Mixologist or Bartender?
© Shannon Graham
Over the last few years the term "mixologist" has been used more often than ever before in the history of bartending, but is a mixologist just a fancy, scientific-sounding name for a bartender? Technically, yes, but there is a generally accepted difference between the two job titles and the two are often used interchangeably. Still confused?
Mixologists practice mixology and bartenders tend bar. In the industry we tend to think of a mixologist as someone who studies and helps evolve the field of bartending, creating innovative cocktails the world has never seen and reveling and refining the techniques and drinks of the bartenders of old: a sort of cocktail historian and revolutionary rolled into one. Mixologists are known for making a name for themselves in cocktail literature and industry-wide consulting jobs. Whereas the name "bartender" conjures images of a people person who can whip out 20 well-made, popular drinks (often featuring their own creations) and 50 draws of beer before you know what happened, all while keeping a crowded bar happy, lively and tipping nicely.
Those stereo types are just that and there are many fine mixing professionals who could fall into both categories and many more who specialize in one or the other. Neither is better than the other, each has their own merits and the debate continues in the professional bartending community. In fact, many pros behind the stick are against the use of "mixology" all together and many of those are people others would mixologists.
What do you think? Is a mixologist simply an overrated title for a bartender or is there a legitimate distinction between the two?
Comments
I’m neither a bartender or a mixologist, just a regular guy whose concern, when ordering at a bar, is that the person behind the bar hears what I want and makes it properly.
When I ask for my usual Beefeater martini; up, dry, stirred with a twist, that’s what I expect to be set in front of me. Certain not what whomever makes it thinks is what I should have or what he/she is used to preparing.
That’s my rant and I’m sticking to it.
To me a bartender is one who dispensises mostly beer, wine and shots.
I agree with Dave ,where I work there are two kind of bartenders those that know only how to pour pints & g&t’s, whereas I make some damm fine cocktails that keep the guests coming back , so I suppose because I study and love my job I could be called a mixologist.
Finally a post that I can agree with. Though I never expected to make my living in booze I adore an article like this. Mixologists are not bartenders and someone who works behind a bar is not necessarily a bartender. From the bottom up far too many who work in bars are not interested in learning the trade and learn the least amount of drinks serving only their peers. True bartenders are those who have put effort to the craft and know drinks from sexy alligators to sidecars and kir royales, such is the level I have attained. Mixologists are that rare breed that have more specials than a monday night dive, in this school I am a mere student.
Well said Trev. I agree totally.
I think the term “Mixologist” was dreamed up by a bar tender who considered bartender a degrading term. He thought, I don’t just tend bar, I mix drinks and thus a new occupation was born.. A sort of exercise in self aggrandizement. It is similar to bulldozer operators being called operating engineers.
Unless and until some authoritative body, the state, a trade union or some such, sets standards and oversees the meeting of them, there can be no real difference between the two.
I agree. You are either a bartender, or a very good bartender.
A person who calls themself a ‘mixologist’ is merely attempting to glorify their profession by differentiating themself from a breed of very poor bartenders.
I think there’s a very important difference between the two. A bartender is a person who engages in the noble and storied profession of mixing and serving drinks. A mixologist, on the other hand, is a douchebag.
im a bartender and an aspiring flair bartender/ aspiring mixologist. i think there is a difference sort of. a bartender can simply tend the bar and know nothing about mixing drinks or really care about it for that matter. ive seen it alot and i end up with a bad drink. on the other hand a mixologist to me in a simple kind of way is a bartender who loves his or her job and is always trying to improve their skill. or it can be taken to the extent of a bartender who can create a drink in their head just by the flavors they want or want it to pair with.
@ Jon
So, a mixologist is a good bartender?
Allrighty,
I am no longer working behind the bar however I am still in the bar and booze business and must say I think there is a big difference between a bartender and a mixologist… similarly to how there’s a big difference between a chef and a cook…
The term Mixologist is a valid one and has been in use since before the first cocktail book was published in 1862. The first mention of it as far as I know was as far back as 1856 and it refers to bartenders who not only are good at entertaining their customers and who work the bar in a professional manner, but whom also have a knack with creating sublime and original concoctions…
If you don’t see the difference between the two, then I suppose you don’t see the difference between cask wine and a fine bordeaux or a big mac vs. a meal at El Bulli…
Just as in other professions, there are varying degrees of commitment, education, experience and invested interest in their chosen field. Most people understand that there is a difference between a Wine Steward and a Sommelier.
Elevating the definition well above your basic ‘drink slinger’, Bartenders, like Wine Stewards, have enough knowledge in their product to supply information, direction, and to execute the final product to the patron. Mixologists, like Sommeliers, have a higher level of education (often legitimate through accredited schools and programs) in the science behind the manufacturing and consumption of these products. They have a proven commitment to further the profession through advancement of innovation and technology.
