Nestled amid charming coastal towns, historic cities, and vibrant college campuses, the state of Connecticut whispers possibilities to aspiring bartenders, cocktail connoisseurs, and seasoned mixologists seeking to elevate their careers or ignite a sizzling side hustle.
Dive into the finest bartending schools Connecticut has to offer below. 🙂
The 5 Best Bartending Schools in Connecticut
Connecticut School of Bartending
Since 1992, CT School of Bartending has trained over 10,000 students, working throughout the industry in casinos, bars, restaurants, clubs, and caterers.
Available in the following cities:
Norwich
Mixing with Ronnie
Mixing is a one-day bartending course & boot camp. Ronnie teaches the basics needed to start working and earning money immediately.
Available in the following cities:
Hartford
Bartenders Academy
Bartenders Academy (backed by PBSA) boasts 25 years of experience in training students and helping graduates find bartending jobs throughout the Tri-State area.
Available in the following cities:
Fairfield
Elm City Social
Elm City Social isn’t just a local bar and kitchen. This establishment offers a variety of cocktail classes ranging from pre-prohibition cocktails to tequila/ margarita and whiskey.
Available in the following cities:
New Haven
CT State Community College
This professional Bartending course includes the state and national SMART certification (Servers and Managers Alcohol Responsibility Training) recognized by the Connecticut Department of Liquor Control and police departments.
Available in the following cities:
Norwalk
Bartending in Connecticut: License? Not Required. Training? Highly Recommended.
Forget the confusion about licenses – in Connecticut, you don’t need one to serve or sell alcohol. But that doesn’t mean training isn’t crucial.
Here’s the scoop: Training isn’t mandatory, but it matters: While the state doesn’t force it, many bars and restaurants require training for their staff. Why? Because if they face trouble with alcohol laws, authorities may consider employee training when deciding penalties. So, having that certificate can be your golden ticket when job hunting.
When training is mandatory: The law can require training in specific situations. If a bar loses its liquor license for reasons like bad finances or serving minors, the owner and staff might need to get certified before reopening. This doesn’t apply to most, but it’s good to know.
Minimum age to serve: Gotta be 18 to sling drinks in Connecticut, no exceptions.
Remember: Responsible alcohol training (different from bartending schools that focus more on mixology and skills) is your friend, even if it’s not legally mandatory. It shows you’re responsible and serious about your craft, giving you an edge in the job market and potentially protecting your future employer.
Bonus tip: Check out Serving Alcohol’s certification program – highly recommended by yours truly!
