When first entering the bartending world, you'll be greeted with quite a few new words or jargon (industry-specific terms). Some have become commonplace thanks to home bartending and the popularity of bartending as a profession. This article will explain bartending counts, why it's dangerous, and how you should measure drinks instead.

 

Bartending Counts Explained

Bartending counts is the concept that each pour can be counted out in the maker's head. It's also known as free pour. Bartending pour counts use one Mississippis as ½ an ounce. Doing this four times gets you to a 2-ounce shot of alcohol.

 

The bottle must be flipped up to at least a 90-degree angle and include some pour spout, most likely a standard. The standard pour spout is slightly curved with a rubber stopper that attaches to the bottle. There is also tapered and angled. There are even spouts that are marketed as pre "measured." The rate at which the alcohol passes through the pour spout is called the flow rate. It's also essential that you never impede the air hole.

 

Why is using the bartending pour count method dangerous?

While the count to four is recognized across the bartending community, it takes time to regulate. In a study conducted by MIT, they found that test subjects counted ten Mississippi for 11 seconds. Thus making the average Mississippi 1.77 seconds. So there is room for error.

 

As we mentioned before, pour spouts come in various shapes. So the length and diameter can vary from brand to brand. In addition, they can be built out of stainless steel, plastic, or even silicone. Each has a different surface tension causing liquids to travel at different speeds. Some have air tubes that help field the liquid into the spout and have metal balls or built-in air vents, while others do not. 

How should I measure drinks instead?

For the most accurate and safe way to measure alcohol, you should have jiggers readily available behind the bar. The standard measurement for a shot is 1.5 ounces of 80-proof alcohol! Which is the standard size for the larger end of a jigger. It's common to see them in stainless steel, and their accuracy supersedes pour spouts when tested. If you're unfamiliar with jiggers, check out our Behind the Bar Rail: Jigger article.

 

Save Money and Reduce Risk

Using one properly can lead to accurate measurements of liquor and decrease overpouring. You can have managers test your bartender’s pour to help reduce risk. It also helps ensure customers can safely return. By properly measuring your shots, you’ll be able to make sure your business is profitable by helping you consistently maintain profit margins. Improper pours can increase per-drink costs.

 

Are you looking to become a master bartender? Check out our Master Bartender Course that teaches you about bar setup and maintenance, bartending tools, mixology, drink preparation, an overview of alcohols, glassware, garnishes, and customer service focused on increasing your tips.

Clothes are a personal expression of who you are and what type of bartender you want to personify (mandatory uniform aside). So it’s no surprise that many bartender outfits are meticulously put together to showcase someone's strengths, interests, and even friendliness. So how and what should you choose?

Bartender Clothing Basics

Your outfit must be professional and hygienic! It’s also a good idea to make sure it’s practical. You should never wear anything too informal to work or show up sloppy. It’s also important to be clean. In practicality, choose comfortable bartender clothing that conveys a message and won’t leave you wet or smelling like booze daily.

 

Bartender Outfits are a Brand Extension

It’s essential to match the feeling of the bar. Is it formal? Modern? Tiki? Speakeasy? Your outfit should match and compliment your surroundings. But that doesn’t mean it has to be safe. You can play around with jewelry, colors, and accessories. You can express yourself within the brand by wearing a bartender's outfit that takes the company's brand and adds your unique twist. It's a speakeasy-inspired outfit, but maybe it’s all black, or you wear a pop culture/fandom tie.

 

Bartending Outfit Add Ons

Many bartenders opt for bibs or aprons. Your bartending outfit can showcase the apron's color and material. Add your name to personalize an outfit. You can also wear shoes and laces. For more information on shoes, check out our bartender shoes article.

No matter what you choose, make sure you feel confident while wearing it. Your mentality can convey a stronger message than what’s on your body. A smile and positive attitude will always exude professionalism and confidence.

Want to know more about becoming a professional bartender? Our Master Bartender course prepares you for your future as a bartender and to get your bartender license.

¿Qué es diferente y me hace volver a tomar mi capacitación RBS?

