Bartender (bär' ten dur) n. One who mixes and serves alcoholic drinks at a bar, lounge, or tavern. Also called barkeeper, barkeep, barmaid, barman, tavern keeper, whiskey slinger, mixologist, and tapster. Bartending basics start with the lingo. It's also essential to recognize the glassware. The next things a bartender needs are the proper tools to make the cocktail: ice, alcohol, mixers, and the crowning touch, the garnish.