MockQuestions

Bartending Mock Interview

To help you prepare for your Bartending interview, here are 30 interview questions and answer examples.

Bartending was updated by on February 27th, 2014. Learn more here.

Question 1 of 30

How do you use your time on a slow shift?

The interviewer is looking to see if you plan to be on your cell phone in between customers or if you're willing to put in a bit of extra work. There is always something to do, even if it's just practicing your flaring technique. Stocking the bar, cutting limes, and planning the bar menu needs to happen before you're too busy with customers. When you've exhausted your options, take the time to learn new drinks, experiment with different garnishes and combinations. Use your time wisely! Show the bar manager that you are motivated and won't be caught sitting around on the job when there's work to do!

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30 Bartending Interview Questions & Answers

Below is a list of our Bartending interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.

  • 1. How do you use your time on a slow shift?

  • 2. Do you enjoy socializing with strangers?

  • 3. Besides making drinks, what roles do you think bartenders serve?

  • 4. Tell me about the garnishes you enjoy using for various cocktails.

  • 5. Do you have any flaring techniques?

  • 6. Explain to me how you properly stir a cocktail.

  • 7. How do you engage with customers while making and serving drinks?

  • 8. How do you garnish a Manhattan?

  • 9. How do you treat customers on special occasions, like birthdays and bachelorette parties?

  • 10. How do you make a Johnny Vegas drink?

  • 11. How do you make a Dirty Martini?

  • 12. How do you decide which customers to serve first when the bar is packed?

  • 13. When you go above and beyond for a customer and they don't tip well, how do you handle it?

  • 14. What is your favorite drink with vodka?

  • 15. Explain the differences between a wheat beer, a pale ale and an IPA?

  • 16. Tell me about your previous bartending experience.

  • 17. Are you flexible to work any shift?

  • 18. How do you make a Whiskey Sour?

  • 19. How do you avoid serving to minors?

  • 20. How do you make an Irish Car Bomb?

  • 21. How do you make a Washington Apple?

  • 22. If your car broke down on the way to work, what would you do?

  • 23. This is a coveted bartending gig. Why should we hire you?

  • 24. Your drawer is $44.21 short, how would you explain this? What would you do to correct something like this in the future?

  • 25. If you see a fight start across the bar, do you act or do you wait until the bouncers take care of it?

  • 26. What techniques do you use to upsell?

  • 27. How do you make a Cosmopolitan Martini?

  • 28. How do you feel about serving drinks in a heavy volume environment?

  • 29. Why did you leave your last bartending job?

  • 30. How do you make a White Russian?