Bartender Class & Training Courses: Online & In-Person

Why take a bartender class?

Taking a bartender class is one of the fastest and most effective ways to jumpstart a successful career in the hospitality industry. Whether you're brand new to bartending or looking to sharpen your mixology skills, a professional bartender training course provides hands-on instruction, legal compliance knowledge, and confidence behind the bar.

A bartending class helps you:

• Learn essential skills like pouring techniques, cocktail recipes, and customer service etiquette.

• Understand alcohol laws and responsibilities, including checking IDs and recognizing intoxication.

• Prepare for the certification required in many states to serve alcohol legally.

• Stand out to employers with a verified bartender certification or alcohol server permit.

• Advance your earning potential by mastering upselling strategies and tip-maximizing techniques.

Whether you choose an online bartender class or attend in person, these training programs are designed to equip you with real-world tools that translate directly to job opportunities.

Enroll in a bartender class online today and take the first step toward becoming a confident, capable, and certified professional bartender.

What’s the Difference Between a Bartender Class and Responsible Alcohol Selling and Serving Courses?

While a bartender class and a responsible alcohol selling and serving course may sound similar, they serve different purposes in the hospitality industry.

A bartender class typically focuses on job skills and practical training, teaching you how to mix drinks, use bar tools, handle customer service, and work efficiently behind the bar. These classes are designed for individuals looking to start or grow a career as a bartender. You’ll learn about cocktail recipes, bar setup, upselling techniques, and how to increase tips, making bartender classes ideal for building confidence and professionalism.

In contrast, a responsible alcohol server training course (sometimes called RBS, TIPS, or seller/server certification) is a compliance-focused program covering state laws and safety protocols for serving alcohol. These courses are often legally required by states or employers to ensure alcohol is served responsibly. Topics include checking IDs, refusing service, recognizing intoxication, and avoiding legal liability. Completing this training typically results in an alcohol certification or permit.

To work legally and confidently in the hospitality industry, it’s essential to complete a responsible alcohol selling and serving course that meets your state’s regulations. Each state has specific requirements to ensure alcohol is served safely and responsibly, and the proper training can help you stay compliant while protecting your establishment and guests.

If you're in California, you must complete an RBS (Responsible Beverage Service) training course approved by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. This certification is mandatory for all servers and bartenders in the state.

In Wisconsin, completing a responsible beverage server training course is often required to obtain or renew your bartending license. Our Wisconsin-approved program teaches you how to serve alcohol responsibly while reducing the risk of violations.

Florida doesn’t mandate alcohol server training by law, but many employers prefer or require it. Taking a Florida responsible alcohol training course can give you a competitive edge when applying for bartending or serving positions, and may help reduce your employer's liability insurance costs.

If you work in Illinois, particularly in Cook County or Chicago, you must complete a BASSET (Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training) program. This responsible server training is required by law and helps you understand how to manage alcohol service safely and legally.

Finally, Pennsylvania strongly encourages alcohol sellers and servers to take RAMP (Responsible Alcohol Management Program) server/seller training, especially if you work at a licensed establishment. This course can help protect you and your employer from liability and improve your understanding of Pennsylvania alcohol laws.

Whether you're just starting your career or need to meet a legal requirement, our state-approved responsible alcohol training courses for California, Wisconsin, Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania are easy to complete online, mobile-friendly, and come with certification upon passing.

What’s the Difference Between Online Bartender Classes and In-Person Bartender Classes?

The main differences between online and in-person bartender classes are flexibility, learning style, and hands-on experience.

Online bartender classes are ideal for those looking for convenience, affordability, and the ability to learn at their own pace. These virtual courses cover essential topics like drink recipes, bar setup, responsible alcohol service, and local certification requirements. Many online bartending courses offer interactive videos, quizzes, and immediate access to certification exams.

In contrast, in-person bartender classes take place in a classroom or bar setting, offering real-time instruction, hands-on practice with bar tools, and the opportunity to interact with instructors and other students. These courses are often more immersive and better suited for visual or tactile learners who benefit from in-the-moment feedback.

What are the Benefits of Online Bartender Classes?

Online bartender classes offer a flexible, affordable, and accessible way to gain the skills and certification needed to work in bars, restaurants, or events. Whether you're starting a new career or need to meet local alcohol service requirements, an online bartending course can be the most convenient path to becoming a certified bartender.

Here are the top benefits of enrolling in a bartender class online:

• Learn at Your Own Pace
  
  Study when and where it works best for you—perfect for busy schedules, career changers, or working students.

