A mixologist is a bartender with advanced knowledge of alcoholic beverages who creates new drink combinations. Mixology originated in America after World War II and has grown with the rise of tiki bar culture and liquor availability. Mixologists create signature drinks for bars and restaurants and participate in competitions. The Food Network has featured mixologists on several shows. To be a mixologist at home, experiment with new ingredients and flavor combinations.
A mixologist is a bartender who specializes in creating new drink combinations. While they have many of the same duties as a regular bartender, a mixologist is highly knowledgeable about the composition of alcoholic beverages and may also have advanced skills or bartending skills. These virtuosic cocktails have become commonplace in the 21st century, and many competitions involving drink invention and flair contests allow them to pit their skills against each other.
Mixology is the science of creating cocktails. While standard, plain mixed drinks have been around for decades, true mixology can be traced back to the end of World War II, particularly in America. The rise of tiki bar culture and the flood of liquor available after the end of American Prohibition has resulted in an ever-growing list of mixed drinks. Fierce fighting ensued to some drink credit, such as the Mai Tai battle between competing tiki bars Trader Vic’s and Don the Beachcomber.
As the amount of bars around the world increased and variations on the standard liquor became available, bars began featuring signature drinks to attract customers. Also, as tipping became more common, bartenders would develop extreme talent or tricks with bartending equipment in hopes of getting more money. The combination of drink creation and stylish bartending ultimately led to the term mixologist.
Mixologists are often tasked with creating drinks for weddings, special events, or restaurant openings. Sometimes, a mixologist will be hired to develop a drink menu for a bar or restaurant, taking into account the desired atmosphere of the establishment. If the drinks are good enough, a mixologist can bring in higher reviews and a larger clientele. Alcohol producers often sponsor contests to create drinks from their newest products, with prizes and fame for the winner.
Recently, the Food Network has been featuring mixologists on several popular shows. An Iron Chef battle with celebrity chef Mario Batali included a pair of mixologists creating appropriate drinks for each course of food. The network also featured a special on the World Bartending Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. On an episode of Throwdown with BobFlay, the celebrity chef challenged master mixologist Tobin Ellis to a cocktail battle. Ellis also created a signature drink for the Food Network.
To be a mixologist at home, try taking your favorite drink and mixing it with some new ingredients. If you’re a fan of the amazing mint-lime mojito, try switching up the ingredients and using basil instead of mint, or splash on some pineapple juice. If you are well versed in flavor combinations, try to come up with a completely new drink and come up with a special name. Once you get the hang of it, you can create drinks for special parties, anniversaries or birthdays. Beginners may want to rule out bartending tricks like bottle throwing, unless they plan to use plastic bottles and don’t mind repeatedly cleaning the floor, kitchen, and possibly their clothes.
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