Why Consistency in Bartending is Essential for Every Bar
Imagine walking into a bar expecting a delightful evening with friends, only to have your night ruined by inconsistent drink quality. Here’s why drink consistency among bartenders in the same bar is not just a nice-to-have, but a must-have.
The Reality Check
I’ve seen it firsthand – many bartenders start with little to no training. They are handed a recipe book and some tools, yet there’s no structured training. It’s often a case of the blind leading the blind. These bartenders, lacking formal instruction, pass on their limited knowledge to the next person, perpetuating a cycle of inconsistency.
The Consequences
Consider a woman who trusts these bartenders to serve her alcohol responsibly. Alcohol should be administered considering factors like gender, size, weight, and age. But what often happens? Drinks are served willy-nilly – one too weak, another too strong. This inconsistency can lead to overconsumption without the drinker realizing it.
Let’s paint a picture: a woman, after a series of drinks with varying alcohol content, reaches a point where she blacks out. This isn’t just an unpleasant night; it’s potentially dangerous, leading to regrettable actions or even legal issues. The bartenders, perhaps more focused on the allure of the job or its financial benefits, fail to recognize their duty to monitor and care for their patrons.
My Personal Experience
As a bartender myself, I’ve learned to be cautious. When visiting bars, I order drinks neat. Why? Because I can control my intake better. A cocktail like a Boulevardier or Negroni can vary wildly in strength and flavor from one bar to another, making it impossible to trust the consistency. This inconsistency has made me wary of ordering complex drinks out.
The Industry’s Shortcomings
It’s not an exaggeration to say that many bars lack the knowledge or ingredients for classic cocktails. Essentials like Orange or Peychaud’s Bitters are often missing, and an Old Fashioned might be more folklore than reality at some places.
A Call to Action for Patrons
If you’ve ever found yourself in a scenario where the taste of your drink fluctuates dramatically from one round to the next, ask yourself – could the bartender have done more? Should they have noticed your state and intervened?
The Solution
Until you find a bar with bartenders who treat their craft with the respect and precision it deserves, stick to simpler orders. Drink neat, sip slowly, and know your limits. It might not be the most adventurous choice, but it’s the safest until you discover a bar where consistency isn’t just promised but practiced.
In conclusion, consistency in bartending isn’t just about taste; it’s about safety, responsibility, and providing an enjoyable, predictable experience. So next time you’re out, look for those bars where the bartenders understand they’re not just mixing drinks, but ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience.
Site Author, David J. Curtis: David Curtis, a seasoned professional with decades of Bartending and Bar Management experience began his career in Midtown Manhattan, NY, tending and managing bars before diving into Manhattan’s bustling nightlife club scene. Over the years, he has mastered high-volume, high-pressure bartending as the lead bartender in iconic Midtown Manhattan nightclubs (Pursuits, Sybils, Club 53), Coconuts Comedy Club, the Fitzpatrick Hotel, British Airways Hotel, and tended bar briefly in the Wall Street area, generating over $1,496,564.00 annually in personal drink sales. He has since extended his expertise to establishments in Georgia (Marriot Hotel) and now Tampa Florida, in an Exclusive Platinum Service Award winning club. David’s roles as a Bartending Instructor at the American Bartending School in Tampa, while maintaining a second job bartending, and his years experience of managing bars, and working as a Brand Ambassador along with his extensive professional library of over 1,000 bartending books, highlight his dedication to continually refining his craft. He holds a diploma in Bar Management, Advanced Bartending, is Whiskey Certified by DIAGIO, and is BarSmarts certified by Pernod Ricard.
Related
