Top 32 bartender interview questions to hire the perfect match

Bartenders’ ability to make the perfect drink while chatting with customers and making sure everyone is having a good time isn’t something you can assess from a resume.

Their role as a bartender is essential for shaping the overall experience of the patrons of your establishment. So, making the right hire is crucial – and for this, you need to be prepared with the right bartender interview questions to ask. 

Combine interviews with talent assessments to evaluate your candidates’ communication and customer service skills, and you’ll be able to make the perfect hire confidently and with ease. 

In this article, you’ll find a list of interview questions and sample answers for bartenders, along with tips on which skills to assess and how to hire a talented bartender.

How to evaluate bartender skills

Bartending is a skills-based profession, so educational qualifications aren’t as important as for other roles. A resume might look impressive but doesn’t provide any actual information about a person’s actual skills – according to our research, 43% of employers struggle to identify a person’s abilities from a resume.

To evaluate a candidate’s bartending skills efficiently and objectively, we recommend implementing a two-step approach to hiring: 

1. Use skills tests to evaluate applicants’ suitability for the role

2. Shortlist and interview the best candidates to make a final hiring decision

Skills tests provide a tangible measure of a candidate's ability to communicate with customers, solve problems, and follow instructions, while interviews give you the possibility to assess their strengths and weaknesses in-depth and find out more about their experience.

With TestGorilla, you can combine up to five skills tests to screen and filter unqualified candidates. This way, you can focus on candidates who excel in the practical aspects of the role. Some of the tests you can use are:

• Communication: Bartending requires constant communication with patrons and other staff members. Identify candidates who are expert communicators. 

• Hospitality: This test helps you make sure candidates have the right soft skills for entry- to mid-level roles in the hospitality industry. 

• Customer Service: Customer satisfaction should be a top priority of any bartender worth their salt. 

• Problem Solving: Managing a bar involves a lot of problem-solving; you can use this test to find out who has the right skills. 

• Basic Math: Find out whether candidates have the right math skills to accurately measure ingredients, manage inventory, and handle orders. 

• Understanding Instructions: Bartenders need to be attentive to customer requests and able to prepare the perfect drink each time.

• Time Management: Busy shifts require excellent time management; use this test to find candidates who have what it takes to prioritize tasks and do everything in time.

With the help of these tests and the right bartending interview questions, you can gain more insights into a candidate's bartending skills and make the right hire quickly and easily. This approach ensures every candidate is evaluated based on their abilities and talent rather than achievements listed on a piece of paper.

Top 22 bartender interview questions to hire the best

Below, you’ll find our top 22 interview questions to help you assess a person’s bartending skills, along with sample answers to evaluate candidates’ responses. 

1. Why do you want to work as a bartender at our establishment?

Candidate answer:

The unique vibe of the place and the meticulous attention to detail in every cocktail you serve here are what caught my eye. 

I'm passionate about creating customized drinks and seasonal cocktails and your establishment is known for that. I believe my creativity and mixology skills align perfectly with your standards; I’d be excited to join a team that cares so much about quality and the customer experience. 

Our advice: 

Assessing candidates’ motivation is just as important as evaluating their skills. To go a step further, you can use our Motivation test to check whether applicants’ expectations align with what you offer based on a customized survey that you fill out. 

2. How do you find new cocktail ideas and recipes?

Candidate answer:

I find inspiration everywhere. A stroll through the market, a tasty new drink, or even a conversation with a friend can spark an idea. 

I also follow a few mixology blogs, magazines, and Instagram accounts to stay updated on new trends. I also have several cocktail books from which I draw inspiration whenever I feel like experimenting with a new recipe or creating a new version of a classic one.

3. How would you create a drink based on a customer's vague preferences? Walk us through your process.

Candidate answer:

First, I’d ask a few simple questions to narrow down their taste preferences – sweet or bitter, strong or light, fruity or herbal. 

Then, based on their answers, I’d suggest a base spirit and a flavor profile. I'd explain the ingredients I'm considering to see if there’s anything they dislike. If I have their green light, I prepare the drink – and make sure it looks beautiful, too.

