Do bartenders have to memorize all the possible drink mixes and cocktails etc.?

Question

i was just wondering...like if sum1 comes in and orders a screwdriver..that's simple, so you know it's just OJ and vodka..but what happens when sum1 comes in and orders a more difficult drink mix or a cocktail that not many ppl know about or order regularly. does a bartender have to know every single drink ? and im sure if he is working a busy night at a club or something he wouldn't be able to ask each person the description of their drink...if u kno what i mean..( i probably sound so confusing)

Answer 1

NO and usually the bar has a cocktail book with what drinks are made with but if not, its ok to ask the customer whats in the drink since many drinks have different names.

Answer 2

well most of them are well qualifed and well trained, i don't know small pub , but it large hotels and restraunts they know every drink mostly

Answer 3

No. Usually we just memorize the drinks that the establishment we work in is highlighting in the drinks menu, and then know the basics. Like martinis, margaritas, Tom Collins, White Russians, etc. Most people actually just drink beer, wine, or simple things like rum and coke or whiskey and coke. Sometimes people come in and order an off the wall drink, like a June Bug, and we look it up in the book behind the bar - and they don't mind that we had to look it up since it proves what snooty drinkers the are.

By the way, look up a June Bug. It is pretty yummy if your replace the banana liqueur with coconut rum and add a splash of milk to make it savory.

Answer 4

Your  experienced bartenders remember many,( They know most of the basic ones) but because there is always some sort of new drink coming up its kind of hard to remember them all... When hubby and I go out to have a drink, I know I do see many of them resorting to a  book to see how a drink is made... Once they  make a drink  so many times Im sure they remember them...

Answer 5

they know most. on rare occasion that don't know, they will ask what is that or what to mix.

Answer 6

Yes the bartenders will remember the mix or they will get bad comments because they will work much more slower

Answer 7

Yes.Bartenders should know their stuffs at their finger tips.Its their job and they are trained to do that.Juz like how a doctor remembers his medicines, or chefs remembering his recipe.Maybe some new bartenders will face some difficulties at the beginning, but as time goes, he will sure pick up his job well.Or else he might as well leave his job, coz customers might complain abt him and he will have a bad reputation.

Answer 8

yep we know most of them, and If I don't then I ask and If they don't know then I ask what color and then I make them that color...true story!