Nature, Objectives, and Importance of Bartending

Bartending is a process of preparing (mixing or concocting) and serving drinks, in a

particular alcoholic serving drinks, in particular alcoholic beverages, to customers. Thus, its
objectives are twofold: to mix or concoct the drink according to a standardized and acceptable
recipe or formula, and to serve it welling in a prescribed, attractive manner. Any deviation from
these objectives would lead to customer dissatisfaction and eventual loss of income to
management. Some people have become expert drinkers. They are so sensitive to their drinks
that they can tell every detail about the alcohol beverage involved: its name, taste, origin,
characteristics, and even age. They are called wine connoisseurs.

Alcoholic drinks belong to the profitable beverage industry. In fact, many countries are
economically dependent on the beverage industry. Their economies rise and fall with their
principal product like tea, cocoa, coffee, and fruits such as grapes and oranges. These sources of
beverages have been grown since early times. The term beverage is used to described almost
any liquid taken as a drink which relieves thirst, stimulates the appetite, complements the meal
enjoyment to eating. In social drinking, alcoholic drinks make people enjoy each other’s
company and this often leads to enduring relationships. Of course, addictive and excessive
drinking results in a social illness termed alcoholism.

The consumption of beverages containing alcohol (ethyl alcohol, C2H5OH) has been
practiced in all parts of the world for thousands of years. Humanity discovered even during the
early times that fermented juices of certain fruits, berries, and grains produce and extremely
pleasant effect. Among tribal peoples, alcoholic drinks increase the excitement of festivals and
other rituals. In most nations, the inclusion of beers and wines in the daily diet is believed to be
beneficial to health. However, this belief appears to contradict scientific findings. Accordingly,
small amounts of alcohol may relieve tension or fatigue and increase appetite. Moderate and
high doses consistently depress and reduce the sensitivity of the central nervous system,
including the brain, in proportion to the amount circulating in the body fluids. Physical reflexes
and muscular coordination may be noticeable disturbed. If further drinking continues, complete
loss of physical control follows, ending in stupor. Despite certain legal and health risks, people
still patronize bars and other drinking places.

Something to Do

1. Research on the history of alcoholic beverages and bartending.

2. List down he ancient uses of alcoholic beverages.

3. How are alcoholic beverages used nowadays? Explain your answer.