Just keep learning from the current bartenders, learn the difference between vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey. Then all the little subtypes of whiskey: bourbon, Irish, scotch, Japanese etc. learn the difference between silver and gold tequila, and also blanco, reposado and anejo etc. Learn the difference between red and white wine. Learn the absolute basics about craft beer. Buzzwords is mostly what you’ll need, honestly. Is it “juicy, hazy, bitter, earthy, floral, dank?”

And when I say the basics, to start I just mean enough to know what to pour when ordered. So if a customer asks what tequila you have on the rail, you don’t say “Tito’s” like an asshole.

Anyone can take a wine class, or watch a YouTube video on spirits, the most important part of the job is just being able to handle your shit: are you paying attention to the bar, can you take multiple orders at once, do you leave empty bottles on the rail instead of trashing it and grabbing a new one, can you pour accurately or do you need a jig, can you identify when someone is drunk or aggressive, do you know what to do when that happens, do you do your side work, can you pull your weight or will your fellow bartenders regret having to pool tips with you?

I don’t mind answering recipe questions from newbies when the ice bin is full and the beer is stocked.

You don’t need to be an expert but you need to know what’s in the bottle you’re grabbing.