Some people enjoy beer, and some people prefer cocktails. But others consider themselves mixed drink connoisseurs, artists that use liquid spirits rather than liquid paint.
Mixology goes a step above simple cocktail making – mixology is the in-depth study of inventing, preparing, and serving extraordinary mixed drinks that are more complicated than a standard Old Fashioned. Mixology is tough, but with the right mix of dedication, practice, and education, you too can bear the title “mixologist.”
“All in all, a mixologist is a bartender who specializes in the creation and execution of cocktails. Bartenders represent all aspects of our craft. Bartenders engage guests, clean glasses, sweep the floor, make cocktails, etc.
What Does a Mixologist Do?
A mixologist is someone who studies the history of cocktails, holds a deep appreciation for their craft, and regularly designs fresh and exciting recipes.
While mixologists may spend some time behind the bar serving drinks to patrons, their main responsibility takes place behind the scenes experimenting with recipes to come up with the perfect blend of ingredients or adapting classic recipes with a modern flair.
The art of mixology has been around for centuries, and it’s something that takes time and practice to perfect.
What Resources Are Required to Become a Mixologist?
Becoming a mixologist may sound straightforward, but there are real sacrifices involved. Though no formal education is required to become one, you will need your bartender license and, ideally, one or more cocktail certifications.
Most states require you to have a bartender’s license from a reputable source to serve alcohol, so that comes first. Many aspiring bartenders go to bartending school to earn their licenses. These bartending schools or online courses must be approved by the state Department of Revenue or another authorized body. While in-person bartending schools typically charge between $250 – $500, online courses can cost anywhere from $100 and $150. Most bartending courses (whether online or offline) will conduct an assessment at the completion of the course.
You can find a list of bartending schools here.
Second, a reputable mixology certification can also provide an advantage in your job search. This demonstrates that youve acquired knowledge of relevant ingredients and the hospitality industry and cocktails as a whole.
So You Want To Be A Bartender
FAQ
What is a professional bartender?
What is a fancy name for a bartender?
What is fancy bartending called?
What is a pro of being a bartender?
How do you know if a bartender is a pro?
A good bartender can fix you a proper cocktail, of course, but there’s more to the job than making drinks. Bar professionals are also champion multitaskers, managing personalities, operations, and more while being hospitable to everyone at the bar. We asked 10 bartenders across the country how they tell if the person making their drink is a pro.
What does a bartender do?
A bartender (also known as a barkeep or barmaid or a mixologist) is a person who formulates and serves alcoholic or soft drink beverages behind the bar, usually in a licensed establishment as well as in restaurants and nightclubs, but also occasionally at private parties. Bartenders also usually maintain the supplies and inventory for the bar.
What types of bars do bartenders work in?
Bartenders in the United States may work in a large variety of bars. These include hotel bars, restaurant bars, sports bars, gay bars, piano bars, and dive bars. Also growing in popularity is the portable bar, which can be moved to different venues and special events.
What does it mean to be a good bartender?
It also means being courteous and aware of all of the surroundings both behind the bar and in front of the bar. Little things, like whether the bartender keeps their head down or scans the bar top, whether they greet everyone who’s new to the bar, as well as the way they handle their own peers are all telling.