How to use BaReader

Everything you need to get started and make the most of BaReader behind the bar.

Getting Started

BaReader is a hands-free cocktail recipe reader built for professional bartenders. After downloading from the App Store, you'll be greeted with a short three-step onboarding.

First Launch

On first launch, BaReader will request microphone and speech recognition permissions. These are required for voice matching. You can grant them from the onboarding screen or later in Settings → Privacy → Microphone.

Speech recognition is processed on-device when possible and is never stored or shared. See our Privacy Policy for details.

The Three Screens

  • Recipe List — Browse, search, and select cocktails from your library.
  • Teleprompter — The active recipe view. Displays one ingredient or step at a time.
  • Settings — Adjust font size, theme, language, units, and recognition sensitivity.

Voice Recognition

BaReader's core feature is automatic cocktail detection via your device microphone. When the listening indicator is active (green pulsing dot), BaReader is monitoring for cocktail names.

How to Trigger a Recipe

Simply say the cocktail name clearly near the device. BaReader matches against your full recipe library — including custom recipes.

Sensitivity Modes

Adjust how quickly BaReader reacts via the sensitivity control in the teleprompter toolbar:

  • FAST — Matches immediately. Best for quiet environments.
  • BAL — Balanced. Recommended for most bars.
  • SLOW — Waits for a clear, complete phrase. Best for noisy environments.

Muting the Microphone

Tap the microphone icon in the toolbar to pause listening. The indicator turns gray. Tap again to resume.

Teleprompter View

When a recipe is loaded, the teleprompter view shows one ingredient or step at a time in large, readable text.

Navigating Steps

  • Tap the screen — advance to the next item.
  • Swipe left — move forward.
  • Swipe right — go back.
  • Tap the list below — jump directly to any ingredient or step.

Reading the Interface

  • The glass icon indicates the serving glass (coupe, rocks, highball…).
  • The technique icon shows whether to shake or stir.
  • The progress bar shows how far through the recipe you are.
  • Ingredient hints appear in orange when a variation or substitution is available.

Managing Recipes

Adding a Custom Recipe

Tap the + button in the recipe list. Fill in the name, glass type, preparation method, ingredients, and steps. Custom recipe creation requires a Pro subscription.

Editing Recipes

Tap the edit (pencil) icon next to any recipe. Use Settings → Reset Recipes to restore built-in recipes to factory defaults.

Settings

Setting Options
LanguageEnglish, Spanish
Unitsoz, ml
Font SizeSmall, Medium, Large
ThemeDark (default), Light
Recognition SensitivityFast, Balanced, Slow
Reset RecipesRestores built-in library

Quick Access

Pin up to 3 recipes for instant access from the top of the recipe list. Long-press any recipe and select Add to Quick Access, or tap the star icon while in the teleprompter. Requires Pro.

Siri Shortcuts

BaReader supports Apple App Intents. To create a shortcut:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap + and search for BaReader.
  3. Select Open Recipe, choose a cocktail, and assign a Siri phrase.

Units & Measurements

BaReader uses the industry standard of 1 oz = 30 ml. Toggle units in Settings or directly in the teleprompter toolbar — the change is applied instantly to all ingredient quantities.

Subscription

Pro unlocks the full library (100+ cocktails), custom recipe creation, Quick Access pinning, and priority support. Available monthly ($3.99), yearly ($20.99), or as a one-time lifetime purchase ($99.99).

Restoring a Purchase

Tap Restore Purchases on the paywall screen. Ensure you're signed in with the same Apple ID used for the original purchase.

Troubleshooting

Microphone not working

Go to iOS Settings → BaReader → Microphone and ensure it's enabled. Toggle off and on, then restart the app.

Recipe not being recognized

Switch sensitivity to SLOW in noisy environments. Speak clearly and at a normal pace, 30–60 cm from the device.

App crashes or freezes

Force quit and reopen. If it persists, delete and reinstall — your subscription is tied to your Apple ID and can be restored. For ongoing issues, contact support.

Still having trouble? Open a support ticket — we typically respond within 24 hours.