The Art of Mixology

The definition of mixology dates back to the 19th century, according to Pio Gastro Bistro, and basically means the skill of mixing ingredients and drinks to create cocktails or mixed drinks. Once viewed as a type of “girly drink”, cocktails have earned its place in an era where people crave experiences, not only products. Consequently, the skilled area of mixology is always improving and renewing itself.

Mixologist or Bartender?

Although both terms mean pretty much the same, there are details that make a difference. A bartender is a person who will serve you drinks, innovative or not. On the other hand, a mixologist will always try to create different experiences. They will work based on the principle of mixing drinks and ingredients.

So, we can say every mixologist is a bartender but not the other way around. Mixologist Aidan Demerest claims in an interview for Bar And Restaurant that bartenders are comparable to waiters. On the other hand, mixologists are like chefs. However, to acquire finesse both need the same amount of effort and commitment.

The History Of The Fine Art of Mixology

There are some accounts showing European sailors drinking a type of mix called “Punch” as an alternative to beer. This is because beer would get flat during the sails. The word punch comes from the Hindi word “paunch”. It means five and alludes to the five the ingredients: liquor, water, lemon, sugar, and spice. At that time, people would also consider it safer than still water to drink because of infections and diseases. Although Punch was roughly a cocktail, this term would only appear in 1850.

In spite of there being records of alcoholic beverage recipes from before 1850, it wasn’t something one could order at a bar. The term became popular after the arrival of a great number of immigrants from Europe. They were fond of collective drinking, and producing liquor became easier after the Industrial Revolution. Pair that with the U.S. government’s relaxation of their taxes, and cocktails were hitting the bars. That was when the art of mixology spread. People would call this The Golden Age.

Prohibition

Religious fundamentalists conquered the prohibition of alcohol consumption and production by 1919. In spite of the ban, they would still sell and buy alcohol (trade would happen mostly with Europeans). However, the illegal trade compromised its quality. As mixologists couldn’t practice legally, many moved to a different countries. Some would work in Speakeasies as bartenders only since the art of mixology was no longer possible with the low-quality products and the difficult conditions. Eventually, in 1933, Prohibition was lifted due to its unpopularity and the need to raise taxes after the Great Depression hit. However, for mixologists, it was too late. They had already fled to other countries and the craft wouldn’t be the same for a long time.

The Dark Ages

The “cocktail movement” started in the Caribbean. So, these beverages started to be seen as lively, with a more Latin vibe attached to them. This happened because a lot of the American cocktail culture was preserved in these tropical areas when mixologists fled there during Prohibition. The stereotype first called for something adventurous and full of mystique. With time, it ended up being considered by the following generations as campy or tacky.

After this period, the art of mixology lost itself and cocktails gave up on their finesse. They lost their focus on the experience and were used in order to get clients (usually in nightclubs) drunker faster, hence the hype of sweet drinks.

kills were no longer important as long as alcohol was present. Drinking was now part of a broader experience, not the main attraction. Also, because of mass production, bartenders wouldn’t use fresh ingredients, which would contribute to the poor image of mixology in general.

The Revival of the fine art of mixology

This modern revival, according to Santa Clara University Digital Exhibits, has three main causes: The Death & Co Cocktail book, the Cocktail Codex book, and Liquid Intelligence. These are three books that recorded the evolution of mixology and research. They helped reinvigorate the craft once forgotten by updating the skills and recipes even on a chemical level. This brought back the technical aspect, inspiring professionals to try innovating again. This new wave has reached high standards and created even more elaborate ways of cocktailing.

Molecular Mixology

Mixing science and mixology, the European Bartender School defines molecular mixology as more of a science lesson than a bar. This trend utilizes all kinds of textures to create a more vivid and unique experience. Foams, liquid nitrogen, and even blow torches can create an impactful cocktail. Curiously enough, though only becoming a trend now, its experiments began in the 19th century with some more reduced possibilities and limited resources. It was only with the revival movement, the technology, and science knowledge we have nowadays that it was possible to materialize this form of art. 

The Luxurious Art of Mixology in Las Vegas

If you’re around Las Vegas and want to try the best of the art of mixology you should try these up-to-date establishments that you can’t miss out on. First Aft Cocktail Deck, located on an outdoor patio in Wynn Las Vegas, a bar that rescues the Latin adventurous vibe that drinks once had but in a more sophisticated way. You can even enjoy the viewing of Wynn’s signature Lake of Dreams show.

The second, also located at Wynn’s resort, Bar Parasol is a bettered version of Parasol Down, with caviar-inspired cocktails in a  garden-inspired color scheme with tiles gilded in 24-karat gold. The Laundry Room, the last tip, is a speakeasy inside Commonwealth bar. This one needs reservation and relives Prohibition in its decoration and style. It’s also common for customers to get custom cocktails based on their mood, an interesting differential to the place.

To accompany these events nothing better than to have a complete deluxe experience. So, don’t forget when in Vegas, to plan your way to these famous stops by going with luxurious chauffeured transportation. Get a quote with Vegas VIP Limo and guarantee your complete experience.