Back on Nov. 8, my fellow mixologist Marita Leonard wrote a very good entry called "Bartender" vs. Mixologist. As a response, I'd like to add my two cents. Nowadays, I feel most people working behind a bar are drink makers, instead of bartenders. They aimlessly sling drinks at a rapid pace. They are complacent and show no passion for what they do. A true bartender is hard to come by. .....
To me, a bartender is a diverse personality who can engage in a meaningful connection with his customer. He can be the consummate professional, who holds his head up high or a funny outspoken socialite who is constantly on stage. No matter what happens, a bartender should be able to adapt to his/her environment. To be a true mixologist requires all the above plus another ingredient one that is not learned, but is forged in the soul at birth. That ingredient is passion!!! Do you have the passion to create memorable experiences whether with a drink you created or a conversation you had? Do you have the passion to inspire the people around you to strive to learn about quality spirits? Passion is the most important thing that separates a bartender from a mixologist. Though it is only one word, that word is as long as the continental divide. Everything's Bigger in TX - Jeret
what a refreshing post
i agree with you 100%
to me a bartender is the guy that reads you and your group and makes you feel comfortable and at home.it is the guy that can talk ball games or hedge funds marriage or divorce bud light or a 1980 Petrus .that is the skill not this new trend of hand crafted hand blended hand made micro rum from the south pole that is made by eskimos and i will import my mint from the artic circle only in june and make you wait 15 minutes because it is being hand crafted by a frustrated ex film student who now is manifesting their supposed superiority on the customer ......
educate those that want to be educated ,,serve those that are thirsty,,
do not judge a man by his libation or choice,,
sometimes i want an amstel .
be fast be happy be real
Posted by: TheWord | March 09, 2008 at 12:06 AM