Ready for a new career?
When it comes to career training, we set the bar high. In this guide, you’ll learn all about our epic courses that allow you to learn invaluable skills, build confidence, earn a high-end job, and if you want – travel the world! And it all comes at a weekly course price you won’t find anywhere else! See what’s in store…
How does the course work?
Our four-week International Bartender Course is broken down into four core modules: Bar Practice, Masterclasses, Flair and Free Pour. The goal is to impart six months of experience in just four weeks. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills and the confidence to walk behind any bar and look like you’ve been doing it for years.
1. Bar Practice
Build your bar skills, get familiar with equipment & learn 65+ cocktail recipes
2. Masterclasses
Deepen your product knowledge & discover sophisticated flavor combos
3. Flair
Master complex tricks designed to impress & entertain customers
4. Free Pour
Add finesse to your free pour for speed, style and efficiency behind the bar
5. Test & certificate
Get your EBS certificate and become a qualified bartender
Bar Practice
Like any skill, practice makes perfect. You’ll be behind our purpose-built bar stations every day, crafting up to 100 cocktails in a real bar environment. During your four weeks at EBS, you’ll make as many cocktails as a regular bartender does in six months. By the end, you’ll feel at home behind any bar.
Masterclasses
To be a world-class bartender, practical skills alone aren’t enough. You need in-depth knowledge of what goes into every glass, from beers and wines to staple spirits and mixers. In this module, you’ll gain expert-level product knowledge and learn about the history of bartending.
Flair
You don’t need flair to make a great cocktail. But for your customers, impressive tricks can be the cherry on top of the Manhattan cocktail, and for you—big tips on the receipt! Designed by multi-award winning Flair World Champion Tom Dyer, this world-class program teaches you how to entertain using bottles, bar equipment and a steady hand.
Free pour
Ever wondered how some bartenders can free pour eight drinks in two minutes and make it look easy? Well, we’ll let you in on the little-known secret reserved only for the pros. On this module, we’ll show you how to pour efficiently with precision, speed and confidence – without using a jigger.
World-class training. Designed by the best in the business.
The International Bartender Course is the world’s most developed bartender program. The comprehensive course was meticulously designed by internationally renowned bartending experts to train students fast and effectively and is continuously updated to stay at the forefront of current bar practices.
Proud ambassador of our US schools is none other than Charlotte Voisey, revered member of our Board of Education. Charlotte has collected countless titles over the years and is currently Global Head of Ambassadors at William Grants & Sons USA. One of the brands Charlotte represents in this role is Hendrick’s Gin, and so, as a specialist in this area, there was simply no one better to structure our course curriculum dedicated to this versatile spirit.
Charlotte Voisey
Gin specialist & Global Head of Ambassadors @ William Grant & Sons USA
Giacomo Giannotti
Owner of the 2022 'Best Bar in the World' where he serves up signature experimental cocktails.
Ian Burrel
Global Rum Ambassador, Guinness World Record holder, and award-winning drinks industry influencer
Gavin Wrigley
Head of Education at EBS, with 10 years’ experience managing bars across the world.
Tom Dyer
Winner of 50+ flair competitions, 2x Flair World Champion & founder of the World Flair Association.
Björn Kjellberg
World-renowned tequila master and 2x winner of the ‘Best Bar In Sweden’.
Ludovic Ducrocq
Globally recognised whiskey expert with almost 20 years’ experience in the industry
Meet your instructors
We’re one of the few bartending schools in the world that trains their trainers. Each one attends our rigorous Instructor Academy, which gives them the tools they need to become outstanding instructors. So when you take our courses, you can be sure you're receiving comprehensive, industry-approved training – every time.
Each instructor’s journey was different, but they all have one thing in common – a drive to pass on their passion and expertise to our students.
Purpose-built schools
Each school is complete with industry-standard equipment, top-tier facilities, and custom-built spaces. And while every school is unique, you can expect the same high standard in each one.
Build your skills in the practice areas. Craft (and taste) cocktails at the live bars. Master your tricks in the flair areas. And study in the masterclass areas. What’s more, all schools have a designated chill area where you can relax and socialize with your classmates.
Take a look at some of our spaces…
Practice area
EBS Barcelona
Live bar
EBS New York
Flair area
EBS Sydney
Free pour area
EBS Phuket
Masterclass area
EBS Cape Town
Chill area
EBS London
Choose Your Destination
From small islands to big cities, we have the location for you.
Schools
Amsterdam
Europe’s most diverse and fascinating city that is fuelled by canals and cocktails 24/7.
