World Bartender Day | Charlotte*

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World Bartender Day is celebrated across the globe every year on February 24. Bartenders are indispensable to the hospitality industry. Today, we cannot imagine a pub, bar, or nightclub without a bartender. They keep patrons well supplied with beverages, especially the alcoholic kind, and make sure that everyone is having a good time. If you are unsure about which drink to get or want to try something new, you are more likely to ask a bartender for help. Who knows, maybe this is how you will find your next favorite drink! The next time you enjoy a fun night out with your friends, don’t forget to thank the bartender.

History of the holiday.

HISTORY OF WORLD BARTENDER DAY

Bartending might appear to be a modern profession, but it is one of the oldest professions known to man — the first bartending job was probably held in the 1400s. It is said to have emerged several thousand years ago in various locations such as Rome, Greece, and Asia. At the time, bartenders would have been the innkeepers and owners of alehouses who would make their own brews and liquors to serve the patrons.

It wasn’t until the 1800s that the common public would develop a somewhat favorable opinion of bartending and refrained from morally and ethically judging bartenders. This was when Jerry Thomas, the “father of bartending”, became popular for the special cocktails he created in his bars in New York City. Thomas was the first one to write a book on bartending, called The Bar-Tender’s Guide, alternatively referred to as How to Mix Drinks, which was published in 1862.

Since then, the profession of bartending has gained more respect for the creativity, skill, and attention to detail that is involved in creating, making and serving up drinks — often to unruly customers. While the trade witnessed depression in the 1920s and early 1930s (when the United States went through a period of prohibition), bartenders have sprung back into action since then and today one cannot imagine a hospitality establishment without them. World Bartender Day celebrates the creative genius and talents of those at bars all across the globe. The day might have emerged during a cocktail competition that happens in Australia and New Zealand, called The Perfect Blend.

5 activities to recognize World Bartender Day
Ultimately, National Bartender Day is a time to show your appreciation for your bartenders. Here are a few more specific ideas for doing just that.

Visit your favorite haunt or try a new one.
Do you have a usual local bar that you just love? Gather a group of friends (or fly solo), and head on over. Instead of getting your usual beer, why not try something you’ve never had before? If the bar has a menu, ask your bartender what her favorite drink to make is (or just ask for her favorite drink to make in general). You could also ask for the dealer’s choice.

Alternatively, check out that new bar that just opened up down the street or the long-established joint you’ve been meaning to try but never quite got around to it. Who knows? It could become your new go-to spot.

Tip your bartender.
According to Bartender Training Center, some 55% of a bartender’s salary comes from tips. That means they’re relying on customers like you for more than half of their salary. You should always tip generously, especially when your bartender goes above and beyond by lending a sympathetic ear or making a particularly delicious or involved drink, but National Bartender Day is definitely a time to throw in a little extra. If you usually tip 20%, for example, make it 30% to show your appreciation. Also, keep in mind that the dollar-a-drink rule shouldn’t be applied to cocktails, which involve a lot more work and finesse than pouring you a draught.

Buy your bartender a drink.
How often does your bartender spot you with a free drink on her or a round of shots? On National Bartender Day, turn the tables and let her know that you want to buy her a drink for a change. (Don’t be embarrassed or insulted if she turns you down, though. Some bartenders don’t drink on the job.) Who knows? This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Make (or ask for) a drink with Sailor Jerry.
Pay homage to the man — err, brand — who started it all. If you’re at home, whip up a cocktail using Sailor Jerry. Check out some of the recipes on their website, like the Spiced Rum Old Fashioned or Spiked Apple Cider Rum Punch. If you go to a bar to celebrate the holiday, ask for a cocktail made with spiced rum. Don’t forget to let your bartender know why you’re doing it — she may not even be aware of National Bartender Day — and, of course, remember to tip generously no matter what you order.

Listen to your bartender.
Bartenders are people, too! So many of us share the intimate details of our lives with sympathetic bartenders who listen to us with all the empathy of a good therapist. And they, too, have difficult experiences, heartbreaks, family problems, professional troubles, and other issues. The ultimate way of showing your appreciation for someone who’s constantly lending you a supportive ear and maybe even giving you some solid advice is to do the same for her. You don’t have to make a big deal about it; just saying, “So, what’s going on with you?” is enough. If she does open up to you, listen without interjecting with your own perspective or problems, unless she seems to want your advice. Sometimes, we just need someone to listen.

Looking for more ideas on how to make the most of National Bartender Day? Spread the word! Posting about the holiday and your favorite bars and bartenders on social media will encourage others to take part in the holiday and support the bartenders they know, too. There doesn’t seem to be an official hashtag, but the ones below will get the message across:

#NationalBartenderDay

#BartenderAppreciationDay

#BartenderAppreciation

One final note: We love bartenders and always want to show our support and appreciation for them. But, as always, remember to support them responsibly!  TIPS WELCOME!!!

Happy World Bartender Day!

Credit: nationaltoday.com