El estado ahora exige que toda persona que venda o sirva alcohol bajo una "Licencia ABC en el local" o los empleados con licencia para servir alcohol en aviones, trenes o barcos pasen por un certificado actualizado y certificado Capacitación en Servicio Responsable de Bebidas (RBS). Trabajamos noches y fines de semana incansablemente para cambiar esto, obtener la aprobación del Control de bebidas y alcohol de California departamento de Control de bebidas y alcohol de California y lo tenemos listo para usted. Hay nuevos conceptos que el estado quiere cubrir, nuevas licencias de conducir y nuevas regulaciones que debes revisar para seguir vendiendo, sirviendo y administrando el servicio de bebidas responsable. Nuestras comprobaciones de conocimientos se incluyen en el curso para ayudar a evaluar su comprensión de los conceptos clave. El estado ahora administra el examen RBS y está cobrando una tarifa de $3 por cada empleado que se registre.

¿Qué es una licencia local de ABC?

""La licencia de ABC en el local" significa una licencia de ABC que otorga el privilegio de servir bebidas alcohólicas a los clientes que luego las consumen en el local autorizado. Esta licencia incluye, entre otros, restaurantes, bares, comidas informales rápidas, salas de degustación (incluidas las ubicaciones de descuento), hoteles y estadios".

¿A quién afecta esto?

Cualquier persona que tenga una Licencia ABC en las instalaciones o que venda y sirva alcohol en un avión, tren o barco (mesero o gerente) que:

• Ha realizado la capacitación de RBS de California a través de Serving Alcohol (u otros proveedores) antes del 29 de marzo de 2021. Incluso si ha realizado la capacitación de RBS antes o después, es posible que aún no cumpla, dependiendo de cuándo se aprobó su proveedor. 
• Debe recibir capacitación para servir alcohol dentro de los 60 días posteriores a la contratación.

¿Hay algo nuevo en el proceso?

Una vez que haya completado la revisión del nuevo material, deberá acceder al Portal de RBS una vez más. Luego tomará el examen RBS. Las preguntas a lo largo del curso lo ayudarán a practicar y comprender lo que habrá en el examen RBS. Tiene tres intentos para completar el examen RBS. Debes aprobarlo con un 70% o más. Es un libro abierto, una nota abierta con un archivo descargable provisto dentro del Curso de servicio de alcohol, verificaciones de materiales y conocimientos para ayudarlo a prepararse. Una vez que haya aprobado el examen RBS, su empleador verá que ha completado los requisitos a través del portal.

Una vez que apruebe el examen RBS, recibirá su certificación de California. El proceso es diferente de cuando el entrenador emitió el certificado.

¿Qué necesito hacer?

Deberá hacer lo siguiente:

Paso 1: Su personal deberá registrarse en el estado de California en su Portal de RBS. Navegará a 'Primeros pasos' en la parte inferior de su pantalla y se registrará en el portal. (Este inicio de sesión es completamente independiente de Servir alcohol). Deben pagar $3 al estado de California para registrarse. Pídales que escriban su ID de servidor que les proporcionó el estado.

Paso 2: Inscríbase en el curso de capacitación RBS de California. Ingrese su nueva ID de servidor RBS y su apellido. Su apellido en el curso DEBE ser el mismo que su apellido de inicio de sesión de RBS. Complete el curso de capacitación de RBS. Su estado de finalización se transmitirá automáticamente de Sirviendo alcohol al estado. ( ¿Olvidaste tu contraseña?)

Paso 3: Vuelva al portal de RBS e inicie sesión. Desde el panel del servidor, seleccione 'Hacer examen'. Complete el examen RBS.

¿Cómo accedo a la formación RBS?

Nos gustaría que vuelva a iniciar sesión en su perfil; tendrá acceso al nuevo material y la oportunidad de revisarlo en su totalidad. Si nunca has tomado el Entrenamiento de RBS con servir alcohol antes, deberá registrarse, comprar y seguir las indicaciones.

¿Necesito un inicio de sesión diferente para acceder al Portal RBS?

Sí. Debe crear una cuenta con el Control de Bebidas Alcohólicas de California en el Portal RBS y crear una contraseña.

