Bar Operations & Beverage Knowledge Training

 

🌟 GIDEY HOTEL

Bar Operations & Beverage Knowledge Training

Prepared & Presented by: Ataklti Teka
Department: Food & Beverage
Objective:
Equip bartenders and servers with the knowledge, skills, and attitude required for efficient, safe, and elegant bar service in line with Gidey Hotel’s luxury standards.

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🍸 1. Bar Setup and Mise-en-Place

Purpose:
To ensure the bar is ready for smooth and efficient service before guests arrive.

Training Details:

• Bar Mise-en-Place means “everything in its place.”

• Prepare and arrange all equipment, ingredients, and tools before service.

• Key Setup Items:

  • Clean and polished glassware

  • Stocked spirits, wines, and mixers

  • Garnishes prepared (lemon, lime, cherry, mint, olives, etc.)

  • Ice bins filled with clean ice

  • Bar tools ready (shaker, strainer, jigger, muddler, bar spoon, etc.)

  • Bar counter wiped, dry, and shining

  • POS system and cash float checked

• Pre-Service Checklist:

  • Stock level verification

  • Temperature control for beer and wine coolers

  • Trash bins empty and lined

  • Music, lighting, and ambience ready

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🍹 2. Beverage Categories (Alcoholic / Non-Alcoholic)

Purpose:
To help staff understand the range of beverages offered and their service methods.

Alcoholic Beverages:

• Spirits/Liquors: Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Whisky, Brandy, Liqueurs

• Beer: Draft, bottled, local & imported brands

• Wine: Red, White, Rosé, Sparkling, Dessert

• Cocktails: Mixed drinks combining spirits and mixers

Non-Alcoholic Beverages:

• Soft drinks (cola, tonic, soda, juices)

• Mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails)

• Coffee & tea varieties

• Mineral & flavored water

• Milkshakes and smoothies

Staff should know:

• Flavor profiles (sweet, bitter, sour, dry, fruity)

• Alcohol content levels

• Recommended service temperature

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🥂 3. Glassware Types and Use

Purpose:
To match each beverage with the correct glass, ensuring presentation and guest satisfaction.

Examples:

Beverage Type	Glass Name	Key Notes
Champagne	Flute	Keeps bubbles longer
Red Wine	Bordeaux / Burgundy	Enhances aroma
White Wine	Tulip / Chardonnay	Keeps wine cool
Cocktail	Martini / Margarita	Elegant look
Spirits	Old-Fashioned / Shot	For neat or short drinks
Beer	Pilsner / Mug	Retains foam
Water	Highball / Goblet	Always served full

Tip: Always serve clean, polished, and fingerprint-free glassware. Handle from the base or stem.

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🍸 4. Cocktail Making Basics

Purpose:
To introduce bartenders to standard cocktail preparation techniques.

Training Topics:

• Mixing Methods:

  • Shaking: For mixed drinks with juices or cream (e.g., Margarita)

  • Stirring: For clear drinks (e.g., Martini)

  • Building: Directly in the glass (e.g., Gin & Tonic)

  • Blending: For frozen or creamy drinks (e.g., Pina Colada)

  • Layering: For visual appeal (e.g., B-52)

• Basic Equipment: Shaker, strainer, jigger, bar spoon, muddler

• Garnishes: Add color and aroma (lemon twist, cherry, mint)

• Presentation: Use coaster, serve from the right, smile and maintain eye contact

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🍷 5. Wine Service & Pairing

Purpose:
To provide elegant and knowledgeable wine service to guests.

Steps of Service:

1. Present the bottle label to the guest for confirmation

2. Open bottle carefully without disturbing sediment

3. Offer tasting to the host

4. Pour clockwise, ladies first, host last

5. Do not overfill (⅓ of the glass)

Basic Pairing Guide:

Wine Type	Pairs Well With
Red Wine	Red meats, lamb, cheese
White Wine	Fish, chicken, pasta
Rosé	Salads, light dishes
Sparkling Wine	Appetizers, celebrations
Dessert Wine	Sweets, fruit, pastries

Tips:

• Keep wine at correct temperature

• Use appropriate wine glass

• Handle the bottle by the base

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🚫 6. Responsible Alcohol Service (Guest Safety)

Purpose:
To ensure guest well-being and protect the hotel’s reputation.

Training Points:

• Observe guest behavior for signs of intoxication

• Politely slow or stop service when necessary

• Offer water or food to guests drinking heavily

• Never serve alcohol to minors

• Maintain discretion and professionalism

• Handle difficult guests calmly and respectfully

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🧾 7. Bar Closing & Inventory Control

Purpose:
To maintain cleanliness, accuracy, and accountability after service hours.

End-of-Shift Procedures:

• Remove perishable garnishes

• Empty and clean ice bins

• Wipe and sanitize bar counter, shelves, and tools

• Count and record stock balance

• Lock expensive liquors and bar storeroom

• Cash-out and reconcile POS sales

• Report breakages, losses, or shortages

• Leave the bar organized for the next shift

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✅ Trainer’s Tips

• Demonstrate each step live during the session.

• Conduct cocktail practice sessions.

• Hold wine tasting & pairing exercises weekly.

• Use real scenarios for responsible service role-play.