“A bartender follows recipes, while a mixologist crafts recipes”

The increase in the popularity of cocktails in Nigeria has seen an increase in the word mixologist being used but the precise difference between a bartender and a mixologist seems difficult to pin down. People have likened the ‘bartender vs. mixologist’ debate to other professional titles: it’s the difference between a “chef” and a “cook” or  “garbage man” and “sanitation engineer”. What is the difference?

The Mixologist

In the industry, a mixologist is referred to as someone who:

• Studies and help evolve the field of bartending
• Creates innovative cocktails, often using unique, homemade or historical (and now uncommon) ingredients and combining those to create unusual tastes in drinks
• Studies and reimagines classic cocktails (think the Gin Basil)
• Revels in and refines old techniques

The Bartender

In contrast, a bartender is referred to as someone who:

• Knows a lot of common and popular cocktails
• Serve many people at once
• Handle cash and manage bar stock
• Maintain crowd control
• Is the ultimate ‘people person’ and think quickly

Both of these definitions are just stereotypes and there are many professionals who fall into both categories and many more who specialize in one or the other.

What’s your take on the debate?