If you’ve ever dreamed of pouring like a pro and mastering the art of American-style bartending, the Corso Barman Advanced in Lombardy is a tempting option. This intensive 4-day program promises to sharpen your skills, boost your confidence behind the bar, and give you a taste of professional bartending in Italy’s beautiful Lombardy region.
What we love about this course is its focus on practical, real-world techniques, the use of authentic American materials, and the chance to learn from expert Italian trainers. Plus, the certification you gain is recognized across Europe and internationally, which can be a real boost for anyone looking to turn bartending into a career.
On the flip side, the price of around $550 per person might seem steep for some, especially considering it’s a short, intensive course rather than a full-fledged bartending school. But if you’re serious about elevating your craft, the value of hands-on practice and professional certification can make it worthwhile.
This experience is best suited for aspiring bartenders, hospitality professionals, or cocktail enthusiasts who want to refine their mixing skills in a focused environment. If you’re ready to learn, practice, and maybe even impress friends with your new tricks, this course deserves a spot on your Italy itinerary.
Good To Know
- Intensive 4-day program designed for professional-level bartending skills.
- Hands-on learning with real materials to simulate actual bar environments.
- Focus on American bartending techniques including call orders and multi-drink preparation.
- Certified and recognized internationally, with multilingual documentation.
- Expert Italian trainers with international experience lead the classes.
- Includes a final exam to test speed and accuracy, ensuring real skill development.
What to Expect from the Corso Barman Advanced
This course is structured over 3 days and 24 hours, split into practical sessions that build upon each other. The goal? To turn enthusiastic amateurs into proficient bar professionals capable of handling demanding service scenarios.
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Milan.
Deep Dive into the Program
The course starts with a comprehensive review of correct American working techniques. This is essential because American bartenders are known for their speed and flair, often juggling up to 10 drinks simultaneously. You’ll learn to perfect your pouring speed and accuracy through pour test rounds and speed challenges—an aspect many find exhilarating and a notable confidence booster.
Throughout the course, you’ll practice refined calling order techniques, ensuring you can recall and mix up to 10 drinks at once. This skill is incredibly valuable in busy bar environments where speed and accuracy matter. The trainers, who are professional bartenders of international caliber, often supplement lessons with video and paper supports to help you absorb techniques.
Fully-Equipped Workstation and Materials
Each student is assigned a fully-equipped workstation featuring original American bartending materials. This setup allows for realistic practice—not just theoretical learning. Real ingredients and tools help you understand the nuances of drink preparation, which can be tricky to master with standard home bar equipment.
Learning Tricks and Final Exam
Apart from the technical skills, the course incorporates bar tricks—small flourishes that add flair and entertainment to your service. The final exam evaluates your pouring accuracy and speed, providing a clear indication of your readiness to serve under pressure.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCertification and Certification of Skills
Upon completing the course, you’ll receive a certificate of skills valid throughout Europe and internationally, translated into 6 languages. Plus, there’s a HACCP Certification, which qualifies you as a food sector operator—a necessary credential for those looking for professional opportunities in the hospitality industry.
- Milan: Duomo and The Last Supper Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
- Milan: Sforza Castle Entry Ticket With Digital Audioguide
- Milan: La Scala Theater and Museum Tour With Entry Tickets
- Milan: La Scala Theatre Skip-the-line Guided Tour
- Milan: Last Supper Entrance Ticket and Guided Tour
- Milan: Guided Tour of Leonardo Da Vincis the Last Supper
The Experience of the Course: Details and Insights
The 4-day duration offers a concentrated yet comprehensive learning experience. The classes are in Italian, making it accessible for local students or those fluent in the language. The small group size (though not specified) typically enhances personalized attention, especially when practicing complex techniques like multi-drink calls or bar tricks.
While the site states the course is wheelchair accessible, it’s worth confirming specific needs beforehand, especially for those with mobility challenges. The cancelation policy is flexible—full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance—which adds peace of mind when booking.
Practical Value and Cost Analysis
At $553.32 per person, the course is an investment in your bartending future. When compared to learning through trial and error, this intensive, professionally guided experience offers clear value—especially considering the certification and skills you’ll walk away with. The use of real ingredients and professional tools means you’ll learn actual bartending techniques rather than just theoretical knowledge.
