Learn Mixology and Get Your Certificate Online

Written by Jim Simpson

Elevate your bartending skills with an easy online mixology course to help grow your career. You’ll gain industry expertise to boost your confidence behind the bar and provide top-shelf customer experiences.

Mixology Defined

Mixology refers to the art or skill of preparing mixed drinks. The term first appeared in 1871, but, like characters in a Charles Dickens novel mixing up their rum punches, people dabbled long before the craft even had a name. Today, typical study topics include the history of cocktails, why they’re made a certain way and how various liquors enhance each drink.

In recent years, renewed interest in craft cocktails (including nonalcoholic “mocktails”) has blossomed. If you’re serious about taking your drink-making game to the next level, plenty of options are available for mixology and bartending certification programs.

The Modern Mixologist

Skilled mixologists combine spirits and other ingredients to make classic cocktails or improvise new recipes. The terms mixologist and bartender are often used interchangeably. Still, the two roles have unique skill sets — while bartenders may be trained in basic techniques, mixologists are high-end drink specialists.

Although mixologists often work as bartenders, they also bring to the table (or the bar) an advanced understanding of flavor profiles and ingredient pairings. They create unique new cocktails and elevate classic drinks to their flavorful best.

If you’ve ever compared an Old Fashioned you ordered at a dive bar to one from a high-end restaurant or cocktail bar, you know the impact of a talented and well-trained professional.

Why Training Is Important

Whether you’re interested in getting a job at your local watering hole, eyeing a career in the hospitality industry or wanting to entertain friends and family at home, taking a cocktail making course is a wise first step. It is comparable to an introductory class in a bartending school.

A formal training course will help you learn the basics of bartending, classic drinks, tools and tricks of the trade. Additionally, a course can benefit you in the long run when you obtain a mixology certification.

Online Courses

Online courses are more popular than ever. They offer a convenient and accessible way for enthusiasts and aspiring professionals to master the art of the cocktail. Courses usually cover topics like ingredient knowledge, proper mixing techniques and presentation skills.

Typical Course Topics

A quality online mixology course should cover the fundamentals of professional bartending, such as:

• Types of liquor
• Cocktail components (spirits, modifiers, sweeteners and bitters)
• Mixing techniques
• Ingredient knowledge
• Popular drink recipes
• Handling on-the-job situations
• Useful hard and soft skills

Benefits of an Online Course

Learn at your own pace from the comfort of home. Access the course materials at your convenience. Integrate the coursework seamlessly into your schedule.

This flexibility is particularly beneficial for balancing work, personal commitments or other educational pursuits, making it easier to follow your passion without traveling to a traditional classroom setting.

Online Training with Seller Server Online

No matter your ultimate goal, whether professional growth toward certification or personal enjoyment, you can benefit from Seller Server Online’s mixology course.

Our online program is divided into five learning modules, each building on the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous lessons. This training creates a seamless and comprehensive learning experience. At the end of the program, you will earn a certificate to prove your mastery.

Topics Covered

Module 1: Bar Tools — Learn the essential elements of a bartender's toolkit and discover how each tool helps you create high-quality drinks. Typical tools include shakers, jiggers, bar spoons and appropriate glassware. Recognize implements used with specific types of drinks and their proper use in drink preparation.

Module 2: Types of Liquor — Study the most common varieties of liquor used in cocktails and their flavor profiles. Additionally, you’ll explore various categories and their defining features.

Module 3: How to Make Popular Drinks — You’ll discover many cocktails and ingredient combinations in this module. Learn how to make the most popular drinks and mocktails and cater to a broad range of preferences. Additionally, you’ll gain the confidence to make drink recommendations based on individual tastes.

Module 4: Garnishes — Garnishing is an art. This module helps you master it. You’ll learn to enhance popular drinks' visual appeal and flavor profile. Identify garnish options that perfectly complement each drink. This section also covers maintaining freshness and hygiene standards.

Module 5: The Industry — Beyond basic mixed drinks techniques, you’ll discover insights into starting your career toward the goal of future bartender certification. Find out more about jobs and responsibilities, how to handle on-the-job challenges and in-demand soft skills every bar professional should have.

Throughout the course, you will learn to craft the following popular mixed drinks that every bartender and mixologist should know how to prepare properly:

While this course is designed to provide bartenders in any state with valuable knowledge and skills in the art of mixology, it does not provide students with state mixologist certification. You will, however, gain confidence in your skills behind the bar. You will create impressive drinks and elevate your bartending abilities.

Next Steps

Start your journey now! Once you’ve completed the course, think about expanding your career opportunities with one of our Alcohol Seller-Server Training courses. Training is 100% online and meets state alcohol server requirements from Florida to California and most states in between. Cheers!