¿Con quién me comunico si tengo preguntas en el Portal RBS?

El Portal RBS es operado y mantenido por el Control de Bebidas Alcohólicas de California. Deberá ponerse en contacto con su soporte desde la pantalla de inicio de sesión o el portal para obtener más información.

¿Cuándo tendré que completar esta capacitación de RBS?

Deberá tomar medidas antes del 1 de julio de 2022, por lo que tiene tiempo, pero no espere hasta el último segundo. No le llevará mucho tiempo hacerlo, lo que le permitirá seguir cumpliendo.

¿Cuándo corro el riesgo de estar fuera de cumplimiento?

La aplicación comenzará el 1 de septiembre de 2022.

¿Por cuánto tiempo es válida mi formación RBS?

La capacitación es válida durante tres años antes de que deba volver a certificarse.

¿Necesito capacitación RBS o capacitación LEAD?

RBS Training es para empleados en las instalaciones que venden o sirven alcohol. La formación de LEAD es la venta de licencias y sus empleados. Por favor visite el  Programa de Educación para Licenciatarios sobre Alcohol y Drogas (LEAD) página web para más información.

Puede obtener más información sobre las leyes y disposiciones del Control de Bebidas Alcohólicas de California en su Capacitación en Servicio Responsable de Bebidas (RBS) sitio web y su publicado  Preguntas frecuentes.

             Información importante del RBS de California

Cuando se registre en el sitio web de California RBS, asegúrese de mantener su nombre legal igual que cuando se inscribió en el Curso de California de Servir Alcohol. Si no lo haces, es posible que tu certificado no se expida o se pueda retrasar.

Además, no emitimos el examen final. El examen final debe realizarse dentro del recinto oficial. Portal RBS de California después de completar el curso de Sirviendo Alcohol.

El examen debe tomarse dentro de los 30 días posteriores a la finalización de nuestro curso. El portal de RBS no le permitirá realizar el examen si espera más de 30 días. Tenga en cuenta que no tenemos acceso al examen final.

California RBS o Serving Alcohol no proporciona un certificado, sólo una confirmación de que se ha completado la capacitación.

Mai Tais are just as awesome as “Muay Thai” the Thai Boxing sport. Each packs its punch in different ways! A Mai Tai may be a little more relaxing, however! Sit back, relax and sip on one of the most famous tiki drinks ever made. The Mai Tai is made with rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, and orgeat. Orgeat is a nuanced almond-flavored syrup delivering a slightly nutty taste. 

The drink's invention was credited to Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron. “Trader Vic” comes from the name of the bar he owned in the 1940s. Donn beach is another man that supported the creation of the Mai Tai in the 1930s. Vic’s recipe called for a smooth, overproof Jamaican rum, J. Wray and Nephew. He later moved on to try his concoction with other rums to create a similar taste.

 

What is the Meaning of Mai Tai?

When the drink was first created, the person who tried it yelled: “Mai Ta!” Which means “very good” in Tahitian! 

The Mai Tai’s primary purpose was to demonstrate the reason for using good quality rums. As time passed, other bartenders twisted the recipe and created an overly fruity cocktail that lost its way. The colorful drinks were ruined by bottled -not fresh- juices and cheap mixers. Now you know when a Mai Thai is too sweet, it wasn’t made properly!

Even with all the fruity variations, the spirit of a true Mai Tai lives on! The tradition of blending rums to create the perfect combination of flavors is still kicking. Modern variations use a crisp white rum with a slight pour of a dark overproof rum on top. Other bartenders may use high-ester Jamaican rums and Rhum Agricole. High-ester rums are known for being fruity and having diverse aromas and flavors. Rhum Agricole is the french term for sugarcane juice rum. It is distilled using freshly squeezed sugarcane juice instead of molasses. 

 

When blending rums, check for their ABV, age, how it was made, and what was used to make them.

 

When all the ingredients are set, and the drink is ready to be made don’t forget to add a garnish! Mai Tais can go well with many garnishes. Pineapple wedges, cherries, and a mini umbrella if you want to go wild! If you want to keep it classy a lime wheel and a mint leaf are the perfect choice. 