Bad Gastein
Austria’s premier ski and spa town hosts this super exclusive course right before the ski season.
Barcelona
The beach city that has it all; famous sights, epic nightlife, shopping, and stunning scenery.
Berlin
Home to unbeatable nights out, remarkable history, and a unique urban culture.
Brussels
A gastronomic gold mine where you can savour Belgian beer, stuff your face with waffles, and rave to techno.
Cape Town
A city of once-in-a-lifetime experiences; explore wildlife reserves, catch the best waves, and see unparalleled beauty.
Copenhagen
Take your bartender course in English or Danish, have the experience of a lifetime, and start working straight away!
Kos
The stunning Greek island that offers you white sandy beaches, activities, and exceptional nightlife.
Lisbon
A charming seaside city with stunning landscapes, plenty of historical landmarks, and comforting cuisine.
London
One of the world’s most iconic, international, and individual cities where bartending is king.
Madrid
Spain’s cosmopolitan-cocktail city with world-famous museums and a buzzing nightlife scene.
Mallorca
Explore the beautiful city of Palma, relax on secluded beaches, and experience Magaluf nightlife
Milan
Check out the fashion capital of the world, awe-inspiring buildings, and eat mouth-watering food.
New York
Experience The City That Never Sleeps, snap the famous sights, and drink outstanding cocktails.
Paris
Take in the wonders of the city, taste the best wine and cheese, and fall in love with the cocktail culture.
Phuket
Thailand’s largest island is one of the world’s best party hotspots and a traveller’s dream location.
Rome
Italy’s capital offers culture unlike any other, fantastic food, and amazing architecture.
Stockholm
Island hop around the capital of modern design or have a drink on a floating bar.
Sydney
Explore this buzzing international city, relax on sun-drenched beaches, and experience nature at its best.
Vienna
The Austrian capital is a majestic city renowned for its beautiful palaces, thriving culture and opulent coffee houses.
86% of students arrive alone, 100% leave with friends
98% of students would recommend the course to a friend
80% practice + 20% masterclasses
Accommodation? We’ve got you covered
When it’s time to pick your home away from home, you’ll have plenty to choose from. To get the full EBS experience, you can live with your classmates in one of our specially selected villas, apartments or hostels.
Check out our accommodation options…
Student apartments
EBS New York
EBS campus
EBS Amsterdam
Hostel
EBS London
Youth hostel
EBS Stockholm
Student village
EBS Phuket
Want to know more? Just get in contact! We’ll get back to you within 1 working day.
Contact us
What you'll get with the International Bartender Course
- A four-week experience in one of our 25+ destinations across the globe
- Six hours of school per day, Monday through Friday
- Specially trained EBS Academy instructors
- Weekly masterclasses with industry experts
- Bartending manual designed by world-leading bartenders
- Informative pre-course video pack
- Globally recognized certificate of completion
- Free lifelong access to our exclusive job platform, EBS MatchStaff
- The option to stay at our EBS accommodation
- All at an unmatched weekly course price!
Find work easily with the EBS job platform
Once you graduate, you’ll get free, lifelong access to EBS MatchStaff. With this, you’ll be first in line for the best jobs in the industry. This exclusive online platform connects you with top bars, restaurants and clubs all over the world, putting hundreds of exciting job opportunities at your fingertips.
One less thing to worry about
We know life can be unpredictable. That’s why we give you the option to add an extra layer of security to your booking with our three handy add-ons.
Flexible booking
Cancellation insurance
Educational guarantee
Can you see yourself on our International Bartender Course?
Discover MoreAfter class, let good times roll!
After your training, we organize tons of exciting activities where you can get to know your classmates and explore your chosen city—or see a new side of home! Each school arranges their own unique events, but you can expect activities like distillery visits, brewery tours, bar crawls, day trips – and everything in between.
What our students say...
Life after EBS
Our graduates go on to do great things. After Sarah took our International Bartender Course back in 2008, her life changed completely. An EBS certificate took her from her sleepy Swedish hometown to buzzing Amsterdam, where she now works as a Brand Ambassador for Patrón Tequila. Read her story here.
More success stories...
Fabio Ciccarelli
Bartender at Shelbourne Hotel
Gautier Tanguy
Bartender at Le Boreal
Monika Malina
Bar Manager at The Lobby
Tiziano Migliore
Bartender at Club Med
Tim Lefevre
Bartender at Door 72
Ways to pay
Pay with Mastercard, Maestro or Visa through Novalnet
Option to pay by bank transfer
Flexible payment available
Where could our International Bartender Course take you? Only one way to find out...