As innovators, they are often called upon by the industry in the areas of New Product Development, Market Research, and Marketing. Many of the top professionals serve as authors or contributing editors for anything from cookbooks or lifestyle reference books to magazine articles. And many are brought on as consultants to new restaurant, entertainment, or hospitality ventures to translate an ethos or vibe consistent with the establishment’s overall message.
Of course, some will self-aggrandize and take the title of Mixologist to elevate their self-worth. But overall, if someone is considered a mixologist by their establishment, peers, and the surrounding community, a difference has been established.
I think people get too hung up on titles. For years, I had people trying to lable me a “bar chef”. Fine, whatever. I have also been called a mixologist too. The reality of the situation is that I am a bartender so long as I am behind the bar. I may employ the art of mixology in my work but, there is much more to what I do than that. There are “home enthusists” who can be mixologists but, the bartender is more than that. Not only must they know how to make a drink, they must also know how to give you the right drink. It is their job to find out what it is and provide it to you. If you need to attach a title to me to get the experience you want, do it. Just pay your tab.
Ok, I haven’t read all of the posts b/c I didn’t want to waste my time reading such crap. I have been working in cocktail and normal bars for 10 years. I run 4 top cocktail bars, but still consider myself a mixologist.
The differences between ‘bartender’ and mixologist’ are as big as the dif between a brain surgeon and a pediatrition. Mixology is very focused on science and innovation and matching tastes, textures, colours, temperatures, etc. Bartending is serving beer and spirit mixers. I know some fantastic bartenders but they are a long way from mixologists.
i agree with chris’s(14), second paragraph.
I am neither a bartender nor a mixologist. I run a liquor store. And I need to tell ya’ll that I have customers coming in all the time saying ” I just had this Fantastic drink at this bar called “whatever” and I have to look it up in my Bar-Guide so I can figure out the ingrediants for them to make it themselves at home. Most of the time they try and come back and say “it just didn’t taste the same!”
I just have to say to ya’ll–the job you do is fantastic-you and I know they can never make it at home the way you guys do. It’s what keeps YOU in business. And after they’ve bought all the liquor from me-they still can’t get it right themselves and keep going back to you. Thanks for all you do, you have a craft–keep it coming! BR
To Add on Chris’s Post, there is a very distinct difference.
Mixologist
1. If you’re a great bartender, you’ll hear “I used to bartend” or “I want to be a bartender” 10 TIMES A DAY!
2. A mixologist calls him/herself a mixologist because they have already learned all the classic & modern drinks and have moved on to who/how/when they were created.
3.A mixologist is employed at higher end establishments such as : Casino’s, Resorts, & All-suite Hotels. A mixologist also holds titles like “V.I.P. Bartender” and “Head Bartender” at these establishments.
Bartenders
1. Think they are a professional bartender.
2. Open beer at coyote ugly.
This is turning into a great conversation…thanks! Keep it up, it’s great to hear the different perspectives on such a “touchy” subject.
And they can serve a drink without lipstick from the last customer! That differnetiates a “Bartender” from a “mixolofist”
Since I first made a comment about the difference between a Bartender and a Mixologist I have read so me interesting comments , there was the guy saying that it is a gloryfied title , well maybe but a regular bartender does not as a rule go to the trouble of researching the products in his bar ,or research what products actually will blend with others ,and what fruits will blend together and taste good , the guy from the liquor store is right we guys that call ourselves Mixologist can make drinks that can not be replicated at home as we have a certain knack of making drinks and little quirks that people not in the know cannot replicate, I recentley made a guest a VESPER
MARTINI and the guest asked how I made it so light and well balached, it is with years of practice and experimentation which the average Bartender who serves beer and spirits & mixers most of his time behind a bar will never learn,that is why some of us are called Mixologists and others are good bartenders, I will never say that the average bartender does not do a good job but he tends not to be as passionate about what he does, bottom line is that the mixologist can make a damm good drink out of the most amazing ingredients and it will satisfy his clients, thats why they are called MIXOLOGISTS.
I would prefer the title bartender over mixologist. However mixology to me is someone who understands the science behind blending cocktails…perhaps a culinary background.but let’s be honest.I don’t care who makes my drink . Just put delicious booze in my glass and I’ll call you king for all I care.
I’m sorry but for the person who likened mixologists to master sommeliers, there is no certification process for mixologists. I know plenty of douchebags who call themselves mixologists. What about the waiters. There are those that work at Chilis (no offense intended) and those who hone their craft over decades learning the finer points of tableside service, expert wine service and recommendations and they are called ” waiter”. Not dining experience engineer. Of you really want to salute your craft, stick with bartender. Just go out and be a really good one!
i’ve been experimenting with drink recipies all my life, obviously virgin drinks when i was much younger, and I love being known as a bartender. but when i am compared to the guy pouring beer in the run down bar near the truck stop i usually clarify by calling myself a bartender while the other man is simply a “beer-tender”