Free bar and service library

Learn the bar and the floor

197 classic cocktail recipes, 15 technique guides and 5 front-of-house guides, written by us for new bar and floor staff. Free to read and share, whether or not your venue uses Gaplessly.

Bar techniques

How to do it, what goes wrong, and every classic in the library that uses it.

How to shake a cocktail100 classicsHow to stir a cocktail65 classicsHow to build a drink in the glass22 classicsHow to dry shake for egg white cocktails14 classicsHow to muddle and press fruit and herbs12 classicsHow to fine strain (double strain) a cocktail82 classicsHow to layer and float in a cocktail8 classicsHow to swizzle and churn with crushed ice8 classicsHow to blend a frozen cocktail5 classicsHow to rim a glass and rinse with absinthe6 classicsIce and dilution: why water is an ingredient196 classicsMeasuring and balance: getting the spec right65 classicsCocktail glassware: which glass for which drink197 classicsCocktail garnishes: twists, wheels and herbs56 classicsHow to batch cocktails for a busy service57 classics

Classic cocktails

Measures in ml or oz, the method, the glass, the garnish and a flavour profile for each one.

All 197 cocktails
NegroniStirred · RocksMargaritaShaken · CoupeOld FashionedStirred · RocksEspresso MartiniShaken · CoupeDaiquiriShaken · CoupeMojitoChurned · HighballAperol SpritzBuilt · Wine glassWhiskey SourDry shaken · RocksDry MartiniStirred · MartiniPisco SourDry shaken · Coupe

Front of house

The same lessons new floor staff read in Gaplessly Academy, from the door to the bill, with the words to use.

How to greet guests in a restaurantGreet guests quickly, seat them well and read what kind of night they want.4 minute readHow to take an order at the tableRecommend with confidence, take an order without mistakes and upsell without pushing.4 minute readHow to handle a complaint from a guestHandle a complaint calmly, fix it properly and know when to bring in a manager.4 minute readHandling allergies and dietary needsAsk about allergies, pass them to the kitchen without gaps, and know what to do if a guest reacts.4 minute readServing alcohol responsiblySpot intoxication, refuse service calmly and firmly, and check ID so you never serve a minor.4 minute read

Gaplessly Academy

Run a bar? Your team can learn your own specs in Gaplessly.

Your recipes live on the Cocktails page of your dashboard, and Gaplessly Academy turns them into quick spec drills staff run between services, with matching drills on your own tables and menu. Short lessons on service, the floor, safety and bar technique sit alongside them.

Gaplessly for barsTry the live demo