Well, to understand what a mixologist is, one should probably understand the difference between the good old-fashioned bar-tender and the modern-day mixologist. Both hospitality jobs require the skills to serve drinks. But Mixologists have taken things a step further by infusing their own flavours, mixes and ideas to create masterpiece drinks. In the words of esteemed bartender Jim Meehan of the New York bar PDT (Please Don’t Tell) “A mixologist serves drinks, a bartender serves people.” – In other words, many bartenders are great at dealing with people / offering a great service, but they are not necessarily that great at creating really fantastic drinks. Conversely, some of the best mixologists can’t carry a conversation which isn’t ideal for the service industry.

According to About.com, Mixology is generally accepted to be a refined, higher study of mixing cocktails. Mixologists spend more time focusing on the art and craft of actually mixing cocktails, reviewing old classics, inventing new and exotic drinks, experimenting with lesser known spirits and mixers, and basically turning old classics into new concoctions that add that little ‘extra’ to the price. Bar patrons are familiar with classic techniques – like shaking and stirring- but may not know that mixing, straining and muddling can each give a different flavour to the alcohol.

Competitions like Jamie Oliver’s Search for a Cocktail Star with Bacardi are raising the profile of mixology amongst younger generations as well as in the hotel industry at large. Social media has also been helpful in promoting and glamorising the industry – YouTube clips of flaming martini’s, Facebook photo’s and fantastic blog shares have all exposed Mixology as a very fun way of making a living in a fun-filled hospitality environment.

So the question really is: do you have what it takes to be a master mixologist? Well, that’s up to you, but if you need a little inspiration, this might just do the trick – enjoy!