Q. How do bartenders memorize all those different recipes?

A. Bartenders learn very quickly to use a combination of techniques in order to keep up with all the new drinks that keep cropping up. Repetition of pouring, creating pictures within their mind, word associations & one of the most common -grouping drinks. Unaware to the customer, many new drinks are bulit upon an old recipe with a simple change or two & new name. Most bartenders know only about 40-75 commonly ordered drinks. But, when you add one, two, maybe even three differents changes to those common drinks-along with its new name. Then all of a sudden- your bartender looks like they're a boarderline genius, knowing 120-225 seemingly effortlessly.
Enjoy the video clip of how this grouping is demonstrated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIChuL2jjCM

Q. Does PCBS or any course or school really train you to be a professional bartender?

A. Let’s stop and talk realistically for a moment. All the schools and courses that talk about making you a professional bartender in 1 or 2 weeks or even overnight - is misunderstood, some even misleading. All we can do as a fully set up training facility is provide the tools & methods to have you pour accurately and remember popular drinks needed to perform your job in a “professional” manner. Give you techniques on how to efficiently multi-task and suggestions on how to handle difficult situations all with a “professional” attitude. Whether you can sustain that professionalism for a prolonged period of time is what makes you a “professional” bartender. That is why owners/managers desire “experienced” personnel. They have a proven track record that can be depended upon. But that doesn’t mean they won’t give you a chance right out of school. Your personality, the schools track record and the confidence and professionalism you display in your abilities from the classroom will be extremely valuable.

Q. Why Not “On The Job” training verses Schooling?

A. “On the Job” training is not uncommon, but can be very time consuming, stressful, confusing, unforgiving of mistakes and sadly enough more often than not – an atmosphere of an unwillingness to share all ones years of learned techniques and knowledge – fearing if one teaches all they know they may be replaced. These pressures and atmosphere are not welcomed, accepted or tolerated at PCBS. Making the transfer of knowledge much easier to learn and apply. PCBS's teaching is we give you a template to the most common methods & best tasting recipes that are being served. This template gives you the flexibility to adjust & not just learn to pour one way as you might learn being "On the Job." trained. We all know that many establishments have different ratio's depending on their clientele. Therefore, with a template, you can easily add or take away to fashion drinks specifically for your patrons demands.
To actually go to a bartending school "Registered with your State" becomes far more advantagous for your learning. It also shows a prospective employer your dedication and becomes an easy way to verify credintials and test scores in order to make a logical decision of whom to hire. It often gives the establishment a lower insurance rate also when hiring state certified graduates. Just make sure the school has the credentials, staff, tools & equipment and the curriculum you desire.