If you've ever thought about bartending as a side hustle, full-time career, or even a passion project, you’re not alone. Mixology continues to surge in popularity, and for good reason. It’s dynamic, social, and offers flexible hours—all while letting you show off your creative flair. But before you can start shaking things up behind the bar, there's one essential step: finding the right bartending classes to launch your journey.
This article is here to give you a complete understanding of what to look for in bartending classes and why LBS Bartending School offers something truly unmatched. Whether you're exploring a career change, seeking a portable skill, or looking for a fun, side gig—you’ll walk away with actionable insights on how to get started.
Why Bartending Is More Than Just Pouring Drinks
Bartending isn’t simply about knowing how to mix a gin and tonic or remembering the garnish for a Negroni. It’s about hospitality, multitasking under pressure, understanding alcohol laws, and managing inventory. A solid education in bartending gives you all of that—and more.
That’s why taking professional bartending classes is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. The right training opens doors to better-paying jobs, builds confidence, and keeps you compliant with state alcohol regulations.
The Certification Gap in the Industry
Here’s something not many people realize: Most bartending schools only certify you for one state. That’s a problem if you’re someone who moves often or lives near state lines. Imagine paying for another full course because you relocated just a few hours away.
That’s where LBS Bartending School stands out. It’s the only program in the U.S. that certifies students in all 50 states through a single hands-on course. If you move, your certification moves with you. There’s no need to retake the full course—just provide proof of your new residence and, in some cases, take a short live proctored exam (especially in states like Nevada, Colorado, Rhode Island, and a few others).
This flexibility isn’t just convenient—it’s smart. It ensures your skills and credentials are always working for you, wherever your path takes you.
Learn on Your Terms: Flexible Scheduling
Not everyone has the luxury of a nine-to-five life. LBS Bartending School gets that. That’s why their classes are offered seven days a week—mornings, nights, and weekends. You can even request to be taught in your own neighborhood.
This kind of schedule means students can work around their jobs, childcare, or other commitments. You’re not boxed into rigid class times or forced to rearrange your life just to learn.
The school’s large network of certified instructors makes this possible. Wherever you are in the country, there’s likely a class (or a mobile instructor) near you. And if you’re within 50 miles of a teaching location, you can be officially registered in that state without having to relocate or retake a course.
What You’ll Learn in a Quality Bartending Class
LBS Bartending School offers a hands-on experience that goes beyond reading a manual or watching videos. Here’s what you’ll typically cover in their bartending classes:
- Drink Preparation: Classic and modern cocktails, pouring techniques, and garnishing.
- Mixology Foundations: Understanding spirits, flavor pairings, and balance.
- Bar Tools and Equipment: Proper use of shakers, jiggers, strainers, and glassware.
- Customer Interaction: Handling difficult patrons, upselling, and creating a welcoming environment.
- Alcohol Law Compliance: Serving responsibly and understanding state-specific legalities.
- Speed and Efficiency: Working under pressure without sacrificing quality.
These lessons don’t just help you get a job—they help you excel at it. You walk away with confidence, skill, and a certification that means something across the country.
Why Portability of Certification Matters
Let’s say you complete your training in Illinois and later move to Arizona. With most bartending programs, you’d have to start from scratch. But with LBS, your certification transitions with you—seamlessly.
This benefit isn’t hypothetical. For aspiring bartenders who travel, military spouses, or anyone in industries that relocate often, this portability is game-changing. Plus, the registration process is straightforward. Just contact LBS with proof of residence, and they’ll officially register your certification in your new state. In rare cases, a small fee or an additional exam may apply, but it’s nothing compared to retaking the entire course.
A Course That Comes to You
Accessibility is at the heart of LBS’s model. Beyond offering flexible class times, the school can also come to you. Live too far from a campus? Have a group of friends or colleagues interested in training together? LBS instructors are mobile and can conduct lessons at your home, workplace, or chosen venue.
This makes the program not just convenient, but community-oriented. Local businesses, event companies, or even hotels can benefit from private or group training sessions tailored to their staff’s needs.
Real Training for Real Opportunities
LBS Bartending School doesn’t just teach theory—it teaches reality. Their curriculum is grounded in practical, real-world bar scenarios. That’s critical because today’s hospitality industry is fast-paced and demanding. Employers don’t have time to train new hires from scratch. They want staff who can jump in on day one and perform with confidence.
And if you’re working toward a long-term career in bartending—perhaps managing a bar, opening your own lounge, or getting into mixology competitions—the foundation you build with proper education makes all the difference.
Start Mixing, Not Just Dreaming
There’s a growing demand for certified bartenders nationwide, especially those who can work in multiple states without legal complications. Whether you're looking to supplement your income, explore a creative profession, or start a new chapter altogether, bartending offers that opportunity.
The right training—especially when it’s nationally portable and personalized to your schedule—can set you apart in a crowded field. LBS Bartending School delivers on that promise with unmatched flexibility, accessibility, and real-world preparation.
Are you ready to turn your curiosity into capability and join the thousands of students who’ve launched successful careers behind the bar?
Your next move could be the shake that starts it all.