Bartender

Bartenders prepare alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages alongside snacks while serving customers. They also have a role in tracking supplies usage and ordering or requesting restocking when levels are low.

Bartender Job Description

Establish relationships with customers.

Comply with food and beverage safety and hygiene requirements.

Prepare and serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cold beverages.

Supervise quality procedures.

Understand and master cocktail components.

Keep track of bar inventory and supplies, including alcohol, mixers, glassware and other essentials.

Use creativity and knowledge of mixology to create new cocktails and beverage menus.

Work closely with Waitstaff, Kitchen Staff and other Bartenders to ensure efficient service and communication throughout the establishment.

Prepare the bar area before opening and perform closing duties at night's end, including securing alcohol and cleaning the bar.

Note

In 2019, Bannie Kang from Singapore was named the World's Best Bartender at the biggest cocktail competition on the planet: The Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year. She beat 53 of the World's Best Bartenders and was inducted into its Hall of Fame.

A day in the life

Bartender

As a Bartender, Yana is not just good at making drinks, but also reading the mood of her customers. She's mastered the art of ensuring a satisfying experience!

What you should know about Bartender jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

You’ll need to possess knowledge of a vast selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Key Advice

You’ll need to master classic drinks, focus on customer service, stay organised and always practise responsible alcohol service.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
Minimally Nitec qualification, Certificate in Office Skills, NTC Grade 2 or equivalent.

Beyond preparing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Bartenders must have a deep knowledge of drink recipes, the ability to craft custom drinks on request, and an understanding of the flavours and techniques that create a balanced cocktail.

Prior experience in customer service or the hospitality industry can be beneficial to provide a foundation for dealing with people, understanding customer needs and managing service efficiently.

A Food Handler's certificate would be required, ensuring that Bartenders understand basic food safety practices as they may also handle food or snacks within the bar setting.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Bartender career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Knowledge of Alcohol

Expertise in various spirits, wines and beers, including their origins and flavours.

Food and Wine Pairing

Ability to match drinks with food to enhance dining experiences.

Drink Recipes

Mastery of making classic and contemporary cocktail recipes.

Mixology

Skill in crafting innovative drinks and understanding flavour profiles.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail

Precision in measuring ingredients and garnishing drinks.

Tact

Diplomacy in handling customer requests and managing challenging interactions.

Good Memory

Ability to remember recipes, customer preferences and orders.

Stamina

Physical endurance for long shifts and busy service periods.

“We're good at reading people's body language so we know if they’re up for a conversation or not.”

Yana, Head Bartender

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do Bartenders require good social skills?

Bartenders are expected to adhere to customers' requests, give recommendations based on the menu and clarify drink and food items, so they must possess good communication skills.

Bartenders must also be tactful in their communication to build relationships with customers and encourage them to return to the business.
Does Bartenders need special training?

Bartending in Singapore is competitive, so landing a good gig requires training. Bartenders can get certification by taking the elite Bartenders course at the Association of Bartenders and Sommeliers Singapore. It is a comprehensive course on everything they need to know about bartending, including mixology and client handling.
Do Bartenders have to learn to make a mocktail based on the original drink?

Yes, Bartenders often learn how to make a mocktail based on the original alcoholic drink.
What is the age restriction to be Bartenders?

In many places, the legal drinking age is the same as the minimum age to be Bartenders, which is typically 18 or 21 years old. However, it can vary depending on the country or state.
How do Bartenders know what drinks to recommend to a customer?

Bartenders have to be familiar with the bar's drink menu and the ingredients used in each cocktail. They can suggest popular or signature drinks based on the customer's preferences.