Bartending programs teach people to prepare and serve drinks in various settings such as restaurants, bars, and catered events. Students learn to mix alcoholic drinks and pour wine and beer. They also learn legal and health regulations and customer service.

According to at least one book, there are over 1,000 mixed drinks. This doesn't even begin to cover the many varietals of wine (what type of grape is it made from?) and types of beer (light? Amber? Stout?).

If you'd like to work as a bartender, have no fear. You don't need to know 1,000 drink recipes or become an expert in oenology (the study of wine). However, it is possible to study to become a bartender. Programs in bartending teach you the most common mixed drinks, the basics about wine and beer, and how to serve each type of drink. You also study health issues about serving and drinking alcohol. In addition, you learn safety rules and laws. The most important law shouldn't surprise you: you cannot serve alcohol of any kind to anyone under 21.

Typically, programs in bartending include a course in mixology, where you learn how to prepare and mix several types of drinks. You usually master about 100 – 150 different types of cocktails. These drinks are usually a combination of liquors, such as gin, vodka, and whiskey, and other ingredients, such as soda pop, cream, and sweeteners. You also take basic oenology. While you won't become a wine steward, you will learn the proper glass to use for red and white wines. In addition, you learn how to manage and handle accounts and money. You also learn bar management techniques, since most bartenders are responsible for ordering, stocking, and organizing supplies.

Some programs also teach you how to pour drinks using some acrobatic skills. This is usually a crowd-pleaser, and often gets bartenders additional tip money. You'll also learn how to handle people who may have had too much to drink. This may include handling emergency situations, so you also learn First Aid and CPR.

Programs in bartending are usually offered through proprietary schools. Programs typically last a few months and grant a certificate of completion. It's becoming more common to take courses online, as well. Not everyone becomes a bartender through training, though. Learning on-the-job is still common. However, formal training is considered a benefit.