• Instant Access to Certification
  
  Most online bartender classes allow you to complete training and take your exam immediately, helping you get certified faster.

• Lower Cost
  
  Online courses are often more affordable than in-person classes, with no travel or materials fees.

• State-Specific Training Options
  
  Many programs include tailored training to meet the alcohol laws and certification requirements of your state or city.

• Interactive & Engaging Content
  
  Online bartender training can include videos, quizzes, and mobile-friendly modules designed to reinforce key skills in customer service, drink preparation, and alcohol safety.

• Resume-Boosting Credentials
  
  A valid bartender certification online can set you apart from other job applicants and show potential employers you're serious about your role.

With a bartending course online, you can get certified, improve your earning potential, and start working quickly, without ever stepping into a classroom.

How do you think you could sign up for an Online Bartender Class?

Signing up for an online bartender class is fast, easy, and the first step toward becoming a certified alcohol server or bartender. Whether you’re looking to meet state alcohol training requirements or gain new skills behind the bar, enrolling in a bartender training course online can be done in just a few clicks.

Follow these simple steps to sign up for an online bartender class:

1. Choose a State-Approved Course
   
   Please look for an online bartender course approved or recognized in your state. Certification laws vary, so it’s essential to select a training provider that meets local alcohol service regulations.

2. Visit the Course Page
   
   Navigate to the provider’s bartender training course page—like the one at Serving Alcohol—to review course details, pricing, and requirements.

3. Click “Enroll” or “Start Now.”
   
   Select your state (if prompted) and click the button to begin registration.

4. Create an Account
   
   You’ll typically need to enter your name, email address, and password to set up your student account.

5. Complete Payment
   
   You can securely pay for your bartender class online using a credit card or a digital payment method. Many sites offer instant access after checkout.

6. Start Your Training Immediately
   
   Once enrolled, you can start learning right away. Most online bartender classes are self-paced and accessible from any device.

7. Pass the Exam & Download Your Certificate
   
   You can complete the training and final exam to earn your bartender certification online. You can often download or print your certificate immediately upon passing.

Taking a bartender class online is an innovative, convenient way to get certified and job-ready, on your schedule.

What Is the Difference Between Bartender Classes and Mixology Classes?

While bartender classes and mixology classes are often used interchangeably, they focus on different aspects of working behind the bar, and understanding the difference can help you choose the right training for your goals.

Bartender classes are typically designed to teach the foundational skills needed to work as a bartender. These classes cover essential topics like customer service, bar setup, responsible alcohol service, pouring techniques, speed and efficiency, and how to handle real-world bar situations. Many online bartender classes also include alcohol certification training required by your state.

On the other hand, mixology classes go deeper into the art and science of crafting cocktails. Mixology training often focuses on flavor profiles, cocktail composition, advanced techniques like muddling, smoking, or layering, and how to invent or refine signature drinks. While bartender training concerns job readiness, mixology courses focus on mastering creativity and presentation.

Why Behind the Bar Excellence Fulfills Both Bartender & Mixology Class Needs

Behind the Bar Excellence is designed as a comprehensive, hands-on training program that bridges foundational bartending skills and creative cocktail mastery. It is ideal for both bartender classes and mixology classes.

1. Practical Bartender Training

• Covers essential topics like bar setup, bar maintenance, tool handling, guest service, and tip-maximizing strategies—just as you’d expect in a core bartender class.

• Provides step-by-step guidance from experienced bartenders, helping beginners confidently build their beverage service career.

2. Mixology Skills & Drink Preparation

• Includes mixology of drinks, with recipes covering a wide range of beer, wine, and liquor offerings.

• Focuses on crafting cocktails, flavor combinations, and elevating drink presentation—hallmarks of a quality mixology class.

3. Flexible & Affordable Online Format

• The course is self-paced, available on any device, and accessible for six months—a benefit of both bartender classes and mixology courses online.

• Priced at just $15, it’s a cost-effective alternative to typical mixology courses ($50–$100 rate) while delivering robust content.

4. Reference Tools & Resources

• It includes downloadable recipes and resource links so learners can reference mixology techniques anytime—a plus for both practical bartending and creative mixology practice.

5. Certification of Completion

• After finishing the test, participants earn a personalized certificate—valuable proof of completing both the bartending class and the mixology class.

Note: This is not an alcohol server license—those must be obtained via state-approved alcohol seller/server certification.