Our Westchester Bartending Classes

Mixology has become a catchall phrase used in present-day terminology and is widely accepted as a refined, higher study of mixing cocktails and drinks than the everyday actions of bartender. This definition and its use is one of much debate in the bartending community, usually because of the impression it leaves that a mixologist is better and more skilled than a bartender. This isn't necessarily so. Neither is "better" than the other and each require a different set of skills, but then again the two titles can be interchanged.






A bartender needs to have a variety of skills which are highly important and some that the mixologist may not develop or use on a regular basis. In general a bartender needs to know a lot of common and popular cocktails, serve many people at once, think quickly and be the ultimate people person. The mixologist tends to focus on the art and craft of mixing cocktails, studying the classics, concocting new and exotic drinks, experimenting with lesser known distilled spirits and mixers, and, overall, pushing the limits of classic bartending. Again, these distinctions are the generally accepted differences between the two roles and are meant for clarification








Here at the Academy of Bartending School we've combined the BEST of both worlds. We teach you the skills and techniques with emphasis on the art and craft of mixing cocktails. We train and help you develop the necessary speed and knowledge of all the popular drinks. We encourage that with attention on classic as well as creating new and exotic cocktails. This enables our students to work in ANY environment that serves alcohol with confidence.

What Our Mixology Course Covers

Tools of the Trade - The quality of your tools can make or break your experience behind the bar or private party. Learn the significance of having the appropriate tools to perfect and present everything from traditional or designer cocktails, layered shots or shooters, frozen drinks, international coffees or beers and wines. Knowing how to use these tools will greatly increase your efficiency and credibility amongst other seasoned bartenders, as well as allow you to prepare cocktail recipes as they are supposed to be prepared.









The Art & Craft of Cocktail Preperation - Unlike most bartending schools, we don't waste your time by teaching long forgotten recipes that people simply don't order. Instead, our program teaches you how to prepare and serve both the classic and contemporary recipes that people are ordering in today's bars, restaurants, pubs and lounges, to keep you up-to-date.







Although we'll teach you all the popular classic and contemporary recipes, it's important to know that most establishments have their own cocktail list you'll need to learn once hired. To ensure you're can properly prepare any recipe on any cocktail list, we'll teach you all the important recipe categories and preparation methods so that each and every drink you make and serve, is as good as the bartender that created it.








You'll learn a specific list of cocktail and shooter recipes, which include martinis, highballs, lowballs, collins', sours, shooters and more. The preparation method categories include shaking, stirring, straight-up, muddling, building, on-the-rocks, rolling, and layering. Upon graduation, you will be able to work in ANY environment that sells or serves alcohol.









Free-Pouring Spirits, Liqueurs and Mixers - You will learn and master how to effectively use the free pour technique to help increase your speed, efficiency and tips behind the bar. Handling multiple glassware and pouring with multiple bottles at one time, are skills that every bartender should have. We'll teach you how to increase speed by accurately pouring both spirits and mixers at the same time, as well as how to efficiently ice and pour into a variety of different glassware.









Garnishes - You will learn how to prepare each of the garnish categories including olives, cherries, lemons, limes, oranges, cocktail onions and mint, as well as learn their application in a cocktail. We also teach you how to make a proper twist and other mouth watering garnish arrangements such as Wheels, Spirals, Balls, Wedges, Drops and much more!









As any good bartender knows, choosing the correct glass is just as important as the alcohol that goes into it. In today's cocktail society, glassware can make or break a drinking or dining experience. Right from the start at our Westchester New York bartending school, the Academy of Professional Bartending, you learn the importance of the proper glass and techniques used for creating the perfect drink in every class.









Wine and Champagnes - One of the most important parts of your bartender training. Knowing how to properly open and serve all types of wines and champagnes is a must! You will learn how to properly open and precisely pour different wine types, correct serving temperatures, proper wine etiquette and selecting the appropriate glassware for each particuliar type of wine.

Champagnes and sparkling wines have different opening and serving procedures than traditional wines. you will learn all about those differences, as well how to properly chill and store champagne and sparkling wines.









Technique Development - Establishing a relationship with your patrons, as opposed to spending time on preparation, will ultimately result in higher tips and increased guest gratification. Most bartenders spend much of their time simply trying to keep up with service. We train you on how to stay well stocked in all areas of the bar throughout all shifts, giving you more time to spend on your patrons and increasing your tips.






The Academy of Professional Bartending
363 North Ave
New Rochelle, New York

914-813-8660