5 Signs You’re Ready to Take a Bartending Course (And Not Just Watch TikToks)

Social media makes bartending look like magic: smoke, flames, neon lights, and flawless cocktail pours. But if you’ve been scrolling through videos thinking “I could totally do that”, maybe it’s time to step behind the bar for real.

Here are five signs that you’re ready to stop watching and start learning — with a proper bartending course.

1. You’ve Tried Every Trendy Drink at Home (But Something’s Missing)

If your kitchen looks like a small bar and your friends keep asking for cocktails, that’s a good start. But if your drinks never taste exactly like the ones at your favourite venue, it might not be the ingredients — it’s technique.

A course can teach you:

• How to balance flavours
• When (and why) to shake vs. stir
• The real difference between a sour and a fizz

👉 Start with the Private’ Bartender Course

2. You Want a Side Hustle or Career Change (Not Just a Hobby)

If bartending feels like more than a weekend game — maybe a creative outlet, or a real career path — you’re ready to treat it seriously.

With professional training, you could:

• Work part-time at events or private parties
• Apply for bar jobs in Manchester or across the UK
• Eventually specialise in mixology or hospitality management

👉 Consider the Private Bartender Course to tailor your learning to your goals.

3. You’ve Been Watching Tutorials for Months (But Still Don’t Know What Half the Tools Are)

Knowing what a Hawthorne strainer or a jigger is (and how to use them) takes more than watching videos.

In-person courses give you:

• Access to the actual tools (shakers, bar spoons, pourers)
• Hands-on practice with guidance
• Corrections you won’t get from YouTube

You can also check out our post Essential Tools for Making Cocktails Like a Bartender to preview what you’ll use.

4. You Like Hosting (and Want to Be The Friend Who Can Mix Anything)

Do your friends always gather at your place? Are you the go-to for birthdays, holidays, or spontaneous house parties?

Knowing how to mix 4–5 solid cocktails well will make you a legend.
A proper course teaches you:

• Structure, speed and service etiquette
• How to improvise with what’s on hand
• How to build your own signature drinks
• Plus, you can always impress them with stories from your Cocktail Masterclass.

5. You’re Not Afraid to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Learning bartending isn’t just about drinks — it’s about communication, confidence, and being present with people. If you're excited (and a little nervous), that’s the best sign you’re ready.

And no, you don’t need to be extroverted. You just need curiosity, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.

Ready to Make the Leap?

📍Join us in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Dirextra Wine & Cocktails School, located inside the vibrant Sicilian NQ, and learn from real bartenders in a hands-on, friendly setting.

👉 See all upcoming bartender courses
👉 Book your private class today

Because your first cocktail behind the bar will always feel better than your hundredth scroll 🍸