4. How do you make your cocktails look good?

Candidate answer:

Aesthetics are super important when creating the perfect cocktail. 

I love playing with colors, layering, and garnishes to make each drink look nice. Fresh herbs, edible flowers, a piece of fruit, or even smoke can really help with that. I’m also mindful of choosing the right glass and size of the ice cubes to make sure everything looks perfect.

5. Describe your most sophisticated cocktail recipe.

Candidate answer:

One of my signature cocktails is called “Midnight in Paris”. It contains gin, lavender-infused honey, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of pear brandy. The drink is then topped with a sprinkle of edible gold dust. It's an elegant cocktail that most customers love. 

6. How do you handle criticism from a supervisor?

Candidate answer:

I listen attentively to make sure I understand my supervisor’s feedback and expectations. I ask for examples if needed; this helps me understand where they’re coming from and what I need to change. 

Then, I discuss with them ways to improve and define a plan to address the issue. A follow-up meeting might also be helpful to see if I’m making progress. 

7. Your point of sale (POS) system is down. What do you do?

Candidate answer:

First, I check whether a quick reset might solve the issue. If it doesn’t, I let my manager and my team know and switch to cash transactions until everything is fixed. I also use a pen and paper to keep track of orders, if needed. 

I let customers know about the issue and also point them to the nearest ATM, if needed. I make sure we handle their orders quickly to compensate for the inconvenience. 

8. You run out of a popular ingredient. How do you handle this?

Candidate answer:

The first thing I’d do in this situation is to check whether we can get it quickly from a nearby supplier; if yes, I’d simply ask a team member to go and buy some. If that's not possible, I check what substitutes we could use. 

If patrons order drinks with this ingredient, I check with them whether they’d like me to use an alternative. If not, I make a personalized recommendation for each person for another cocktail they could try. This helps transform a potentially negative experience into a positive one. 

9. Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer. How did you handle the situation?

Candidate answer:

Once, a patron was unhappy with the waiting time during a particularly busy shift. I acknowledged the problem and apologized for the inconvenience – and also offered him a complimentary drink to make up for it. By showing him I cared about his experience, I managed to turn the situation around; he was happy and even left a generous tip at the end.

10. What techniques do you use to remember regular customers and their favorite drinks?

Candidate answer:

At the bar where I was working last year, we had a dozen regulars; it was always a pleasure to serve them.

I always engaged in small talk with them and paid close attention to their preferences. I made a mental note of any particular likes or dislikes and tried to tie it to the topic of the conversation to remember it easily next time. In nine out of ten cases, it worked great. 

11. What's your take on the importance of building relationships with customers?

Candidate answer:

People go to bars to connect with others. So, when you know your customers, you can personalize their experience, make recommendations they'll love, and even just ask about their day in a way that makes them feel good. This helps create a feeling of community, which is the main reason why people come back. 

12. What do you think makes for an outstanding customer service experience in a bar?

Candidate answer:

Bartending is not just about preparing drinks – it’s about providing a great experience, which is dependent on the overall vibe and interactions with the staff. I love adding personal touches to my cocktails or making customized drinks. I also make sure I remember regulars’ favorite drinks, which they always appreciate. 

13. What do you do if a customer has had too much to drink?

Candidate answer:

Handling such situations is delicate, but it's crucial for the safety of the customer and the atmosphere of the bar. I approach them with empathy, suggesting they try out a non-alcoholic drink or get some water or a snack. If needed, I'll offer to call a cab or a friend. It's all about making sure they feel taken care of, not judged or embarrassed.

14. How would you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with their drink?

Candidate answer:

If this happens, I see it as an opportunity to show our commitment to customer satisfaction. 

I'd apologize and ask for their feedback to understand why they aren’t happy with their drink. Understanding what was wrong enables me to address the issue, whether it's remaking the drink to their liking or offering an alternative. 

I always make sure the customer leaves happy and satisfied with their experience. 

