New York Academy of Bartending, Farmingdale

When teaching a new class of prospective pourers, the instructors at the New York Academy of Bartending aren't content to simply go over recipes and techniques. The classroom is itself styled like a bar, complete with rows upon rows of liquor bottles, cash registers, and a jukebox. Bathed in the glow of a neon Yuengling sign, students experience what it's like to be behind the bar as they learn drink recipes, garnish preparation, and how to dispense sage advice to hard-luck customers. These sessions prepare students for their first trial, where they get to try out their new skills on real customers at a local establishment. Following graduation, newly minted bartenders can make use of the academy's job-placement services.