How to Become a Barista
They are the people behind the counter at Starbucks or Seattle’s Best, making sure you get your latte just the way you like it. You might think they’re just there to make you coffee, but there’s actually more to being a barista than meets the eye. If you’re interested in this kind of career, here are some tips to remember.
What You’ll Need:
Barista training
Coffee shop
Coffee-making equipment
Good communication skills
Energy
Know The Art Of Coffee
You can’t be a barista without knowing anything about coffee first. Before you even go through the training course, try to learn first about the history, methods of roasting coffee, coffee cupping, tasting and specialty drinks preparation. What’s the difference between a cappuccino and a cafe latte? How strong should an espresso be? Knowing these things beforehand can prepare you as you move on to the training.
As a barista, you’ll be making coffee and other specialty drinks through a variety of methods, and with different equipment (Learn how to make coffee). Read about this equipment too, and find out how they work and how to properly use it.
Undergo Barista Training
baristaThe good news is there are many materials, schools and classes today that support individuals who dream of being baristas. Your best bet is to apply at a local coffee house. Show them your coffee knowledge, and if they see you’ve got potential, they will hire you as a student barista. They’ll offer you professional training, and even send you to coffee conventions and classes.
If the coffee shops in your community aren’t hiring at present, you can just take up barista classes. Surf the Internet and check if there’s a school nearby that offers a barista course. If you finish this, you’ll be certified.
Barista training can take a few months or even a few years, depending on the traffic and size of the coffee shop. You’ll be tested according to how well you make each order, and your flavor, foam and texture consistency. You’ll be observed on how you use different kinds of coffee shop equipment.
Work At Coffee House
After you’ve gone through proper training, it’s now time to use your skills in the actual coffee shop. Here are a few tips to remember:
Listen promptly. It’s easier to remember a drink when you repeat the order in your mind according to how the customer said it. If necessary, write the drink down on the cup, or on a piece of paper with codes or letters.
Use cheatsheets. Look at them every now and then, or when needed. Don’t rely on them too much though, or you’ll never get the hang of it.
Learn where everything is located. Find out where the cups, coffee ingredients, syrups and espresso machine are.
Wear comfy clothes and shoes. You’ll be standing and moving around the counter all day, and if you’re wearing an uncomfortable outfit, you’ll easily get tired. Don’t forget to wear an apron.
Always match the drinks with the right temperature. Hot drinks should have hot items, while blended ones must have cold ingredients.
Smile!
A good barista interacts well with costumers, assuring they get delicious coffee and prompt service. If people like the barista, the greater the chance that they’ll visit the coffee shop again. Always maintain a pleasant and friendly disposition while working. Smile, greet them politely and enthusiastically, listening well to their orders. Make sure you get their names right. If you didn’t hear well, ask again.
Don’t panic if you get orders wrong. You can always make another drink. Just apologize for the mix-up, then prepare another cup.
If you love preparing, serving and drinking coffee, then being a barista is a great career choice. Just follow these tips, and you’ll soon find yourself working happily in a coffee shop.