CUL-HOS8305 - Bartending - Craft, Service & Certification
Course Description
Step behind the bar and into a new career with this hands-on introduction to professional bartending. Whether you're looking to launch a new career, add mixology to your hospitality skillset, or start your own event bartending service, this course will give you the tools to succeed. Through lectures, demonstrations, and daily labs, you'll master over 35 classic and modern drink recipes, learn to use professional bartending tools, and build your skills in customer service, garnishing, pouring, and alcohol safety. Topics include North Carolina ABC laws, Dram Shop liability, glassware, bar setup, wine service, mocktails, and more. Students will prepare for responsible alcohol service certification, with the opportunity to earn ServSafe Alcohol, TIPS, or RASP credentials. Graduates leave with a personalized recipe book, portfolio-ready experience, and job search preparation. No prior experience required.Course Outline
Students will explore the art and profession of bartending through lectures, demonstrations, hands-on labs, and guided recipe practice. Course content includes:
Introduction to Bartending & Hospitality - Careers Overview of industry roles, expectations, professionalism, and customer service standards.
Tools of the Trade - Hands on training with shakers, jiggers, strainers, bar spoons, muddlers, and more.
Bar Setup & Station Management - Organization, efficiency, ice management, glassware, and workspace sanitation.
Classic &Contemporary Cocktails &Glassware - Learn and prepare 35+ drink recipes, including shaken, stirred, layered, blended, and built cocktails.
Glassware, Garnishes &Presentation- Use the correct glass for every drink, apply garnishes properly, and enhance visual appeal.
Beer, Wine & Non - Alcoholic Beverages - Introduction to beer service, wine pouring and etiquette, and building mocktails.
Responsible Alcohol Service -Training on North Carolina ABC laws, ID verification, signs of intoxication, and Dram Shop liability.
Certification Prep - Students will prepare for and take the ServSafe Alcohol certification exam (or optional TIPS/RASP certification).
Final Recipe Book & Practice Lab - Each student will complete a custom recipe book and participate in hands-on service scenarios.
Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Demonstrate proper use of standard bartending tools and equipment.
Prepare over 35 classic and contemporary drink recipes with correct technique, ingredients, and garnishes.
Identify and use appropriate glassware for a variety of beverages.
Set up and maintain a clean, efficient bar station for service.
Apply customer service skills specific to bartending and hospitality environments.
Understand and comply with North Carolina ABC laws and Dram Shop liability regulations.
Recognize signs of intoxication and responsibly serve or refuse alcohol.
Earn a nationally recognized alcohol service certification (ServSafe Alcohol, TIPS, or RASP).
Create a personal recipe reference book for use in real-world bartending environments.
Demonstrate job readiness for entry-level bartending positions in bars, restaurants, hotels, or catering events
Notes
This course includes limited instructional tasting of alcoholic beverages for training purposes. Much of the hands-on training uses non-alcoholic beverages to simulate real drink preparation and service techniques. Students must be 21 or older to participate in any alcohol tasting activities. All tasting is conducted using a sip-and-spit method and is not intended for consumption. All instruction complies with North Carolina ABC laws and follows the college & guidelines for the use of alcohol in the classroom.
Tuition includes the cost of the ServSafe Alcohol textbook & exam voucher.