Advanced Bartending Course

Mixologist vs the Moder Bartender - What is the difference?
Jerry Thomas, known as the ‘American Father of Mixology’, worked as a bartender in San Francisco in the 1860s. How much do you think mixology has progressed since then? You’ll learn about the history and progression of mixology and learn what it takes to become a mixologist. You’ll analyse the word ‘bartender’, what it has represented throughout history and what it means today.
Pre-Prohibition and Prohibition Eras
American prohibition changed society’s position on alcohol; this is why it’s essential that you’re familiar with this era. Many drinks were invented in the lead up to prohibition. Some of these drinks have remained in circulation since the 1800s and are now classics. You’ll learn some of the original recipes and taste them. You’ll also learn about:

• What people drank before, during, and after prohibition
• Drinks that predate the cocktail such as the punch, cobbler, and sling
• The history of cocktails, which year they were created, and who invented them

The Journey of the Bartender - from Past to Present
Learn about the history of the bartender and how the craftsmen have been changing and developing the profession over the years. In addition, you’ll discover the importance of ingredients, techniques, and equipment in making quality cocktails.
Methods/ Techniques and Equipment
Find out what it takes to make a cocktail taste absolutely perfect. You’ll learn the different methods, techniques, and types of equipment required to make flawless drinks, along with the explanations. After this, you’ll know why James Bond asks for a ’martini shaken, not stirred’. You’ll learn:

• Which method is most suitable for different drinks
• Why some drinks are shaken, stirred or rolled
• Equipment like jiggers, shakers, strainers
• Equipment used throughout bartending history such as a ‘Lewis Bag’, and old measurements like wine glasses and tablespoons
• How to shake a drink, types of shakers, and why they affect the cocktails that we drink
• How to stir a drink properly
• Different types of bar spoons
• Different mixing techniques

Cocktail Categories, Families and Themes
To fully understand and appreciate a drink you must taste it. Learn about the history of these drinks and then get your taste buds tingling as you try cocktails from different families. You will learn:

• Understand the history of these drinks, when they were invented, recipes, typical ingredients, and equipment used to make them
• Use modern techniques and styles to create signature cocktails from Johannes Kinch and Marian Beke
• Taste around 20 drinks, from classic favourites to modern-day marvels

Hands-On Training
Now you can put your homemade knowledge into practice by making some of these exciting ingredients from scratch. During this training you’ll learn:

• Create your own products such as purées, foams, syrups, and cordials
• Understand the quality of a cocktail
• Learn about the importance of a cocktail’s appearance

Basic Molecular Mixology
You’ll learn the basics of molecular mixology. You will also learn how to smoke a cocktail, make caviar, craft different variations of foam, the process of fat-washing and clarification.
Ice
You’ll study ice as a vital ingredient in a drink. You’ll learn:

• How to use ice to change the dynamics of a drink
• Why certain types and shapes of ice are important
• How to shape different pieces of ice using a knife or an ice pick
• The purpose of the ice

Seminars from Industry Experts
Once or twice a week, you’ll take part in seminars given by industry experts and discuss particular spirits in detail such as: cognac, gin, rum, and tequila. Each seminar will include a look at the history of the spirit and a creation session in which you’ll make some classic drinks with the spirit of the day, and finally a tasting session.
Bar Training
This masterclass you’ll learn how to set up a fully-functioning bar and the order in which you should make cocktails so that they’re of the highest quality. You’ll find out why cocktail presentation is vital to their popularity.
Mystery Box
Your skills will be put to the test as you’ll be given a box full of ingredients and will have to conjure up a well-balanced cocktail. The Mystery Box is an enjoyable challenge for everyone, it requires you to think on your feet and use all of your cocktail knowledge.