DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A MIXOLOGIST AND A BARTENDER
Most times, customers on the other side of the bar do not know the difference between a bartender or a mixologist. To them, everyone is a bartender, and all that they care about is getting their drinks served to them perfectly so they can enjoy their outing. However, these two job positions are different in their own ways. You are probably thinking about how many terms you have to learn just by being in the bartending business. But these terms are important; especially knowing the difference between a mixologist and bartender so you can identify which career path you should take. So, let’s get right to it. What’s the difference between a bartender and mixologist?
You might have a job as a bartender and based on the work that you do in the bar; it may suggest that you are a mixologist instead. Thus, basically, if you only serve drinks and keep customers engaged in conversations, you are a bartender. But if you are skilled at creating an excellent combination of flavors and mixing cocktails, then you are a mixologist.
Does Mixology Get In the way of Bartending?
A lot of people believe that mixology somewhat undermines the job title of a bartender because a mixologist appears to be more skilled and plays a more advanced role behind the bar which goes beyond just serving drinks. However, the existence of mixologists does not mean that the bartending role will go extinct. You could be an experienced bartender and still be able to take on positions that a mixologist will be suited for. You can see mixology as an extension to bartending, but regardless of whatever anybody thinks, a bar needs both a mixologist and a bartender. For someone looking to perfect the art of bartending, acquiring mixology skills betters your chances in the industry.
Are there any similarities between the two?
As much as these two job roles are different, it is easy to confuse them to be the same thing. While they are truly different, there are some aspects of both jobs that are exactly similar. Being either a mixologist or a bartender requires you to have excellent customer service skills. The goal of both positions is to keep the guests satisfied by fulfilling their orders. You will be providing them excellent service and make sure they feel comfortable in the environment so they can come back some other time because they know that there is a capable hand at the bar to attend to them.
So, regardless of whether you are a mixologist or a bartender or if you are training to become one; none is more tiring than the other. The two jobs require you to be on your feet, and you may not get the time to take a break, and no matter how tired you get, the quality of your drink must remain the same. Thus, you might want to ensure that you have the appropriate footwear that will keep you comfortable throughout your shift.
What is the job of a Mixologist?
There are some noticeable differences between a mixologist and a bartender, and this is the point where you will have to decide which one you would like to be. A mixologist is responsible for creating and designing cocktails according to the season and align the drinks with the style of the pub or bar.
It is important to factor the season into the state of things as a winter-drink will not go down well during summer and you do not want to create drinks that do not fit the tone of the establishment.
What is the job of a Bartender?
If you are people oriented and have a good grip of the guests at the establishment that you work at, working as a bartender could be your forte. As a bartender, you have to be able to focus on the guests and their needs and interacting with them. You are the one responsible for keeping the guests in and making them feel like they should come back. You keep them entertained, make sure they never run out of drinks and engage them in conversations.
Sometimes guests walk into bars looking for someone to talk to, a companion or a shoulder to cry on during troubled times or someone they can tell their stories to while they drink. You are the go-to person for these kinds of guests. Despite all of this, you are still expected to provide the best drinks for the guests and often, you will use the mixologist’s recipes.
If you can, or you intend to make drinks, then becoming a bartender is a much better option for you and you should stick to that. If you are more inclined towards crafting excellent cocktails, then you are a mixologist.
Are there much differences?
Being either a mixologist or bartender revolves around satisfying customers. The argument on the side of being a mixologist, however, is that there is a greater emphasis on creating drinks. A mixologist may also be able to work as a bartender except that he/she has a passion for creating the best flavor mixes and combinations. The only catch here is that a mixologist may not have the necessary human interaction skills that a bartender should possess while a professional bartender can learn how to create cocktails and go on to perform excellently as a mixologist.
If you are planning to become a bartender, you should know that you shave to know how to e hospitable, caring and attentive. You have to be a friend to the guests and ensure that all of their needs are met so they can have a positive experience.
The fact is, a bar needs a bartender more than a mixologist and a bartender can also double as a mixologist if they have the necessary skills. A bar needs its customers to have fun in a great environment and come back some other time, and only a bartender can make that happen.