The difference between a bartender and a mixologist can be compared to the difference between a cook and a chef. A mixologist opposed to a bartender is one who has received more extensive training, has better knowledge of the industry and works in a more up market establishment earning more. He also normally has a wider drinks repertoire than a bartender.
To get all these extra qualifications one has to take a mixology certificate course.
Mixology courses nowadays are also available online but nothing beats hands-on training therefore it is always advisable to do a regular course at an academy or bar school. The comprehensive mixology certificate courses are normally for forty hours. Most of these have flexible timing allowing the student to complete it over one, two or five week periods.
Bartending is one career where you can meet people, have fun and make a profit while on the job. There is a huge demand the world over for experienced bartenders so after completing a mixology certificate course it is easy to find a job and the greatest bonus in this career is the tips earned! The better you are at the job, the happier you make your customers with your pleasant, amiable and friendly nature the larger the tips! But tips should not be your motivating factor. If your passion for the job comes through to the guest, in your attitude, the quality of drinks you produce and the happy, fun ambiance of your bar, the tips will flow naturally and your guests will keep coming back to your bar.
Apart from teaching the theory of bartending and the recipes of classic and trending drinks, the mixology certificate courses at Spirit Lab London allows for hours of hands-on practice. Each drink you make should taste exactly the same every time a customer asks for it and this perfection comes only with repeated practice. Even if you add your own twist to a particular drink, each time you create it, it must contain the same twist.
A graduate from a mixology certificate course finishes with the following competencies and skills:
- The ability to set up and break down a bar independently;
- A thorough knowledge of bar equipment and glasses;
- The ability to free pour and use bar measures precisely;
- A thorough knowledge of classic and trending cocktails;
- A thorough knowledge of spirits, beers, wines and liqueurs;
- The ability to work in a systematic and organized manner maintaining total hygiene;
- Understanding the nuances of customer service;
- Appreciating and strictly following responsible alcohol service;
- The ability to consistently produce cocktails of the highest quality;
- Self confidence and ability to maintain a fun filled and happy ambiance in his bar;
- The ability to work under high pressure situations;
- The ability to collect payments and maintain all relevant bar records and inventory;
A mixology certificate course is the ideal training ground for an aspiring bartender. If you are truly passionate about the trade and wish to earn your keep and have heaps of fun along the way, do enroll for a course, practice hard and grab the fantastic job that is waiting for you!
Do you want to enrol for a Mixology certificate course? Contact us soon.