be good event managers. The events may range from weddings to birthday parties and the bartender is expected to supervise over wait staff and servers. Most licensed bartenders are managers by virtue of owning the bars they tend in. As managers they also take payments, ensure that there are enough supplies and keep inventory records. Some bars also offer counseling services to the clientele, with the managers being at times called upon to answer various questions on issues like directions and sports. This is the case for several Toronto bartenders. As a manager therefore, the bartender serves as the public image of the bar.

Toronto Bartenders Agancy where we specialize in offering bartenders and waitresses to fully stocked your bars, be it a Martini bar, a Vodka bar, Shooters, as well as Beer, Wine and Soft Drink bars.

Visit: http://www.torontobartending.ca/ Toronto Bartenders Services

How to Become a Bartender

In my many years behind the bar, one of the questions that I seemed to get asked quite often (especially from the younger crowd) is, "How do I become a bartender?"

Well, the most traditional ways are to either go to Bartender's School or to start off as a server and to work your way up. To tell you the truth, I do not recommend Bartending School at all. Not that they do not provide good knowledge, it's just that after you graduate and have spent upwards of $500 in most cases, you usually can only get a job as a server anyway. In that case, why spend the money? As a server you already have your foot in the door with management, you have an opportunity for "on-the-job-training", you can learn the specialty drink recipes of that particular establishment, and you can watch a more experienced bartender at work. If you want to attend Bartending School while you are serving, make sure your boss/ manager knows what you are doing and understands your intentions... To get behind his bar ASAP!

There are other reasons that I do not recommend Bartending Schools. I went to one and I enjoyed it,I had already been tending bar for a few years when I went but I learned how certain drinks got their name, a few recipes (probably about 50), and how to waste my time and money. I even taught at a bartending school for a while, that was very satisfying since I love to teach, but for as much as they charge they sure didn't pay well at all. The whole problem was... they didn't teach "How to become a bartender". They basically just teach the theory of mixology. You do not get at all prepared for the life of a bartender.

The life of a bartender is different than that of any other occupation out there. There are 2 quotes in the movie "Cocktail" that say it all: 1."There is no greater place to learn life's lessons than behind three feet of mahogany." and my favorite #2, "Bartenders are the aristocracy of the working class." Plus, what can I say, the money is great!

So I still haven't answered the question "How to become a bartender". My advice, first get yourself an up-to-date bartender's guide that has drink recipes included. You can find a couple of good ones on-line for $15-$50. Memorize the recipes, the type of drinks that they are, what kind of glass they go in, and their proper mixing methods. I recommend making flash cards with the name of the drink on one side, and all the other information listed on the other. There are two advantages to this, one is that you learn while you are writing, you learn as you quiz yourself, and you have the beginnings of an awesome drink Rolodex. That Rolodex will end up being your best friend in the future, trust me. I actually still use my Rolodex, every time I come across a new recipe I get it in the Rolodex ASAP. I have over 5,000 drinks in there now. Once you feel comfortable with your basic knowledge, start checking out the bars you think you might want to work at.

Now here comes the secret that I use, it works every time. Sit at the bar that you have chosen. Drink slow and drink mature. I recommend ordering a "dark beer" and maybe a high-dollar bourbon on the rocks (something mysterious). Watch everything that the bartender is doing, and give complimentary comments when applicable. Drink no more than 4 drinks total and stay for no longer than 2 hours. Ask the bartender when he/she works again, leave a huge tip (at least 30%) then quietly walk out. The next time he/she works, go in and order the same thing. It will probably be sitting there before you even sit down (good bartenders always remember a good tipper). This time strike up a conversation with him/her as you drink. Talk knowledgeably about different drink recipes, you can always open with, "So how do you make YOUR 'Sex on the Beach'?" Pretty much all bartenders make them different, then tell them your recipe that you have memorized. But basically just talk to them about the business. Once again, ask when they work again, tip really big,and skedaddle. Then on the third visit, when you are asked what you are having... "I'm actually just having a water tonight. I am interested in working here. Is there any way I can meet with your manager?" You don't even know it, but you have an in, by the time you actually meet with the manager/owner he already knows all he needs to know about you. The bartender has filled him in, and you are either hired or the next to be hired in that establishment. CONGRATULATIONS!

