Online bartending school vs. hands on bartending classes?

I am looking to get my certification in bartending to get a night job in Missouri to pay for school.



I have been checking out a few online courses just to get it done quicker and cheaper, but I wanted to know if employers care where you got your certificate, or whether or not you have one at all.



Does anyone have any sites they would recommend taking a look at, and does anyone know if it's more advantageous just to take regular hands on classes?



Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!Online bartending school vs. hands on bartending classes?
You don't need any formal training to get a job as a bartender. 85% of the drinks you pour will be the same drinks. OJT is your best bet. Why waste time, just get a job now.Online bartending school vs. hands on bartending classes?
It depends what kind of place you want to work. Many bars you only have to know how to mix and serve, so online would be fine. Some you have to kind of put on a show with the bottles while you mix and serve, like throwing them and all kinds of stuff like that, so you'd probably have to actually go.Online bartending school vs. hands on bartending classes?
Alot depends on the cost of the class, my guess is a "hands on" class would cost more but might be helpful than an online class. Admittedly, you could learn many things on the job, but it might be harder to get a job w/o some knowledge, too.



If you do go the online route you may be able to find out most of what they will teach you for free with just a little research and alot of reading. Either way I'd recommend the following:



- memorize the types of alcohol and their differences (vodka, gin, types of scotch, etc.), memorizing a few brand names of each couldn't hurt



- memorize the ingredients for at least 20 - 30 standard drinks and 10 standard shots (screwdriver, vodka martini, margarita etc.), write them down, use flash cards/whatever, but memorize them



- learn the different ways those standard drinks are made or served (e.g. margaritas can be on the rocks, with or without salt and/or frozen)



- learn the names of the pieces of bar equipment and how they are properly used (buying a bar set and practicing at home would be very helpful)



- learn the standard garnishes that go on various drinks, whats a flag? whats the garnish for a dirty martini? a mimosa? a bloody mary? (i say standard garnish because some bars choose different garnishes depending on taste/mood)



A bar may not be as interested in your formal training as your ability demostrate familiarity with alcohol, drinks and types of drinks and bar equipment.



Also, some of this will depend on the type of place you apply. A high-end night club may require more knowledge of martinis or specialty cocktails than say a local bar or restaurant.. always find out something about the place you would apply and tailor your thoughts and skills for the interview to meet their needs (where possible). A good example would be if applying to a local bar find and you know most of their customers order beer, learning about the different kinds of beer could be more helpful than learning martinis.