I never thought that learning how to become a bartender would be such a benefit to me. I started tending bar at 23. I had worked in restaurants for years prior to that and the bartenders always seemed to have the best gig in the place. Relaxing and chatting with your patrons, have a drink or two, making money hand over fist. All the while, I was running my butt off trying to make about half what he or she would make in a night… and I had to tip out. After I started dating a bartender (whom I later married), I learned a few tricks and tips from him and pretty soon I was a master mixologist! Maybe that is why I married him… I don’t recall… his drinks are THAT good!! HA!