To learn more on how you can become a bartender check out "So Ya Wanna Be A Bartender" only available at http://www.piranhajohnssite.com. To join my mailing list so that you can receive bar tips, bar jokes, and drink recipes all in your in-box sign up for my mailing list at http://www.piranhajohnssite.com/XLM.html.

How to Become a Top Bartender and Earn More Money

Is being a bartender really your passion? Are you fond of showing your bartending skills to your peers? Are you somebody who is outgoing and connects easily with other people? Do you enjoy being in the social-scene most of the time? Is working late more appealing to you? Then, bartending is really for you!

Being a bartender means you have to engage yourself in the hospitality industry, which means, you deal mostly with various people in different locations, wherever your job might bring you. Bartending is indeed a very rewarding profession, with great pay and flexible work schedules however as a bartender, you must remember that most of your income comes from the tips given by your customers. So you need to have that special something in you to retain your clients and attract new prospective clients. Do you wish to standout in your chosen profession? Here are some tips on becoming the best bartender you can be:

Total awareness of the details

You must pay attention to what your clients are asking from you. Like for example: Your client orders 10 drinks and wants them at the same time; focus and listen well to your guest, so that you'll be able to give out their orders correctly without having to let them repeat the ordered drinks a lot of times.

Maintain a cool mood most of the time

You need to be calm despite of working under pressure. Being calm means you have good command of your work as a bartender.

Good Memory. Know your Drinks by heart!

There are so many drinks available all over the world (beers, wines, cocktails, spirits, etc.), all coming with different varieties and preparations; and having to deal with them could get tricky, not to mention the large volume of customers - both the regular and the new comers that you also have to transact with. Having a good memory plays an important part in the bartending world. You also have to make your own strategies so as to be able to remember all mixed drinks, like learning the mnemonics of the recipes to make your job a lot easier.

There are however, some thirsty customers from across the bar who likes to try out something new. You could offer them some suggestion of you personal choice or you could ask them about their preferences so that you'd have an idea of what they wanted for a drink. It is vital that you keep in mind the drinks that your clienteles order moderately and also make an effort to experiment on the new ones, in case a customer would ask for your suggestion for a good drink.

Needs to be good in math

Being a bartender does not only mean giving out drinks. You also have to know your mixing proportions especially with mixed drinks. You also need to be quick in making change, so a good math skill is needed.

Stay looking sharp

You need to be well-groomed when you are a bartender. This is to show people that you are a professional and that your work is dignified. However, this also can depend on the theme of the bar you are working.

Good Inter-personal skills

As a bartender you mingle with different kinds of people everyday. In order to make them as regular customers of your bar, especially those who give generous tips, you have to have a good personality and treat them nicely. Also, never let work pressure get the best of you especially when you are so busy at the bar and you still have to deal with some regular customers who have had much of a drink.

Act Professionally

Some pubs or bars have their themes. As the bartender of a themed bar, you have to merge with the bar. This means that you have to blend in it by dressing-up to fit in. However, despite of what you look like or what you wear, always act in a decorous manner so as to gain respect.Act Professionally

Some pubs or bars have their themes. As the bartender of a themed bar, you have to merge with the bar. This means that you have to blend in it by dressing-up to fit in. However, despite of what you look like or what you wear, always act in a decorous manner so as to gain respect. You also have to be friendly and courteous in dealing with your customers, however, you have to be firm with them. You have to be courageous and determined especially when your patrons tend to become unruly after a few drinks. If you think that your regular guest and/or patron have had too much to drink, you have the liberty to tell them so in a manner that's polite.

Team player

Remember that in some bars, especially the high-volume ones you are not the only bartender working there. There are other bartenders as well. So, to make your work a lot easier, you have to have good working relationships with your colleagues.

Know your customers

You have to know your regular customer's name. Develop a good professional relationship with them. Your customers would have more of a reason for coming over at your bar for a drink if they see that they are being treated nicely.

These are just some of the helpful ways on how to become a top bartender. As long as you are determined and you persevere, you could always stand-out.

Don't get scammed by a Bartending School Learn to memorize hundreds of mixed drinks fast with the very unique mnemonic training system. Please visit http://www.BartenderAudio.com for more information.

Bartender Secrets - Wisdom From Behind the Bar

The bartender has a bit of a reputation for being wise, comforting, understanding, and even a little bit powerful. The overseer of the local watering hole, these people tend to have a certain amount of authority, deciding who will be served when, who has had too much to drink, controlling the environment, making peace amongst the patrons, and calling in backup if things get out of hand. Even in cases where the bartender is clearly an employee of someone else, it is still up to them to lead the bar, setting the pace and tone for the space and generally making sure everyone has as good a time as possible.

