If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping behind the bar with confidence, mixing cocktails like a pro, or turning bartending into a rewarding career, then you’ll want to meet Arithmetic Bartending Academyin Beachwood, Ohio. Founded by owner and instructor Valerie Cross, the academy is helping aspiring bartenders master the craft through hands-on training, expert instruction, and real-world techniques that prepare students for success. As a former corporate trainer turned entrepreneur, Valerie has combined her passion for teaching with her love of mixology to create a welcoming learning environment where beginners and experienced bartenders alike can sharpen their skills. In this exclusive interview, Valerie shares her inspiring journey, the biggest myths about bartending, the cocktails every student should know, and why confidence is one of the most important ingredients behind the bar.
What inspired you to trade in the bar stool for the classroom and start your own bartender school? Was there a moment when you realized teaching was your next chapter?
Teaching has always been a part of who I am. Before entering the hospitality industry, I spent nearly 15 years working for a mortgage company, where I trained new employees and led a team of 15 in the Repurchase and Refinance Loan Department. My job was to ensure loan files were accurate and compliant before banks finalized purchases. While I enjoyed mentoring others, I always told myself I wouldn’t retire behind a desk I just didn’t know what my next chapter would be.
When company bonuses were cut, I knew I needed another source of income. I began picking up banquet serving shifts through temporary staffing apps, but I quickly noticed the bartenders seemed to be having more fun and making more money. That sparked my curiosity. I started teaching myself everything I could about bartending by reading books, watching instructional videos, and gaining hands-on experience through bartending jobs.
As I entered the industry, I realized there was a major gap in professional training. Many bartenders had learned on the job but lacked the fundamentals. Basic cocktail measurements were inconsistent, garnishes were often incorrect, and many didn’t fully understand the ingredients they were using. Even bar managers and owners sometimes lacked formal bartending knowledge. That’s when I knew I could make a difference. I opened my bartender school to give students the proper foundation, teaching not just how to mix drinks but why every ingredient, garnish, and technique matters. Something as simple as knowing the difference between soda water and tonic water or understanding why a Vodka Soda or Gin & Tonic should always be served with fresh lime can completely elevate a guest’s experience.
What’s the first cocktail every student should master? Is there a drink that separates the amateurs from the pros?
Every aspiring bartender should begin by mastering the classics. I teach my students to confidently prepare essential cocktails including the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Sex on the Beach, Margarita, Tequila Sunrise, Mojito, Whiskey Sour, Cosmopolitan, and Long Island Iced Tea. These drinks serve as the foundation for countless variations they’ll encounter behind the bar.
What truly separates an amateur from a professional, however, isn’t just memorizing recipes. It’s understanding drink knowledge, proper measurements, presentation, and customer service. A professional bartender should confidently recommend cocktails based on a guest’s preferences without hesitation. Every drink should not only taste balanced but also look beautiful, encouraging customers to order another round and recommend your service to others.
What’s the funniest or most memorable mistake you’ve ever seen a student make behind the bar?
Mistakes are part of learning, and they often make for the best memories. One common error I see even among bartenders with years of experience is accidentally grabbing vodka instead of tequila when making a Tequila Sunrise.
One of my favorite classroom moments happened when I had five school teachers enrolled in a bartending class. After successfully making Lemon Drop Martinis, everyone was so excited that they started laughing, celebrating, and sipping their cocktails like they were at a party. I finally had to say, “Students, let’s settle down!” Then we all burst into laughter because I sounded exactly like they did with their own classrooms. It became one of those unforgettable moments where learning and fun came together perfectly.
If you could create a signature cocktail inspired by your personality, what would it be called?
I’d call it Paradise because it perfectly reflects my personality bright, fun, welcoming, and refreshing.
The recipe includes:
- 2 oz. Vodka
- 3 oz. Orange Juice
- 2 oz. Pineapple Juice
- 1 oz. Sprite
- 1 oz. Grenadine
It’s a vibrant tropical cocktail garnished with an orange slice and cherry that’s as cheerful and inviting as I hope my students find my classes.
For someone dreaming of becoming a bartender, what’s one thing they should know before stepping behind the bar? What’s the biggest myth about bartending?
Confidence is everything. It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous when you’re first behind the bar, but your guests should never see it. Customers want to feel confident that their bartender knows exactly what they’re doing. Whether it’s a girls’ night out, a birthday celebration, or a special event, great drinks combined with great service can make an evening unforgettable.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you can simply start as a barback and naturally become a bartender. In reality, many barbacks spend years assisting without ever receiving the proper opportunity or training to bartend. Another myth is that fruity cocktails aren’t important because “people don’t really order them.” That’s simply not true. Most bars proudly feature signature cocktails and colorful mixed drinks on their menus because guests absolutely enjoy them. A great bartender should never dismiss a customer’s request simply because they haven’t learned the recipe. Professional bartending is about preparation, hospitality, and continually expanding your knowledge so every guest leaves impressed.
The post Meet Valerie Cross: The Woman Pouring Success at Arithmetic Bartending Academy appeared first on Talking With Tami.
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