Be ready for your first shift before it starts.
A 5-hour, instructor-led bartending fundamentals class in the Willowbrook area of Houston. Classes run every other Monday, limited to 10 students, taught by a bartender with 24 years of real-world experience.
Meet your instructor
Christopher Dean
Christopher is a professional bartender and instructor with over 24 years of experience behind the bar. He has worked in neighborhood pubs, high-volume sports bars, nightclubs, live music venues, restaurants, private events and upscale cocktail bars.
That range gave him a well-rounded understanding of every part of the job, from speed and efficiency during high-volume service to guest interaction, bar setup and creating a memorable customer experience.
His goal is simple: prepare students for success from their very first shift by sharing practical knowledge gained from some of the country's most diverse bar scenes.
What you'll learn
Bartending fundamentals, start to finish
Professional instruction, live demonstrations and more than two decades of industry experience, covering the essential skills you need to work confidently behind a bar.
Bar Basics
- What the job is really like and what employers expect
- Well setup and organization
- Essential bar tools
- Fruit and garnish prep
Technique
- Bottle handling, pour counts and portion control
- Ice, glassware and shaker selection
- Shaking, stirring and straining
Popular Drinks
Learn the fundamentals behind the drinks guests order most.
- Cocktails: Margaritas, Old Fashioneds, Martinis, Long Island Iced Teas, Whiskey Sours, Espresso Martinis and more
- Shots and shooters: common bar shots and layered shooters
- Beer: bottled and draft service, including Guinness
- Wine: opening, presentation and service
Service and Hospitality
- Bartending terminology: neat, rocks, up, well, call, premium
- Reading the bar and anticipating guest needs
- Handling payments and common issues
Running a Shift
- Workflow and communication on busy nights
- Opening and shift preparation
- Closing procedures
Responsibility and Career
- Responsible alcohol service, ID checks and spotting intoxication
- Professionalism behind the bar
- Landing your first bartending job
What to expect
- 5-hour, instructor-led class
- Live demonstrations
- 24 years of industry knowledge
- Built for beginners
- Scheduled breaks
- Certificate of Completion
No prior experience or equipment required. This is a lecture and demonstration class, so you won't be required to work behind the bar.
Learn the fundamentals.
Build confidence.
Get Behind The Tap.
The class
Five hours. Real bar skills.
Please note: Behind the Tap is a private, instructor-led bartending skills class. It is not a TABC seller/server certification course, is not approved by or affiliated with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), and does not issue a TABC certificate. TABC strongly recommends seller/server certification, and many employers require it. Find TABC-approved schools at tabc.texas.gov. Completing this class does not guarantee employment.
Book your class
Pick a date and reserve your seat
Only 10 seats per class
Classes run every other Monday starting November 2. Your $125 deposit holds your seat, and the remaining $125 is due before class.
Payments are processed securely by Stripe.
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Questions?
Get in touch
Want to ask about upcoming dates or group training? Send a message and we'll get back to you.
behindthetaptx@gmail.com