Bar Operations Made Easy: The Do’s & Don’ts of a Successful Cocktail Tasting

Behind every great cocktail is a great bartender. In order to make those bartenders great, it is essential to perform regular menu tastings and training sessions. Menu tastings are a great way to help educate your staff and maintain consistency in your bar. Below are some do's and don'ts of successful staff cocktail tastings.

DO Plan Ahead:

Be sure to create a detailed agenda outlining what you'll cover during the tasting session. This will ensure a smooth tasting and will minimize any downtime. Prepare all necessary materials, including ingredients, glassware, and equipment beforehand so you're ready for an on-time start.

DON'T Assume Prior Knowledge:

Never assume that all of your staff members have the same level of prior knowledge. Be sure to tailor the training to the experience level of your team and to encourage your staff to ask questions. Don't be afraid to go "back to basics" either. A quick overview of different liquors, techniques, and procedures can help get everyone on the same page.

DO Involve Participation:

Make sure to encourage participation from staff by asking questions, seeking opinions, and making it fun. Provide opportunities for your staff to practice making the cocktails themselves to ensure they get hands-on experience. Participation keeps people engaged and will lead to a better session overall.

DON'T Overload with Information:

Avoid overwhelming your staff with too much information at once. Keep the training session focused and concise. If you're having a longer session, schedule a break time so everyone can stay fresh and focused.

DO Taste Test:

Make sure staff can sample different spirits, liqueurs, and ingredients that you use to familiarize themselves with the flavors. Not everyone has tasted Mezcal or Demerara syrup before. Allowing staff to taste ingredients and finished products helps them gain a better understanding of what they're serving.

DON'T Overindulge:

While tastings are meant to be fun and enjoyable, make it clear that the tasting session is for educational purposes only. Provide only small samples and offer plenty of water and snacks. Always consume alcohol responsibly.

DO Demonstrate Technique:

Be sure to demonstrate proper techniques for mixing, shaking, stirring, garnishing, and presentation for the cocktails you want to taste.

DON'T Sacrifice Quality for Speed:

Prioritize quality over speed when teaching cocktail-making techniques. Rushing can lead to poorly made cocktails and unnecessary libations to your sink drain later on.

DO Seek & Give Feedback:

Be sure to give feedback to your staff, making sure it's a balanced mix of praise and areas for improvement. Make sure that all feedback is given in a respectful and positive manner. Encourage staff to give feedback about the training session in order to improve future tastings.

DON'T Discourage Creativity:

While it's essential to teach the basics and to stick to your recipes, don't discourage your staff from experimenting and creating their own cocktails. You may end up with a new menu item out of it.

Are you looking to reevaluate your bar's menu into something new and exciting? Could your staff use a training refresher? Look no further than Unfiltered Hospitality. We offer cocktail menu development and staff training services. Schedule a call today!