There are many paths that one can take to become a bartender. Most people start at the bottom, gaining jobs as bus boys, waiters, or bar backs, and working their way up. In these cases, the bartender has an intimate knowledge of the industry, understanding the nature of the business, the establishment, and hospitality services in general. This is the most all inclusive, well rounded knowledge, and it can lead to one very specific type of bartender.

Another path involves schooling. There are a variety of bartending academies that will, over the course of a week or two, train students in the art of mixing and serving drinks. Often these courses have a heavy emphasis on memorizing drink recipes. This can result in a bartender that has more theoretical knowledge of how to actually do the job, than someone who toiled their way up the ranks. In better bartending schools, the academy will offer job placement for the student, helping them to attain employment once they have successfully graduated.

One of the most important pearls of wisdom that is commonplace amongst bartenders is the rule of calm. A bartender is supposed to maintain a cool, sophisticated demeanor, no matter what is happening. If inflammatory arguments break out, its up to the tender to settle them down. If the patrons get a little rowdy, the bartender should be ready to take the reins. In this way, they are the balance, setting the pace and tempo for the entire room.

The archetype of the patron full of problems, wandering into a bar, having a few cocktails, and spilling their woes to the tender, is a common one, and this is a relatively regular occurrence. Alcohol loosens tongues, and makes it easier for people to voice what they are actually feeling. In these cases, the greatest wisdom of the bartender is simply to shut up, and listen. Most people can work through their own problems. Often all they need is a sympathetic ear to take it all in while they verbally dance around the issues they6 are facing.

One of the essential decorative elements of any good bar is a set of attractive drink coasters, such as those crafted by the artists and designers at http://PebbleZ.com - There artisans such as Jim Slate, the author of this article, work with a variety of slate, marble, onyx, and travertine materials to craft a wide variety of functional and attractive home accessories.

My Bartender Secrets

When you think of becoming a bartender you tend to think of it as a simple as well as an appealing career. You can be a freelancer (private parties and such,) working in a family restaurant, in a pub, a vacation resort, aboard a cruise ship and the list goes on and on.

Bartender jobs require a good personality. You must like people. A person who is reliable and punctual. Being good looking doesn't hurt either. Neat and presentable. Bartender skills or knowledge and then you need math skill as well. A bartender may also be called a barkeep, tapster, barmaid, barman or mixologist (a specialist in mixing drinks.)

An individual, either male or female, who is serious about having a career as a bartender should seriously think about learning how to become a bartender. There are schools that specialize in training individuals how to become bartenders. You can find them online and maybe even locally. Or you may become an apprentice of an experienced individual who will train you in the art becoming a bartender. Someone who already works as a bartender.

There are many ways of learning the art of mixing drinks and the list is endless. One way to learn is the Online Bartenders Secrets. This secrets guides will help you learn about mixing and dispensing drinks. And all bartenders develop their own way and style of using their bartender recipes. This secrets guide is a good place to start. Here you will learn which equipment is needed for different drinks and how to use such equipment. Drinks like cocktails, hot drinks, martinis, shooters, jello shots, punches and yes, even non-alcoholic drinks will be requested.

As you learn and become more aware of what is involved in bartender jobs, you will either put your drink recipes on cards and file them in a box, write them in a book or you could use a bartender cheat sheet. With a bartender cheat sheet you will eliminate the need to open a recipe book or pull a card out of the file. It will make your job easier and quicker.

Here are a couple of bartender secrets you should know to be successful.

First - are the skills and the knowledge needed to do the job. A career bartender is trained and expected to offer quality service to the customers. This job is very rewarding, but it is also a very demanding job. There will be times you will be overseeing and managing the staff for some sort of party or celebration.

Second - You may or may not need to be licensed or certified, but, best you check with the requirements of your state/Country for both. Also being certified and licensed show you are serious and committed to your career. And adds creditability to your personal and business portfolio.

There are virtual bartender sites which will enable you to contact people in your field and keep you up to date with the latest fads. There will also be the opportunity to interact with others on a personal basis as well.

A career, as a professional bartender, is a skill to last you a lifetime. It can be full time or it can be part time. And you can earn anywhere from $150.00 - $300.00 per day. Your choice.

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