While most mortals trapped in Hell think only of flight or submission, true connoisseurs of mixology see an unprecedented career opportunity. In Ending 5: The Master of Pandemonium (Under New Management), you neither flee back to Earth nor surrender as Femme Soule's pet. Instead, you out-mix, out-think, and out-drink everyone in the underworld, earning the respect of the ancient Ashen Bartender and inheriting Pandemonium itself.

This guide provides the complete step-by-step walkthrough to find all four hidden bartender logs, craft the mythical Forbidden Elixir, and seize the crimson vest.

Prerequisites: Finding the 4 Bartender Logbooks

To initiate the Bartender succession storyline, you must locate four journal fragments penned by the tavern's original mortal founder:

[Logbook 1: The Foundation] -> Cellar storeroom, wedged behind bottom wine rack.
[Logbook 2: The Acoustic]   -> Lounge Jukebox, inside the coin mechanism panel.
[Logbook 3: The Plumbing]   -> Restroom, strapped to the copper pipes beneath the sink.
[Logbook 4: The Ledger]     -> Main bar, tucked under the false bottom of cash register.
  1. Log 1 (Cellar): Unlocked during Intermission 1 after opening the padlock (1996). Read notes on balancing demon ethanol.
  2. Log 2 (Jukebox): During Intermission 2, use the brass key found on the bartender's stool to open the jukebox maintenance hatch.
  3. Log 3 (Restroom): Crouch (Ctrl key) in the restroom to inspect the drain plumbing.
  4. Log 4 (Cash Register): While the Ashen Bartender is wiping glasses during Intermission 3, click the register drawer to retrieve the final entry.

Review room locations in Pandemonium Bar Secrets.

Crafting The Forbidden Elixir

With all four logbooks in your inventory, interact with the brass shaker behind the bar counter. A golden prompt will announce: "Secret Formula Deciphered: The Forbidden Elixir".

Ingredients Required:

  • 1x Ashen Rye (85% ABV): From the high-shelf spirits rack.
  • 1x Blood Wine (45% ABV): From the counter supply.
  • 1x Holy Water Contraband: From your cellar loot.
  • 1x Shaker Dust: Automatically scraped from the antique brass shaker.

Complete the shaking rhythm with a Perfect 100% score to brew the shimmering, color-shifting elixir.

Detailed mixology mechanics in Secret Cocktail Recipes and Mixology.

Presenting the Drink to the Ashen Bartender

Before sitting down for Round 3, speak to the Ashen Bartender directly:

  1. Select the new dialogue choice: "I made something you haven't tasted in three centuries."
  2. Place the Forbidden Elixir on his bar mat.
  3. The skeleton raises the glass to his empty eye sockets, downing it in one swift motion.
  4. A faint golden flame ignites within his ribcage. He chuckles warmly:

    "Superb... the exact balance of mortal defiance and divine grace. The bar is yours, kid. Finish this duel, and take the shaker."

The Duel Requirement: The Master's Pour

In Round 3, you must finish the duel with absolute style:

  • Do not let Femme Soule win through cheap trick spam.
  • When the final two glasses remain, drink the second-to-last glass yourself to prove your tolerance.
  • Offer the final high-proof glass to Femme Soule with a professional bow.
  • She drinks it, gasps in admiration, and collapses onto the counter in blissful defeat.

See boss tactics in the Femme Soule Boss Guide.

The Coronation Cutscene: Under New Management

As Femme Soule slumps over, the Ashen Bartender unties his tailored crimson vest and lays it across the bar counter alongside the antique silver shaker. He tips his bowler hat:

"My shift ended two hundred years ago. Keep the beer cold and don't let the hellhounds chew the stools."

His bones dissolve into sparkling white dust. Your character picks up the vest, slips it on, rolls up their sleeves, and grabs the shaker. Femme Soule stirs awake, resting her chin on her hands with starry eyes: "Well, well, bartender... what's on the house tonight?"

Unlocks the "Under New Management" Steam achievement and the bonus Bartender Mode! Full details in Steam Achievements Guide.

Pro Tip: Bartender Mode Fast Cash

In the newly unlocked Bartender Mode, serving patrons their requested cocktails within 5 seconds grants multiplier tips that translate directly into Skull Coins for your main campaign save!

Continue exploring Pandemonium's lore: