10 things you (maybe) don't know about bartenders

A bartender is not just “someone who makes drinks.” They are psychologists, artists, chemists, and often entertainers too. Behind the bar lies a world of technique, creativity, and incredible stories: the work of a bartender, often observed with curiosity by customers, becomes almost a show as they mix ingredients to create the desired cocktail. February 24 marks World Bartender Day, a profession with roots in Greek and Roman civilizations. Here are 10 interesting facts that will make you see this profession in a different light.

1. Bartenders before Christ. The profession of bartender originated between 700 and 500 BC: at that time, wine and craft beer were the main beverages served. In ancient times, those who served drinks were not just dispensers of beverages, but played a significant role in society.

2. The turning point in the saloon. The turning point came in the 19th century in the United States. With westward expansion and the emergence of saloons, the bartender became a central figure in social life.

3. The first bartender in history. It was Jerry Thomas, considered the “father of bartending.” In 1862, he published the book How to Mix Drinks or The Bon Vivant's Companion, the first official cocktail manual. It was during this period that many classic cocktails, still famous today, were created, such as the Martini and the Old Fashioned.

4. When did speakeasies first appear? A crucial moment in the history of bartending was Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933), during which the sale of alcohol was banned. Many bartenders emigrated to Europe, especially London and Paris, spreading cocktail culture internationally. Others worked clandestinely in speakeasies, secret bars that helped create the romantic myth of the bartender.

5. The training schools. After 1933, bartender schools emerged to respond to the growing demand for qualified professionals.

6. The official international association. In 1951, the International Bartender Association was founded in Torquay, UK, to promote beverage culture.

7. A penguin instead of a shaker: The first shakers used by bartenders were shaped like a penguin.

8. Tom Cruise and the success of mixology. In the ’80s, bartending experienced a moment of great visibility thanks to pop culture. The film Cocktail, starring Tom Cruise, helps popularize flair bartending (the art of throwing bottles and shakers during service). The figure of the bartender becomes spectacular, dynamic, almost like a performer.

9. The biggest cocktail in the world. It is a Negroni and was made by Wynn Resorts (Macau) SA at the Wynn Palace in Macau, reaching 793.985 litres of cocktails on 18 September 2025.

10.  There is a world ranking of the best bars. Every year, the prestigious list The World's 50 Best Bars is published, which recognizes the best cocktail bars on the planet. Getting into the charts can completely change a bartender's career.

Behind every great bartender is a careful selection of high-quality raw materials and distillates. This is where we come in.

At Proposta Spirits, we work every day to bring labels to the premises that enhance the creativity of the counter professionals, supporting them in the creation of distinctive and memorable cocktails.

Because talent is key, but it's the right ingredients that turn a drink into an authentic, valuable experience.

Discover the ingredients we have selected for you, browse our catalogue!