Bols Cocktail Academy
The ideal place to kickstart your bartending career
Learn from our award-winning trainers
Online- and offline available courses
45
Years of Bartending Experience
20K+
Bartenders Trained
60+
Nationalities
Top Bartender Courses
Meet the bartender trainers
Ivar de Lange, Head Bartender
Ivar de Lange started bartending in 1996. In 2008 he decided to open his own cocktail bar. Both with the bar and as a bartender, Ivar has won many awards, competitions and accolades. He has been named Hollands’ Best Bartender by his colleagues. Ivar manages the Bols Global Education Program and is involved in the cocktail developments in all the markets.
Award winning Bartender
Tyron Francisca
Tyron Francisca is the senior trainer of the Bols Bartending Academy. Tyron started bartending in 2007, originally as a bartender and later as bar manager. He has participated in several flair and cocktail competitions. He loves to share his passion for cocktails and bartending and as senior trainer dedicated to take the hospitality industry to a higher level.
Sam de Meijer
Sam de Meijer, a bartender with a passion for mixology, hails from Limburg and has embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of hospitality. Starting as a dishwasher, Sam discovered his talent for creating tantalizing flavor combinations. Motivated by a thirst for knowledge, he transitioned to the art of bartending, honing his skills and becoming a master in crafting exceptional cocktails. Known for his creative flair and expertise in blending ingredients, Sam has gained a reputation for designing personalized drink menus that captivate the senses and provide unforgettable experiences. Beyond his professional endeavors, Sam finds inspiration in history, culture, and travel, constantly fueling his creative spirit. Eager to share his knowledge and passion, he aspires to inspire the next generation of talented bartenders. With his dedication, expertise, and innovative approach, Sam de Meijer continues to strive for excellence, surprising patrons with new taste sensations and creating memorable moments in the world of bartending.
Kimli Bottalico
Kimli grew up in Paris, where she shared her time between her Political Science & Humanities dual degree, hospitality and NGO missions. After an exchange in Amsterdam, she decided to leave wine and croissants behind to pursue her career here. While finishing her master thesis on Food security, she was introduced to the House of Bols and tried her luck behind the bar. She discovered the world of mixology and fell in love with the art of cocktail making. She decide to follow this passion and she is our newest junior trainer at the Bols Cocktail Academy.
4.8/5.0 — 300+ reviews
Bols Partner
Bartender Schools
Polish your bartender skills anytime and anywhere
Fast, no-code building
Fast, no-code building
Fast, no-code building
DISCOVER
14-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Stay up to date
Leave your email address here to get all the latest updates and news about bartending and cocktails
By clicking 'Sign Up', you agree to our policy
Bols Cocktail Academy FAQ
The best way to become a skilled bartender is to gain hands-on experience in a good bar while applying the knowledge and techniques you’ve learned during your training. Practical experience and consistency are key to building confidence and mastering the craft. Our courses at the Bols Cocktail Academy provide a solid foundation, but growth comes with time, effort, and dedication.
While a certificate isn’t always required to become a bartender, it can help you to get started in the industry and to demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Employers tempt to favor applicants that have a bartending certificate. At the Bols Cocktail Academy, we emphasize practical learning because we believe experience is the ultimate teacher. Our courses are designed to give you the knowledge, hands-on training, and confidence to kickstart your career as a bartender and are officially certified by the SVH (https://www.svh.nl/).
Aperol Spritz, Moscow Mule, Gin & Tonic, Tequila Sunrise... Cocktails are undeniably tempting when you’re surrounded by them. However, as an educational program, we prioritize responsible drinking and professionalism when conducting tastings and working with alcoholic products. While some establishments may allow drinking, most professional bartenders focus on creating excellent drinks rather than consuming them.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Yes, our Bits are safe for sensitive teeth. We use Nano-hydroxyapatite in our Fluoride-Free formula, a mineral that's been proven to strengthen and remineralize enamel and help fight sensitivity.
Read the nHAP Study here and read more information about it here.
We also recommend talking to your dentist about Nano-hydroxyapatite or when making any changes to your oral care routine.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer nec odio. Praesent libero. Sed cursus ante dapibus diam. Sed nisi. Nulla quis sem at nibh elementum imperdiet.
As a key ingredient in tropical classics like the Blue Hawaiian, Blue Curaçao not only delivers a burst of citrus flavor but also creates an unforgettable visual appeal. The Blue Hawaiian combines Blue Curaçao with rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream, evoking the laid-back, sunny vibes of island getaways. It’s also the perfect addition to poolside parties, summer gatherings, or anytime you want to add a splash of paradise to your drinks.
Whether you're crafting a show-stopping Blue Hawaiian or experimenting with innovative cocktail recipes, Bols Blue Curaçao is the ultimate choice for elevating your drinks with bold flavor and unforgettable style.
Bartender salaries vary depending on the country, location, and type of establishment. Factors influencing your job opportunities and income include:
- Bar vacancies and hiring needs.
- Your application, interview performance, and relevant experience.
- Local regulations (e.g., minimum age, work permits, and certifications like Sociaal Hygiëne in the Netherlands).
- Your personality, professionalism, and adaptability.
At the Bols Cocktail Academy, we prepare you with the knowledge and skills required to excel as a bartender. While we can’t guarantee a job or salary, our training gives you a competitive edge in the industry. If you remain committed and continue to improve, you’ll find yourself well on the way to your dream bartending role.
Yes, our Bits are safe for sensitive teeth. We use Nano-hydroxyapatite in our Fluoride-Free formula, a mineral that's been proven to strengthen and remineralize enamel and help fight sensitivity.
Read the nHAP Study here and read more information about it here.
We also recommend talking to your dentist about Nano-hydroxyapatite or when making any changes to your oral care routine.
Mixology is the art and science of crafting cocktails. It involves combining ingredients with precision, mastering techniques, and focusing on presentation to create balanced and memorable drinks.
Booking a course at the Bols Cocktail Academy is simple! Visit our website, browse our available courses, and choose the one that fits your schedule and goals. Once you’ve selected a course, follow the prompts to register and complete your payment. If you’re unsure which course to choose, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to help guide you based on your experience and aspirations.
If you find difficulties when booking, please email: training@lucasbols.com
Our courses are designed to accommodate all skill levels. No prior experience or qualifications are needed to join most of our courses. Beginners can start with foundational classes to learn bartending essentials, while experienced professionals can dive into advanced techniques and mixology. Each course provides hands-on training to ensure every participant gains valuable experience. Just bring your enthusiasm, and we’ll do the rest!
Absolutely! Alumni of the Bols Cocktail Academy gain access to our Community, an exclusive network of bartenders and industry professionals. You’ll also be invited to participate in workshops, masterclasses, and events to continue to improve your skills and stay connected with the bartending world.
Join our Community here: https://bols.com/pages/bols-community
Bols Community
BOLS COMMUNITYCocktail Blogs
Our Cocktail Blogs offer a wealth of recipes, bartending tips, and insights into liqueur crafting, perfect for both novice and seasoned mixologists looking to elevate their cocktail-making skills.