Take These Five Steps to Become a Bartender in Texas

Male bartender in Texas pours a red cocktail beverage into a large wine glass with citrus garnishes.

Thinking about mixing and serving drinks? You’re in luck. Whether you’re aspiring to work in a dive bar, a trendy rooftop lounge or at private events, there’s plenty of room for new talent behind the bar in the Lone Star State. But where do you start?

Here are five steps to help you launch your career.

1. Understand the Legal Aspects

Before you pour your first drink, it’s important to know the legal landscape. The state doesn’t have any official bartender license requirements. However, many employers require (or prefer) on-premise liquor servers and wait staff to complete a training program approved by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) — the agency that oversees the state’s liquor laws and regulations — as a condition of employment.

TABC certification courses teach individuals how to practice responsible alcohol service tactics. These include identifying intoxicated guests, checking IDs properly to prevent sales to minors and understanding local alcohol laws. They also offer beverage employees essential information about their compliance responsibilities and tips for keeping customers, co-workers and establishments safe.

Getting certified is quick and easy (especially online). All you need to do is find a class (search for a licensed provider), enroll in the course, study the content and pass the final exam. Once you ace the test, you’ll receive a two-year permit. You must renew your certificate before the expiration date to keep it current.

Remember, a TABC card isn’t legally required to serve alcohol, but obtaining one can help you stand out when applying for jobs in your area — particularly those in high demand.

Alcohol seller and server licensing is often preferred or may even be requested by employers. These permits also offer an advantage when applying for a management position at bars, restaurants or any other business where drinks are available for purchase.

Businesses don’t always hire the most experienced candidates, but they’ll strongly consider those who have completed safety training. It’s a sign that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to protect patrons and prevent alcohol-related incidents from escalating — or happening altogether.

2. Be Old Enough to Serve Drinks

How old do you have to be to serve alcohol in the state? At least 18 years of age if you want to work in a bar or restaurant. Employers may have their own policies, which might be stricter. Some places might require servers to be 21, especially when working in a nightclub or handling liquor.

Also, keep in mind that if you work in an establishment that serves both food and alcohol, you may be able to start as a food server and work your way up to a bartending role as you gain experience. Additional rules may apply, depending on the location or position. Check with your employer for specific details.

3. Get Real-Life Experience

There’s more to bartending than knowing how to shake a margarita. Getting some hands-on experience can give you a big leg up. Some people start as barbacks (a bartender's assistant) to learn the ropes.

Attending a bartending school can be a great move if you want to build confidence fast or gain formal instruction. Bartender education programs might also cover drink recipes, speed techniques, customer service and even offer job placement assistance after successful completion.

4. Build Your Skills with Specialized Training

To thrive as a drink-pouring extraordinaire, you’ll need to master more than just the basics. From crafting a perfect Old Fashioned to keeping cool during a packed Saturday night, your extra skills will set you apart.

Many professionals enhance their abilities by joining advanced bartender training programs, like mixology courses or “flairtending” classes. Some providers, like TABC Certification Program, even offer alcohol and food handler packages.

These courses teach you the art and science of cocktails — from flavor balancing to glassware etiquette — and can help you level up your resume.

5. Explore Local Job Opportunities and Start Applying

Once you’ve got some training and experience under your belt, it's time to start looking for work. Texas has a thriving bar and restaurant scene, with cities like Austin, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio offering tons of gigs for new bartenders.

Look for entry-level positions or venues that offer on-the-job training. Don’t be afraid to start small — working at a local bar, hotel or catering company can help you get a foot in the door at a more prestigious venue.

Create a clean, professional resume highlighting your industry experience, knowledge of alcohol safety and any training you’ve completed. A current TABC certificate is a key selling point. When you land an interview, show off your personality — after all, bartending is as much about charm as it is about serving drinks.

Put Your New Bartender Skills and Qualifications to the Test

Serving drinks doesn’t require jumping through many hoops, but it does take dedication, people skills and a willingness to keep learning. From brushing up on the legal side of things to sharpening your tricks and techniques, each of the steps above help you improve your craft and bolster your confidence.

With the right training, you'll be ready to grab that shaker and start mixing up success at any establishment. So, what are you waiting for? Register now and get started on your certification training today! A rewarding bartending career awaits!