What’s Up, Doc Cocktail
The What’s Up, Doc cocktail is a drink built with bourbon whiskey, fernet-Branca, carrot juice, ginger juice, and lemon juice!
Bartending is often associated with a fun, fast-paced environment. However, behind the glamour of mixing cocktails and interacting with customers, bartenders face some incredibly high-pressure situations. Whether you're working a busy Friday night, dealing with a difficult customer, or trying to keep up with orders during a rush, bartenders must possess a range of skills to stay calm, efficient, and professional.
Here are some practical tips for handling high-pressure situations as a bartender:
The first and most important rule in any high-pressure situation is to remain calm. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when multiple drink orders are coming in at once, a customer is unhappy, or the bar is packed. However, panic only hinders your ability to think clearly and work efficiently.
Taking a deep breath and staying focused can help you maintain your composure. When you're calm, you can better manage your time, prioritize tasks, and address any issues that arise.
A key skill that every bartender needs in high-pressure situations is the ability to prioritize tasks. In the heat of the moment, you’ll need to quickly assess which orders need to be served first and what can wait.
One effective technique is to "batch" similar drinks together. For example, if you receive multiple orders for the same cocktail, it’s efficient to prepare them in one go. Alternatively, when dealing with multiple orders, make sure you prioritize regulars or guests who may be waiting the longest.
Staying organized also extends to your station. A cluttered bar can make it harder to work quickly. Keep your tools and supplies within reach and regularly clean your workspace. This will reduce the chance of mistakes, spills, and other distractions.
As a bartender, you’re expected to juggle several tasks at once. This means not only mixing drinks but also taking orders, serving food, handling payments, and managing customer inquiries. The ability to multitask effectively is essential to maintaining control when things get hectic.
One way to improve multitasking skills is to practice. If you're new to bartending, start by familiarizing yourself with the menu, learning how to make the drinks quickly, and understanding the layout of your bar. As you gain experience, you’ll naturally improve your ability to handle multiple things simultaneously without getting overwhelmed.
During peak hours, bartenders can't do everything themselves. This is where teamwork and delegation come into play. Whether you're working with another bartender or support staff, communicate clearly and delegate tasks when necessary.
For instance, if you’re managing a busy bar, having a barback to replenish your supplies or clear empty glasses can allow you to focus on making drinks. When you have help, the workload becomes more manageable, and the team can work more efficiently. In larger establishments, bartenders might work with waitstaff, so it's essential to maintain clear communication with them to prevent any confusion.
Even when under pressure, customer service must always remain a priority. A smile, friendly tone, and a quick response to customer concerns can go a long way. When faced with demanding or difficult customers, it’s essential to keep your cool and address their issues in a polite and professional manner.
In high-pressure situations, it’s easy to let frustration show, but maintaining a calm demeanor will earn you the respect of your guests and colleagues alike. Handling difficult situations with grace will also improve the overall atmosphere of the bar.
If you find that there’s too much going on to deliver the level of service that you or the customer expects, it’s okay to let them know politely. Honesty can go a long way, especially if you’re juggling many tasks. People are often understanding if you are transparent about delays, as long as you’re respectful in your communication.
Speed is critical during peak hours. The faster you can make drinks without sacrificing quality, the better your service will be. While you should never rush to the point of making mistakes, with practice, you can speed up your movements.
A great way to practice is by using timers to simulate rush hours. Set a timer for two minutes and try to make a drink, then gradually reduce the time while ensuring the drink still tastes good. Over time, you’ll develop muscle memory, allowing you to prepare drinks quickly while maintaining accuracy.
No matter how experienced you are, there will be times when a situation becomes too overwhelming to handle alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. Whether it’s getting an extra hand from another bartender or hiring bartenders for rent for special events or peak times, it’s better to ask for help than risk making mistakes due to stress or overwork.
Hiring temporary bartenders can relieve some of the pressure during large events or busy hours, ensuring that each guest receives the attention they deserve while you focus on keeping the operation running smoothly.
One of the most important skills a bartender can have is the ability to think on their feet. High-pressure situations often come with unexpected challenges. A spill, an ingredient running out, a machine malfunctioning – all of these can disrupt the flow of service.
Being prepared for the unexpected means having a backup plan in place. For example, keep an extra bottle of popular mixers nearby in case one runs out. If your register is acting up, make sure you have a manual system in place to take orders and payments.
Handling high-pressure situations as a bartender requires a combination of skills: calmness under pressure, organizational abilities, multitasking, customer service, and problem-solving. With practice and experience, you can learn to navigate even the busiest and most chaotic shifts with grace and efficiency. And remember, don't hesitate to ask for help when needed – hiring bartenders for rent during peak events can be a smart way to manage heavy workloads and ensure smooth operations. By mastering these skills, you can provide excellent service even under the most stressful conditions, enhancing both the guest experience and your own confidence behind the bar.
