Post #757513 by JenTiki on Tue, Jan 19, 2016 7:31 AM

On 2016-01-18 07:52, AceExplorer wrote:
What would you put on your business card as a home cocktail aficionado? Just plain "bartender," or "barkeep?" What are your thoughts on which is appropriate and not pretentious?

I have a card I use for rum and cocktail festivals and networking. It says "Rum and Cocktail Enthusiast." I've found that folks in the industry appreciate that I'm not pretending to be something I'm not. It says I'm passionate about rum and cocktails, but also that I know I still have a lot to learn.

Although I've made lots of drinks for several friends at parties, and have created original cocktails that have been finalists in competitions, I've never worked professionally in a bar/restaurant/hotel (except for a 6-month stint tapping wine in a restaurant kitchen when I was 19). So I would not assume a title I don't think I've earned (e.g. bartender, mixologist).

All that being said ... it's your bar. You tend it. I think that makes you a bartender. As long as your card is clear about it being a home bar, and not a professional establishment, you should be okay calling yourself the bartender. I once worked the bar at a friend's home tiki bar and was referred to as the "guest-tender" which I think was fine since I was filling in for the usual bartender, the owner of the bar.

Just don't say mixologist. Ever. Nobody should. It's almost as bad as the latest self-important title to come out of the woodwork: Bar Chef. [shiver/]