 

Mai Tai Mix Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces white rum

3/4 ounce orange curaçao

3/4 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed

1/2 ounce orgeat (almond syrup)

1/2 ounce dark rum

Garnish: lime wheel

Garnish: mint sprig

 

Steps on how to make a Mai Tai

1. Add the white rum, curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat into a shaker with crushed ice and shake lightly (about 3 seconds).

2. Pour into a double rocks glass.

3. Float the dark rum over the top.

4. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.

Legal Age to Sell and Serve

The legal age to purchase and consume alcohol in South Carolina is 21 years of age. To sell alcohol as a server for on-site consumption, you must be 18 years of age. However, tending the bar is 21 or older. Tending the bar means an 18-year-old cannot create the drinks but can serve them.

Beer and wine have no minimum age limit. Spirits (liquor), on the other hand, require a clerk to be at least 21 years old or older.

S.C. Code § 20-7-370

South Carolina Underage Drinking and Fake IDs

It is a misdemeanor for any person under the age of twenty-one to purchase or knowingly have any beer, ale, porter, wine, or any other similar malted or fermented beverage.

Another misdemeanor is for anyone under the age of 21 to falsely represent his age to procure alcoholic liquors. The misdemeanor applies to anyone who is purchasing or attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages from any business licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. 

Fines and Penalties: $100-200, cannot be imprisoned for more than 30 days or both.

Violators must also complete an approved alcohol prevention education program that is at least eight hours long. The maximum amount the program can cost is $150.

S.C. Code § 63-19-2450, § 61-4-60

Penalties & Fines for Selling or Furnishing Alcohol

Penalties and fines can be imposed on the

• licensee
• the clerk
• those who furnish alcohol to underage individuals

Licensee Penalties

It is illegal for a licensee; an adult licensed to sell alcohol in South Carolina, to knowingly sell or permit alcohol to be sold to a minor. A licensee may face suspension and have their beer, wine, or liquor license automatically revoked if a conviction, a plea of guilty, forfeiture of the bond, or a plea of nolo contendere occurs. As an alternative to the revocation of a beer, wine, or liquor license, the department may issue a fine instead of revocation.

Fines:

First Offense: the license must be revoked for one year or the licensee must pay a penalty of $250 to the department.

Second Offense: the offender's license or license must be revoked for two years, or the licensee must pay a penalty of $500 to the department.

S.C. Code § 61-6-4260

Penalties for Clerk

A clerk who sells or serves alcohol to an underage person faces a misdemeanor if the customer is under the age of 18.

First Offense: mandatory fine of $200 and $300, up to 30 days in jail, or both. It is up to the judge’s discretion. 

Second Offense: A judge will fine second and subsequent offenders between $400 and $500, may order jail time for up to 30 days, or both.

S.C. Code § 61-6-4070

 

Furnishing Alcohol to Underage Persons

It is illegal in South Carolina for an adult to furnish or give alcohol to a minor. 

Exceptions include:

• A parent or guardian giving alcohol to their child under the age of 21 in their home
• Provision of alcohol to a minor in conjunction with religious ceremonies
• A student over the age of 18 who is required to taste (but not consume) alcohol as part of a culinary course at an accredited college or university

Penalties are the same as the penalties for a clerk.*

S.C. Code § 61-6-4075

Operating Hours

Ordering a drink at a bar or a restaurant is permitted between 10 A.M and 2 A.M Monday through Friday. Saturday, all sales of alcoholic beverages must end at 11:59 PM. Liquor stores may be open between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Beer and wine may be bought and sold 24 hours a day.

*Municipalities and counties are permitted to have more restrictive ordinances

S.C. Code § 61-6-1500

Days of Sale

Unless county or municipal ordinances have additional restrictions, alcoholic beverages may not be sold for on or off-premises consumption (to go) on Sundays. However, some counties do allow alcohol sales on Sundays.  

S.C. Code § 61-6-1610

Our South Carolina Alcohol Seller-Server course is available now to help you learn more about these laws and many others!

Also, check out our other state alcohol and liquor laws in our Dramshop Series