What is a mixologist?

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Mixology is defined as the science of creating cocktails. A Mixologist is the person creating the cocktails.

Merriam-Webster's dictionary dates mixology to 1948 and defines it as: "the art or skill of preparing mixed drinks"

But there is more to it than simply mixing drinks.

 

Is a Bartender a Mixologist?

In theory the terms are interchangeable, however in practice a Mixologist tends to be more knowledgeable than a bartender. Mixologists tend to have a greater 'feeling' or affinity for creating, not just making cocktails.

Although Mixologists have many of the same duties as a regular bartender, mixologists tend to seek drink knowledge, the composition of alcoholic drinks and what works and what doesn't. They love to experiment - not just make a drink from a cocktail recipe book.

 

What's the difference between a Mixologist and a Flair Mixologist?

Mixing drinks has been around for decades if not centuries, however true Mixology began at the end of the second world war and specifically in America.

With the end of prohibition America got the bug for alcoholic drinks they had been denied for a long time.

The general populous began to go-out more to bars, restaurants and the latest craze - cocktail bars.

As cocktail bars proliferated, many bars developed their own signature drinks to attract customers.

America suddenly had freedom and money. Tipping became widespread , bartenders developed flair or extreme tricks with the bartending equipment they had - bottles, glasses in the hopes of getting more customers watching them and ultimately more money.

The combination of drink creation and flair bartending eventually led to the term mixologist. Bartendering had been elevated to a new level.