A Day in the Life of a Mixologist
Here's a draft of the Being a mixologist is equal parts art, science, and showmanship. It's a role that requires creativity, precision, and a touch of theatrical flair. While the craft is deeply rewarding, it’s not without its challenges. Here’s a glimpse into what a day in the life of our lead mixologist looks like—from the first spark of inspiration to the debut of a new cocktail menu.
8:00 AM: Inspiration Strikes Early
The day often starts with quiet reflection—a time to browse through culinary books, explore seasonal ingredients, or revisit the classics for inspiration. Our lead mixologist might sketch out ideas for a cocktail inspired by a local fruit or a new spirit discovered during the weekend.
But inspiration isn’t confined to the morning. A mixologist’s creativity is always on high alert, whether it’s during a visit to the farmers’ market, a walk through the city, or even a chat with a guest about their favorite flavors.
10:00 AM: Research and Development (R&D)
With an idea in mind, it’s time to step into the lab—or in this case, the bar. The R&D process is where the magic begins. The lead mixologist experiments with base spirits, syrups, bitters, and garnishes, aiming to strike the perfect balance of flavors.
This phase is equal parts thrilling and tedious. For every drink that makes the cut, there are dozens of attempts that don’t. Adjusting the acidity, tweaking the sweetness, or finding the right garnish can take hours.
Mistakes happen, but they’re embraced as part of the process. After all, some of the most iconic cocktails started as happy accidents.
1:00 PM: Collaboration and Feedback
By early afternoon, it’s time to collaborate with the team. This is where the mixologist presents a prototype of the new cocktail. Bartenders, managers, and even chefs might weigh in, providing valuable feedback to refine the drink.
The best cocktails are not created in isolation. Pairing the cocktail with food menu items or considering how it fits into the overall bar experience is essential.
3:00 PM: Behind-the-Scenes Work
Mixology isn’t just about shaking and stirring—there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work, too. The lead mixologist spends time calculating costs, sourcing unique ingredients, and preparing batches of syrups, shrubs, or infusions.
There’s also the task of writing detailed recipes for the bar staff to ensure consistency. Each measurement, shake, and garnish must be clear, so every bartender can replicate the cocktail perfectly.
6:00 PM: Showtime at the Bar
As the evening approaches, the focus shifts to the bar itself. This is where the lead mixologist shines, engaging with guests, sharing the stories behind the cocktails, and ensuring every drink is a memorable experience.
There are moments of pure joy—a guest’s face lighting up at the first sip of a new creation, or someone saying it’s the best cocktail they’ve ever had. But there are also challenges, like the rush of orders during peak hours or the occasional tough customer.
11:00 PM: Reflect and Reset
After the bar closes, there’s a moment to breathe. The lead mixologist reflects on the day, noting what worked and what didn’t. It’s also a time to clean up, restock, and prepare for the next day.
Despite the long hours, there’s immense satisfaction in knowing the effort brings joy to so many people.
From Concept to Menu: The Big Picture
Creating a new cocktail menu is a marathon, not a sprint. It starts with an idea, followed by R&D, team collaboration, and rigorous testing. Each cocktail must meet high standards for taste, presentation, and consistency.
Once finalized, the drinks are rolled out with a training session for the bar staff and a debut event to introduce them to the public. Seeing guests enjoy the creations is the ultimate reward.
The Good, The Bad, and The Rewarding
Being a mixologist is an incredible journey. The good moments—like a guest’s glowing review or a new cocktail’s success—make the long hours and occasional frustrations worth it.
The job requires resilience, creativity, and an endless passion for the craft. For our lead mixologist, it’s more than a job; it’s a calling. And every day offers a new opportunity to create, innovate, and delight.