Why bartending is an exciting career choice in Australia. So You Want To Be A Bartender?
Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets.
I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Why Bartending Is an Exciting Career Choice
There’s something magnetic about bartending. For some, it’s the creativity the chance to experiment with flavors, mix spirits, and craft cocktails that tell a story in a glass.
For others, it’s the social element: the constant interaction with people from all walks of life. Whether you’re serving regulars at a small country pub or tourists in a bustling Sydney rooftop bar, bartending brings you into contact with a vibrant community.
For me it was the starting of my future.
Over the past 15 years I have worked in every inch of the hospitality industry for the bar side of things.
I have receieved real world experience that has lead me to endless opportunities from promotion to owning my own establishment and now creating the very blog that you are reading today.
From my experience I found that bartending itsself is an exciting career.
For someone who is wanting to blend their creativity, people skills into an endless opportunity for growth, then this is the career for you.
The job itself is dynamic and social, with every shift offering new stories, challenges, and connections.
Beyond the bar, it opens doors to travel, brand work, business ownership, and media opportunities, making it a versatile and inspiring career path. Your journey from bar owner to blogger perfectly shows how bartending can evolve into entrepreneurship and digital influence.
The career is also flexible. You might work in pubs, fine dining restaurants, nightclubs, festivals, or luxury hotels. And here’s one of the biggest perks: bartending is a global skill. Master it in Australia, and you can pick up shifts in London, Tokyo, Bali, or New York. Hospitality is one of the most transferable industries in the world.
In recent years, Australia has embraced the rise of craft cocktails, low-ABV trends, and mindful drinking. This makes it an especially exciting time to join the trade.
Customers aren’t just ordering vodka sodas they want experiences, stories, and drinks that reflect innovation.
That means opportunities for bartenders to shine.
The Reality of Working in Hospitality
Now, let’s balance the scales and take off the rose colored glasses.
It is time to tell the truth about bartending from the other end.
Whilst the bartending career is rewarding and fun, it isn’t always glamorous.
Late nights and weekends: Bartenders often work when others play.
Expect to be working every weekend with the busiest busiest times and most shifts being during Friday and Saturday nights, holidays, and long weekends.
That means birthdays, New Year’s Eve, and even Christmas may sometimes be spent behind the bar with the strangers that will tip you to be their friend.
Fast-paced environment: You’re juggling multiple drink orders, handling cash or POS systems, keeping stock organised, and ensuring every drink complies with RSA laws.
You need to be a quick thinker and even more of an observant person.
At peak times, you might pour dozens of cocktails in an hour while still smiling for customers.
The social side: Hospitality can be fun you’ll form friendships with your team and customers, share laughs, and sometimes even act as an unofficial counsellor for patrons.
But it also comes with challenges: handling intoxicated guests, managing conflict, and staying professional under pressure.
I wont lie on one of my first shifts in a dingy Sydney bar, I had a line of customers three-deep at the bar.
Being a newbie and wanting to make an impression to ensure I had a job tomorrow ,y hands were shaking as I fumbled a Mojito order.
A fellow bartender nudged me and said, “Smile, it’s just a drink, not brain surgery.” That stuck with me.
Your attitude under pressure can make or break not just the night, but your career. Choose to be chilled and your days behind the bar will be a breeze.
Minimum Age Requirements in Australia
If you’re serious about bartending, the first thing to know is the law.
- Legal age to serve alcohol: Across Australia, you must generally be 18 years old to serve alcohol. Some states allow under-18s to work in venues (e.g., as food runners, bussies, or glass collectors), but you cannot legally serve drinks until you are 18.
- RSA Certificate (Responsible Service of Alcohol): This is non-negotiable. No RSA, no bar job.
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- The RSA is a short but essential course that teaches you how to serve alcohol responsibly, identify signs of intoxication, check IDs properly, and handle tricky situations.
- Each state has its own training authority. For example, Liquor & Gaming NSW regulates the RSA in New South Wales, while Victoria and Queensland have their own approved providers.
- Some RSA certifications are nationally recognised, but others are state-specific, so always double-check.
Without your RSA, even a trial shift behind the bar isn’t legal. So, step one? Book and complete your RSA training.
First Impressions Matter: Attitude, Presentation, and People Skills
Bartending is as much about hospitality as it is about cocktails. You need to actually be a people person in this role to continue to be successful.
Attitude: Customers don’t remember the exact pour of gin in their G&T, but they’ll remember if you were approachable, friendly, or dismissive.
Positivity and patience go a long way.
Presentation: Venues value a clean, neat, and approachable appearance. This doesn’t always mean formal uniforms — some bars embrace tattoos and individuality — but being well-groomed and tidy is essential.
People skills: Great bartenders don’t just mix drinks; they create experiences.
- Learning regulars’ names and orders builds loyalty.
- A sense of humour can turn a bad night around.
- De-escalating conflict (without escalating it further) is an underrated superpower.
Early in my career, whilst still working in the dingy little Sydney bar that i started in I had a guest once order “the usual.”
I honestly had never seen this customer before in my life so instead of saying and that is?
I had to get creative…
Knowing the bar was not full and I had a bit of time to spare I made it a game…
I asked them a few questions to see if I could ask the customer what the drink was with out being direct…
Examples of what i asked were…
Of course, happy to get that going for you but remind me, again do you like it the classic way or with a twist?
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This makes it sound like you’re checking details rather than fishing for the whole order.
I got lucky and the customer said oh please make the Margarita on the rocks please and only a little bit of salt on the rim.
By the end of the night, I not only knew their order, but I’d earned a regular.
Practical First Steps for Aspiring Bartenders
If bartending sounds like the path for you, here’s your roadmap:
- Get your RSA certification. No excuses, no shortcuts. This is the golden ticket.
- Start entry-level. Look for jobs as a barback, glassie, or server to get your foot in the door. These roles build essential foundations.
- Learn the basics. Master simple cocktails, pour a perfect beer, and know your standard drink measures (critical for RSA).
- Practice speed and efficiency. Hospitality is all about balance — speed without sacrificing quality.
- Upskill. Take cocktail-making workshops, flair classes, or attend mixology competitions. The more you learn, the more employable you become.
- Network. The hospitality industry thrives on connections. Many jobs aren’t advertised — they’re passed along through word of mouth.
Takeaways
- Bartending in Australia is a career that blends creativity, people skills, and responsibility.
- The journey begins with your RSA, but success depends on your attitude and willingness to learn.
- It’s not all glamorous, but it’s rewarding opening doors to experiences and opportunities worldwide.
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/
Want to learn about obtaining your RSA? > Keep reading