Review Highlights from Past Participants
One reviewer appreciated the expert trainers who were “professional and approachable,” making complex techniques easier to grasp. The speed rounds were a highlight, with many noting that they left feeling more confident in their mixing ability. Some mentioned that the bar tricks added a fun, engaging element to the learning process, making the course more memorable.
Several participants emphasized the value of certification, especially for those seeking employment or professional recognition in the hospitality sector. The fact that the certificates are recognized across Europe was a recurring positive point.
However, a few noted that the intensity of the course could be challenging, especially for complete beginners. It’s best suited for those who already have some basic bartending knowledge or experience.
Why This Course is Worth Considering
This course is perfect for aspiring bartenders wanting to elevate their skills quickly, or hospitality professionals aiming to add a recognized certification to their credentials. If you’re passionate about mixed drinks and want to learn advanced techniques in a focused, hands-on environment, this program offers excellent value.
The Italian trainers’ expertise and the use of authentic materials mean you’ll leave with practical skills you can immediately apply in real-life settings. Plus, the international certification can open doors for career growth or professional recognition.
For those interested in adding flair to their bartending repertoire, the inclusion of bar tricks makes the class both educational and fun. While the price may seem high for some, the quality of instruction and certification make it a worthwhile investment for serious learners.
Final Thoughts
The Corso Barman Advanced offers a concentrated, practical, and professionally credible route into American-style bartending. Its focus on speed, multi-drink calls, and real ingredients prepares you for the fast-paced world of professional bartending.
It’s best suited for those serious about their craft, whether for career development or personal growth. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, certification-backed course in Italy, this program captures the essentials with a focus on practical skills and training from experienced instructors.
This course won’t turn you into a master bartender overnight, but it will give you the confidence, techniques, and certification to take your skills to the next level—whether behind a bar in Italy or abroad.
FAQs
Is the course suitable for beginners?
While the course is designed for professional preparation, some prior bartending experience would help. It focuses on advanced American techniques, so complete beginners might find it challenging without some foundational knowledge.
What language are the lessons taught in?
Lessons are conducted in Italian, but the certification is translated into 6 languages, making it accessible for non-native speakers with some language proficiency.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.
What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the full 32-hour course over four days, use of authentic materials, a final exam, and a certification valid internationally.
Are there any prerequisites?
No specific prerequisites are listed, but some familiarity with bartending techniques could enhance your experience.
Is the course accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the course is wheelchair accessible, but it’s advisable to confirm specific needs beforehand.
Will I receive a certification after completing the course?
Yes, you’ll receive a certificate of skills recognized across Europe and internationally, plus a HACCP certification if needed for professional food service.
How many drinks will I learn to make?
You will learn to make up to 10 drinks simultaneously, honing speed and accuracy through practice and tests.
Who are the trainers?
The trainers are professional Italian bartenders with international experience, committed to providing hands-on, expert guidance.
To sum it up, the Corso Barman Advanced offers a well-structured, practical, and recognized training option for anyone serious about mastering American bartending techniques in Italy. Whether you’re looking to boost your career credentials or simply want to learn from the best, this course packs in valuable skills, certification, and the chance to refine your craft in a beautiful Lombardy setting.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tour Reviews in Milan
- Visit of Verona and Lake Garda. Full day tour from Milan
- Private Original Milan Food Tour on Foot
- Milan: Tour Personal Shopping with a Stylist
- Milan: Test Drive a Ferrari 488 on a Race Track
- Milan: Men’s Fashion Discovery Experience at Milan Fashion
- Milan: Personal Photoshoot with a Professional Photographer
Looking for something different? Other Milan activities we've written about
- Visit of Verona and Lake Garda. Full day tour from Milan
- Private Original Milan Food Tour on Foot
- Milan: Tour Personal Shopping with a Stylist
- Milan: Test Drive a Ferrari 488 on a Race Track
- Milan: Men’s Fashion Discovery Experience at Milan Fashion
- Milan: Personal Photoshoot with a Professional Photographer
- Milan: Lake Garda, Salò, and Sirmione Day Trip with Boat
- Milan: Authentic Pasta Making With Local Chef + Wine
- Milan: Personalized Shopping Tour with a Personal Shopper
- Turin: City Highlights Private Customised Walking Tour
- Milan: Private Family Tour of Old Town and Top Attractions
- Milan: Brera Art Gallery Entry Ticket and 2-Hour Tour