Mixologist guides - why train as a bartender?
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Mixologist Secrets – How to Become a Bartending Pro

Would you love to become a mixologist and master the secrets of bartending? There are some incredible mixology courses out there, including those held at The Spirit Lab, where we train everyone from complete beginners to those with years of experience. But what is a mixologist and why should you train professionally? Here’s some expert insight.

What Is a Mixologist?

Have you ever been to one bar where the drinks are so-so, yet visited another where the cocktails had the wow factor? Mixology is the art of making cocktails, with expert methods and ingredients used throughout the preparation to create delicious tasting drinks. A mixologist has these skills, having gained an in-depth understanding of the craft. They’re not just someone who throws a few cocktails together. Advanced techniques can even cover aspects such as the chemistry of drinks and spirits, ice manipulation and more. If you’ve visited a bar where there are skilled, qualified individuals working behind it, you’ll notice the difference. That’s why bar consultancy experts often advise businesses to ensure their staff have been trained at bartending school.

Why Train in Mixology?

Completing professional mixology classes with a respected course provider will give you official certifications you can place on your CV. It helps those who want to get a foot in the industry door, as well as established bartenders looking for their next career move. The techniques you learn can even push you on to secure a role in five-star venues, not only in the UK but abroad too. It’s a great way to give yourself more opportunities, expand your skillset and do what you love.

Luckily, courses can range from just three days to a week, giving you the confidence to practice your new skills as soon as possible. At The Spirit Lab, we limit our class sizes to no more than eight people, giving you the one on one support required to help you feel comfortable to thrive. If you’re considering several bartender schools, ensure they cover everything you need to achieve the outcomes you want.

Join Our Bartenders School

At The Spirit Lab, we offer a bartenders school like no other, operating a real, operating bar in which you’ll learn all the tricks and secrets to becoming the best mixologist you can be. We cover everything from expert mixing and pouring techniques to ways of developing your self-confidence when working at speed behind the bar. We have earned several accreditations and awards, including Bartending School of the Year 2019 at the LUX Life Global Hospitality Awards.

Our classes are the perfect choice for anyone searching for the best schools for bartending. We have courses ideal for beginners and junior bartenders, as well as more advanced options for those with at least five years of experience working in a cocktail bar. From there, the world’s your oyster, with our certifications recognised in over 60 countries globally.

Want to become a mixologist?

Discover our international and advanced courses and book your place now.

Professional Mixology Training

COCKTAIL BARS, HIGH END RESTAURANTS & 5* HOTELS

Professional Mixology Training

COCKTAIL BARS, HIGH END RESTAURANTS & 5* HOTELS

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Internationally Accreditated
Professional
Qualification

WSET logo

WSET

The world’s leading provider of Wine and Spirit education and it’s the crucial qualification for professionals in the wine & spirit trade as well as for non-professional connoisseurs.

The Drinks Trust logo

The Drinks Trust

The Drinks Trust is the charity dedicated to the drinks and hospitality workforce. It strives to empower people in our industry through services designed to assist financially, restore well-being and develop skills, and to do so with compassion and respect.

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IAMI

It is primarily an association of colleges & other organisations involved in providing education and training for personnel involved in the Merchant Navy & Super Yacht. It acts as an accreditation body and formally recognises the competency standards required.

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Guest Program

It is the only Internationally Accredited Maritime Hospitality & Service Training Program for the Interior Superyacht Crew.

Welcome to the Spirit Lab

Our Courses

Beginners Course

Hand of mixologist presenting an elegant cocktail - spiritlablondon mixology training

Beginner | Level 1

5 days intensive – £799

Looking to master the secrets of cocktail making and build up confidence behind the bar? This program is aimed at Beginners or Junior Barmen. The course also appeals to anyone who is interested in developing their knowledge of Mixology and wants to acquire new skills.

Advanced Course

Creating a cocktail - The Spirit Lab

Advanced | Level 2

4 days intensive – £999

Do you wish to take your Mixology knowledge to an advanced level? This course is aimed at both Experienced Bartenders and previous students who have successfully completed our International mixology course.

Coming soon

Creating a cocktail - The Spirit Lab

New Course

New Course

We are in the process of extending our curriculum and will have a new course available soon.

The Marylebone course and training facility - spiritlablondon mixology training
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Hand of mixologist presenting an elegant cocktail - spiritlablondon mixology training
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Google Reviews

Google
reviews

Zac JacobsZac Jacobs
14:07 14 Oct 24
So good. Big up Manny!
Macarena JimenezMacarena Jimenez
15:21 05 Oct 24
Very professional and fun training.
Finn CarterFinn Carter
15:21 22 Sep 24
Brilliant course, well run and very informative. Way better than I expected.
Varun rVarun r
20:18 21 Sep 24
Chris McDonnellChris McDonnell
05:58 16 Sep 24
Really enjoyable course. Perfectly structured, so you are always learning but having fun at the same time.Thanks Emanuele! Great location too. I’d 100% recommend.
Rachna RaoRachna Rao
15:31 29 Aug 24
This mixology course is very well structured and sheds a lot of light on the techniques that go into making cocktails at a professional bar environment. It is the perfect combination of seriousness and fun at the same time! I learned a lot and would highly recommend to anyone wanting to join this field of work or even open their own bar!Manny is a great teacher, always giving that extra bit of effort and taking time to answer questions thoroughly. He’s also fun spirited and had amazing energy!
Akiah TromansAkiah Tromans
14:08 15 Aug 24
Best mixology/bartending course you can possibly take in 5 days. Manny is passionate and treats the craft like an artform. If you apply yourself, you will learn lots. Highly recommend to any aspiring bartenders!
Sulaxan GaneshanathanSulaxan Ganeshanathan
14:00 12 May 24
I chose the 1 week intense course and I must say Manny was such a great instructor. He was very patient and tailors the course according to each persons requirement. He was super friendly and helpful with each of our queries. I would highly definitely recommend this course with Manny.
JulyAnh NguyenJulyAnh Nguyen
17:27 13 Apr 24
If you are someone like me who has a passion for making cocktails, I highly recommend taking this course....Outside of my degree as a university student, I took time this spring to explore and develop my new profound love for mixology.Today, I was awarded the International Mixology diploma from the Spirit Lab London Bartending Academy, approved by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust recognized in more than 70 countries worldwide.Despite my background, I extend my utmost gratitude to director Emanuele Mancini for accommodating me by being a demanding but fair mixology teacher challenging my skills both on and off the bar.Receiving this acknowledgment, meant more than the completion of a 5-day intensive spirit training course at the heart of the Marylebone district in London; it was a milestone in my ability to remain calm under pressure and build the confidence to face things outside of my comfort zone.If you are someone like me who is unsure due to inexperience, I can tell you that my 5-day journey to cocktail-making started in a foreign place to a young professional who can confidently push out multiple spirits at a high level.
Ritesh ShahRitesh Shah
11:44 07 Apr 24
I am so glad I chose the Spirit Lab to fulfil a dream of perfecting my skills, understanding and learning more about the art and history of cocktail making with Emanuele Mancini. It was a 5 day intensive course with a small group.Emanuele is clearly passionate about the industry and this really shows as he picks up on every detail and perfects you along the way. He is truly an inspiration and a leader in this industry. I loved his style of teaching and this made me more determined to succeed. I highly recommend the Spirit Lab as I am now more confident in making cocktails and will continue to ensure I take every opportunity to put my new skills to the test.Thank you Emanuele
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