Visit Course PageYou've probably got some questions...
Absolutely. Most of our students travel to EBS on their own. The course is crammed with opportunities to socialise, from group activities at school to after-hours events. You might arrive alone, but you're guaranteed to leave EBS with a network of friends for life.
Nope, we can take care of it. You can stay at any of our carefully chosen accommodation options while you’re here. Depending on where you study, we offer tons of places to choose from – think villas, apartments and lively hostels. Most of our students stay with us to get the full EBS experience. Plus, it's the best way to socialise and make friends during the course.
Check out the school pages to find out more about destination-specific accommodation.
No, transport to and from your chosen destination is not included in the course price. You have to book these separately, but if you need any advice, we'd be happy to help you find the cheapest and easiest routes. So if you need anything, just get in touch.
Yes – you can book the course now and pay later.
Use our flexible payment option to pay for your course in three installments. The first one is only 20% of the course price, and the second and third payments are 40% each.
Any questions? Just give us a call.
Social activities are a big part of the whole EBS experience, and most schools organise lots of exciting activities. You could tour a distillery, go scuba diving, go to a theme park, or visit world-famous attractions. All the activities are optional as they’re outside the course hours, but we encourage you to take part in as many as you can.
Yes. Every day, you’ll be tested on the six cocktail recipes you learnt in class the day before. This will help prep you for the final exams at the end of the course – there’ll be a practical free pour exam, a flair routine, a cocktail recipe test and a practical bar exam. To pass the course, you have to score 75% overall. Once you pass, you’ll receive the globally recognised and widely respected EBS certificate.
Our other courses
Whether you're an absolute beginner, aspiring barista or looking to take your bartending skills to the next level, we have a course to suit you.
No experience behind the bar? No problem. If you want to fast-track your way into the world of bartending, this one's for you. With this course, you’ll receive one week of practical bar training from experienced instructors. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge needed for an entry-level position behind the bar, where you can work your way up.
This two-day course is designed for those who want to develop their existing bartender skills. It’s great as an add-on to our International Bartender Course, or as a standalone course. In just two days, you’ll receive intensive training in a real bar environment. You’ll also learn about the history of bartending, work with a range of products, pick up complex techniques and recipes and begin to develop your own style behind the bar. By the end of the course, you’ll be armed with impressive skills and extensive knowledge that will wow prospective employers.
If you already have some bartending experience and want to take your skills to the next level, The Advanced Bartending Course is for you. This globally-recognised programme includes 10 days of intensive training with expert instructors, who will help take your skills from good to outstanding.
This course is ideal if you've taken our International Bartender Course and want to give your flair skills a boost. You must have some flair knowledge to do this course - a bartender with no experience will struggle. The course consists of four exciting flair rounds. The first two rounds, free pour and speed, will challenge your precision and pace. Rounds three and four, working and exhibition flair, are designed to make your tricks even more impressive.
Shorter than the Advanced Course, the Working Flair Course is an intensive two days designed to build your skills quickly. You’ll learn around 10 impressive pours, and each one will give you that extra bit of style and showmanship behind the bar. While the tricks look flashy, they’re easy to pick up, so you can get behind the bar and show off your skills straight away.
Interested in getting into the coffee industry? Our five-day Barista Course is an intensive programme that will arm you with all the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you need. By the end of the course, you’ll know your way around coffee-making equipment, you’ll have sound industry knowledge and of course, you’ll be making killer coffees. This course was created by some of the coffee industry’s most influential figures.
Whether you’re an aspiring barista or coffee connoisseur, this one-day course is a great introduction to the industry. You’ll be trained in essential barista techniques and methods through practical training. By the end of the day, you’ll be making all kinds of espresso-based coffees with barista-level skill and flair.
Top up your bartending knowledge and reinforce what you learn behind the bar with these in-depth videos from industry experts. Specialise in the area of your choice - the essentials of bartending, advanced techniques, cocktail design, tiki cocktails, craft flair - or improve all round with the all-access pack. Watch whenever and wherever you want with lifetime digital access.
A hands-on exploration of agave fields and multiple Tequila and Mezcal distilleries over the course of ten jam-packed days. Take the road trip of a lifetime across Mexico, enjoy authentic gastronomic experiences, and maybe even get a taste of vibrant national festivals.
Who we work with
Our market-leading reputation attracts some of the industry's biggest brands. Household names consistently choose us to represent their products, from Bacardi and Grant’s to Martini and Patrón.
Meet some of our partners...
