There are different types of professionals in all professions. For example, if we take the case of medicine. Everyone who studies this career will have to choose between several specializations. Cardiology, surgery or pediatrics. For example, as is the case with the law, lawyers can choose to be criminal lawyers or corporate lawyers. All this will depend on the tastes of those who are dedicated to these specific professions.
There are several differences, but itโs important to understand the core of this topic.
If you read this and you don’t know much about bartending, you may be wondering right now, does this also happen in the bartending profession? The answer is yes. Obviously, it may not happen as obviously as in the aforementioned cases. However, every bartender can opt for different types of learning and skill development. This will allow them to perform different types of bartending services. Two of these options are to be a bartender or on the other hand, to be a mixologist.
The essentials of bartending and mixology
Of course, there are also other options. In the case of bartending, these two are among the most popular. Which the vast majority of bartenders opt for at some point.
There are many people who confuse a mixologist with a bartender. However, the truth is that there are two different professions. This is not to say that a mixologist canโt bartend. In fact, a mixologist can be a damn good bartender. However, a bartender is not necessarily a trained mixologist. Instead a bartender crafts cocktails they learned, or already know. Worry not, we will explain more about the differences between both professions. Keep in mind that both professions require completely different talents.
What is a bartender?
A bartender is a person that studies the recipes for all the popular beverages. For example, commonly requested cocktails at the bar. Their skills in terms of having a great personality are also likely to be required along with bar tricks. A bartender is able to serve multiple cocktails in a short amount of time. Notably, they serve big crowds and are expected to take multiple orders while keeping the flow going. No one likes their beverage served late. They require knowledge of recipes, and how to serve them in a timely manner. In contrast, the mixologist is not someone who knows how to serve drinks with the right attitude. However, a bartender can extend his knowledge of liquors and liqueurs. With that in mind, they will be able to craft brand new cocktails on the spot.
Main characteristics and skills of a bartender:
Have you ever wondered what the perfect bartender must be like? Of course, saying that something or someone is perfect is not entirely correct. However, we could better change the word to the ideal bartender. There are some characteristics and skills that make a good bartender and some of these are:
A good bartender has to be sure of himself, because in some way. If he is not a confident person. It would undoubtedly make it much more difficult for him to relate to customers. Talk to them or even give them advice. Which is an essential part of the bartender’s job.
Flexibility is another important point. When we talk about flexibility, this relates to the fact that you are going to have a completely different life. Different from the vast majority of people almost everyone sleeps at night. The bartender will be working until the wee hours of the morning. Enduring strange hours and in addition many times, you will find yourself working most of the week.
Working under pressure
Knowing how to work under pressure is something fundamental for every bartender. From annoying, yelling, drunk, and even quarreling customers to bar fights. Anything can happen while the bartender is on his shift. This is why emotional control and being able to work under pressure are extremely important.
Many jobs require multitasking, but without a doubt, the job of a bartender is one of those that most demands that quality. Since the bartender will find himself doing countless things at the same time. From receiving orders from customers, cleaning the bar, and fixing the work area. Check if there are all the ingredients, among other things. The worst thing is that sometimes they all happen at the same time.
Money management. The Bartender will need to handle money since he will have to receive the money from the customers when they ask for something but he will also have to deliver the change to the customer as quickly as possible. This is where good memory is also important as you will have to memorize what the customer asked for and how much they paid. Having a basic knowledge of Mathematics is relevant.
What is a mixologist?
A mixologist is a person that is trained to experiment with flavors by implementing extremely accurate tools. Moreover, to create new mixes and ensure that existing drinks are improved in any area that may require changes. A mixologist is able to make delicious recipes based on the taste of individual ingredients. However, a mixologist may lack the talent for customer service and/or the talent that a bartender requires to serve cocktails. However, when a mixologist obtains the talent of a bartender, it is over for the rest of the bartenders. That is one dangerous duo because they will be able to craft upon request without trying to figure out what works with what. Be afraid, my fellow bartender because your competition is on another level.
Main characteristics and skills of a Mixologist:
- Although bartenders and mixologists share some things in common, the truth is that there are substantial differences between one and the other, in this case, the most important characteristics and skills that every mixologist has are mentioned:
- You must have extensive knowledge of the chemical compounds and qualities of each liquor as well as the burning waters and always take into account how much alcohol each drink or cocktail should have.
- Many mixologists are specialists in Flair Bartending, perhaps much more so than bartenders.
- If in a Restaurant, Bar, or lounge there is a mixologist attending the bar, without a doubt the place has already gained added value or a Plus, since it means that they have an expert working with them in creating unique drinks, thus attracting much more customers.
- In addition to having knowledge about blends, you must also have extensive knowledge about spices, legumes, professional cooking, and handling colors, textures, and flavors.
- You have to keep up to date and be up to date with the new ingredients and products that are emerging on the market.
- Another PLUS that a mixologist may have is being able to handle 2 or more languages โโsince this can open the doors to work in an international Bar or Restaurant that is visited by people from all over the world.
Questions and answers about bartending and mixology
Although there are several things in which they are similar, there are undoubtedly very clear differences, above all and the most fundamental is that the bartender has a wider variety of skills to develop in relation to contact with the client and must also take care of many details during His working hours, in the case of the mixologist, are more dedicated to playing with ingredients and mixes and creating new flavors and cocktails.
Both can be very lucrative, a bartender can have years of experience and work in different places which allows him to generate more money but a mixologist is highly sought after in restaurants and bars for his experience in mixology, which also allows for a substantial income.
Perhaps one of the most important characteristics of a bartender beyond preparing good cocktails and making delicious mixes and some juggling, it is extremely important that you manage the relationship with customers correctly and know how to maintain emotional control, be empathetic, know-how listen and communicate with them in the best possible way.
A mixologist is a wizard of mixing, he must know the ingredients, spirits, and all kinds of cocktails and drinks that can be made backward and forwards, and he must also be able to make his imagination run wild and create cocktails and drinks or add new ones. ingredients. to existing ones.
Final thoughts on bartending and mixology
At Party Shakers LA, we have trained mixologists and bartenders. This means that you are going to get the best of both worlds. A person with a charismatic personality who also happens to know science.ย The scientific accuracy of mixing all kinds of elements to create excellent blends.
If you want to have the ultimate bartending experience, you can hire us to make sure that this is going to be a perfect event for your needs!
Take a look at this blog that you might find interesting, or check out our YouTube channel for more info on bartending and mixology.
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