15. How would you handle a conflict between two customers?

Candidate answer:

If I see that two customers are starting to argue or fight, I intervene quickly and calmly. I would aim to de-escalate the tension, perhaps by suggesting a change of seating or offering a round on the house, if appropriate. It's important to resolve these situations discreetly and make sure all other patrons can have a good time.

16. What strategies do you use to keep your bar area neat and tidy?

Candidate answer:

Maintaining a clean and organized bar always leaves a good impression on patrons and other staff members, so I prioritize this even during busy shifts. 

For this, I wipe each area clean immediately after use. I also have a structured system for tools and ingredients, so everything has its place, reducing clutter during service hours. At the end of each shift, I wipe everything and make sure everything is sparkling clean. Weekly deep cleaning sessions are also a part of my routine. 

17. How do you organize your work during particularly busy shifts?

Candidate answer:

I always prioritize efficiency and clear communication, but that’s especially important when we have lots of customers. I focus on one order at a time while mentally queuing the next. 

Clear communication with coworkers is also vital and helps ensure everyone is on the same page. I also make sure to stay calm and not get overwhelmed by the rush.

Our advice: 

To check if candidates are capable of managing busy shifts, you can use our Time Management and Communication tests.

18. What do you do during slower shifts?

Candidate answer:

Slower shifts are an opportunity for me to deep clean the bar, restock supplies, and experiment with new cocktail recipes. It's also a great time to engage more personally with customers, building relationships with regulars and new customers. 

19. How do you keep up with multiple drink orders during peak hours?

Candidate answer:

Making sure I don’t mess up orders during busy shifts requires focus and a methodical approach. I take orders in batches, grouping similar drinks to speed up the process, and make sure I remember who ordered what. I also communicate clearly with staff and customers to manage expectations on waiting times. 

20. How do you spot fake IDs?

Candidate answer:

I check the quality of the ID, the texture, and the presence of security features like holograms. I also pay close attention to the customer's body language when they show their ID. If I'm not sure, I ask for another form of identification. If the ID seems fake, I refuse service and let my manager know.

21. How do you deal with coworkers not pulling their weight during a shift?

Candidate answer:

If a coworker seems disengaged and isn’t doing what’s needed during a shift, I first check in with them and see if there’s a reason for it. For example, if they’re dealing with a personal issue, I offer my support; often, a conversation is all that’s needed. 

If I notice that this happens often, I’d talk to them again and focus on how their behavior is affecting the entire team. I might involve a supervisor, but only after having tried to address the issue directly through honest conversations. 

22. What’s your experience with inventory management and ordering supplies?

Candidate answer:

I have extensive experience with inventory management, ensuring optimal stock levels. I meticulously track our inventory and plan for trends and upcoming events. I also know how to negotiate prices and delivery times with suppliers to make sure we have everything that’s needed for the bar’s operation.

Extra bartending interview questions you can ask

If you need more ideas, below you’ll find a list of 10 additional bartender interview questions you can ask:

• What are your favorite spirits to work with and why?

• How do you manage your time effectively when you have to close the bar at the end of your shift?

• Can you describe your experience with cocktail menu planning and creation?

• What is your approach to teamwork in a bar setting?

• How do you create an enjoyable atmosphere for customers?

• What are your strategies for managing your energy levels during long shifts?

• Are you familiar with local health and safety regulations for establishments that serve alcohol?

• How do you deal with language barriers or communication issues with customers?

• How do you handle feedback or suggestions from customers about drink recipes?

• How do you manage your workload when you're the only bartender on duty?

Check out our situational interview questions and general interview questions if you need more ideas.

Hire the best bartender with TestGorilla

In the hospitality industry, the success of any establishment depends on the skills of its staff. Hiring the right bartender is a crucial element of this equation.

Finding the right person is not an easy task, however. By integrating skills tests and thoughtful interview questions into your bartender recruitment process, you can improve your chances of selecting candidates who meet every criteria for the role.

Now that you know what questions to ask – and what answers to look for – you can check out our vast test library of pre-employment skills tests that you can combine to create a bartender-specific assessment. 

Try our free plan to see how you can hire the best bartender or sign up for a free demo to learn more about how TestGorilla can help you hire the right talent bias-free.