Every week we comb through the news to find employment trends affecting the hospitality industry so you don’t have to. This week’s Hospitality in the News topic: the three different types of bartenders and which you may need for your event.
Did you know that December 1st is Bartender Appreciation Day? Because of that, we wanted to shine a spotlight on a position that we all know and love: the bartender. A little bit of history: just like the server, bartenders have been around for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Greco-Roman civilizations. These “expert craftsmen” were tasked with pouring drinks and often created their own concoctions and mixtures. In turn, this led to the creation of inns and pubs in the next couple hundred years.
You might not realize that there are different types of bartenders. If you’re hosting an event, knowing which type of bartender you need can not only impact your guests experience, but your bottom line as well. Here are the three different types of bartenders and what you need to know about each:
3 Different Types of Bartenders: Which Do You Need?
Beer Pourer: A beer pourer is exactly what it sounds like. They’re a hospitality worker that’s knowledgeable and specialized in pouring beer – which isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. There’s an art to pouring beer and because of that, you need an artist.
What can they do?
- Pour a fantastic draft beer as well as pop open bottles and cans
- Educate guests on the varieties of beers
- Offers suggestions
- Maintain guest safety while following safe service of alcohol standards
What can’t they do?
- Create craft cocktails
- Pour/educate guests on wine or liquor
Beer + Wine Pourer: A beer and wine pourer is like a beer pourer but adds wine into the (proverbial) mix. They know the correct serving size to ensure guests are satisfied and safe. The wine industry comes with a vast array of varietals that beer and wine pourers need to be aware of which means you need someone experienced.
What can they do?
- Everything a beer pourer can do
- Effectively and efficiently open a bottle of wine
- Share information about the different types of wine
What can’t they do?
- Mix cocktails or serve liquor
Mixologist: A mixologist is the most experienced out of the different types of bartenders. This position requires a detailed knowledge of different liquors as well as building drinks ranging from two ingredients (like rum and coke) all the way up to intricate cocktails that wow guests.
What can they do?
- Everything a beer and wine pourer can do
- Mix creative cocktails
- Educate guests on liquor and suggest drinks
- Maintain the safety of guests consuming strong drinks by following safe service of alcohol standards
What can’t they do?
- Nothing that we can think of!
The next time you need an event, make sure you know the different types of bartenders and which one you need. And don’t forget that LGC can help you find the perfect bartender for your next event! Contact us to learn more about our event staffing services.