With nearly a decade of bartending experience under his belt, most of it spent in Ireland, Jordan Duncan is a talented bartender who has explored every facet of the bar industry. From working both front and back of house, to distilling spirits and taking on brand work, he's seen it all. Over the past two years, he's shifted his focus to bartender advocacy and education, collaborating with brands that invest in the people behind the bar. Affliated with The Bartender Collective, his passion is helping fellow bartenders grow, both personally and professionally. In an interview with the Bartender Spirits Awards, Duncan shares what led him to bartending and all that it has taught him.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

Why did you want to become a bartender?

Honestly, it started out as a fun job to do with my friend. We were both following in our fathers’ footsteps by becoming bartenders. But about a year into it, I had my first real taste of what bartending and hospitality could be. Watching the staff at MVP in Dublin having fun and making every person leave happier than when they walked in—there was just something about that atmosphere. It made me want to be like them one day.

What do you think are some of the most important skills for a bartender?

This might sound simple, but being genuinely hospitable is something a lot of bartenders overlook. Every job and venue requires different skills, sure, but if you can be nice and genuine to people while getting paid to do so, you can work anywhere. Most of bartending is a mix of common sense and experience. You can always learn the more niche skills depending on where you are, but being a good human is universal.

What’s the best part of your job?

Finding a place where I can make a difference in people’s day just by being myself. There’s nothing better than creating an environment where guests feel welcome and leave in a better mood.

Image Credits: Jordan Duncan

Can you share some tips for increasing beverage sales in a bar?

Absolutely! Teach your staff how to upsell the right way. There’s a psychology behind human behavior in a bar setting that influences how people spend. Big corporations have spent millions studying this stuff, and you can implement it in bars if you take the time to learn. I actually offer seminars on these topics for those who are interested—it’s fascinating to see how simple changes can lead to higher average spend.

As a bartender, what do you love hearing from customers?

It’s always a win when someone asks if I’m the owner! I carry myself like I’m hosting in my own home, so it’s nice when people notice that. And, of course, hearing money drop in the tip jar never gets old! But honestly, just hearing a genuine “thank you” or knowing someone had a good time makes my night better.

How can a customer get your attention in a crowded bar?

Easy—smile, be patient, and be polite. There’s always a line, and everyone thinks they’re next. The truth is, the bartender gets to decide. If you wave, click, shout, or act rude, you’ll be ignored. The ones who are nice and understand that they’re not the most important person in the room are always served first, and with a smile. Don’t make the bartender’s shift harder than it already is by being difficult!

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What’s your go-to "surprise me" order?

That depends! If you just walk up and say, “Surprise me,” without any conversation or context, you’ll probably get water or a shot of something not-so-nice. But if we’ve chatted and built some rapport, I might make you a cocktail I’ve been working on or pour you my favorite beer. It’s all about the connection!

Can you name three bars you admire and why?

Sure! In no particular order, Onda Cocktail Room in Lisbon. Their level of hospitality and the amount of work they put into cultivating the atmosphere is mind-blowing. Then there’s Quatro Teste, also in Lisbon. They’re unapologetically themselves and blend two different cultures in a way that’s just so authentic. And finally, The Pearl in Louisville. It’s such a fun neighborhood bar where you can walk in as a stranger and feel right at home, no matter where you’re from.

Header image sourced from Jordan Duncan.

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