The Unexpected Path to Bartending
I never expected to find myself behind the bar. Growing up, I had visions of becoming a scientist or an engineer – someone in a white lab coat, hunched over a microscope or tinkering with complex machines. The idea of slinging drinks for a living never crossed my mind. But as they say, life has a funny way of throwing curveballs.
It all started when I was in college, struggling to make ends meet. I needed a job, and a friend of mine happened to be a bartender at the local watering hole. “You should try it,” she said. “The tips are great, and it’s a lot of fun.” Skeptical, I decided to give it a shot. Little did I know that this decision would forever change the trajectory of my life.
Falling in Love with the Craft
From the moment I stepped behind that bar, I was hooked. There was a certain energy, a rhythm to the whole experience that captivated me. Watching the bartenders effortlessly mix together seemingly disparate ingredients into something utterly delicious was mesmerizing. I found myself drawn to the history and science behind each pour, the intricate dance of flavors and aromas.
As I learned, the Suffering Bastard cocktail, for instance, had a rich and fascinating backstory. Invented by a chemist-turned-bartender named Joe Scialom during World War II, this gin and bourbon concoction was originally conceived as a hangover cure for British officers stationed in Cairo. The story of how this iconic drink made its way around the world, evolving along the way, was enough to pique my curiosity.
A Passion Ignited
Before long, I was spending my free time researching obscure spirits and vintage cocktail recipes. I became obsessed with understanding the nuances of each ingredient, how they interacted and complemented one another. I practiced making drinks at home, constantly refining my technique and presentation.
What had started as a simple side gig morphed into a full-blown passion. I found myself drawn to bartending competitions, eagerly soaking up knowledge from industry veterans. I earned certifications, mastering the art of pairing food and cocktails, delving into the intricacies of distillation and fermentation.
Sharing the Knowledge
As my skills and expertise grew, I realized that I had a deep desire to share what I had learned with others. Bartending, I discovered, was more than just mixing drinks – it was a gateway into a rich and fascinating world of history, science, and culture.
I began teaching cocktail classes at the pub where I worked, starting with the basics and gradually expanding into more advanced techniques and flavor profiles. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with customers eager to learn the secrets behind their favorite libations. Soon, word spread, and I was being invited to lead workshops and seminars at local spirit festivals and industry events.
Building a Community
As my reputation as a mixology instructor grew, I found myself at the center of a vibrant community of cocktail enthusiasts. These were people from all walks of life, united by a shared passion for the craft of bartending. Together, we explored the nuances of different spirits, debated the merits of various garnishes, and swapped stories of our favorite watering holes around the world.
I became a fixture at local bars and restaurants, sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with bartenders and patrons alike. It was gratifying to see the spark of wonder in someone’s eyes as they tasted a new cocktail for the first time, or the look of pride on a bartender’s face when they mastered a tricky technique.
A Multifaceted Role
As a part-time mixology instructor, my role encompassed far more than just teaching the mechanics of making drinks. I was a historian, a scientist, a storyteller, and a cheerleader for the bartending community. Whether I was leading a class on the evolution of the Negroni or hosting a hands-on workshop on infusing spirits, my goal was always to inspire and educate.
At the core of my work was a deep appreciation for the art of bartending. I loved delving into the rich history of cocktails, uncovering the origins of classic recipes and the influential figures who shaped the industry. But I also relished the opportunity to explore the latest trends and innovations, experimenting with cutting-edge techniques and ingredients.
Fostering Creativity and Confidence
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role as a mixology instructor was witnessing the growth and development of my students. Many came to me feeling intimidated by the prospect of bartending, unsure of their ability to mix a decent cocktail. But through my classes and workshops, I watched them blossom, gaining confidence in their skills and finding their creative voices.
I encouraged my students to embrace the playful, exploratory nature of bartending. We’d experiment with unusual flavor combinations, challenge each other to come up with innovative garnishes, and debate the merits of various spirits and liqueurs. The joy of discovery was palpable, and I reveled in seeing the light bulb moments when a student finally grasped a challenging technique or uncovered a new favorite ingredient.
Nurturing the Next Generation
As my time as a part-time mixology instructor progressed, I found myself drawn to mentoring the next generation of bartenders. I relished the opportunity to share my hard-earned knowledge and experience, to help shape the future of the industry.
Whether I was advising a budding entrepreneur on launching a craft cocktail bar or leading a training session for a team of servers, my goal was always the same: to inspire and empower. I wanted to instill in them the same passion and reverence for the craft that had captured my heart all those years ago.
A Lasting Impact
Looking back on my journey, I’m amazed at how a simple side gig has evolved into such a fulfilling and multifaceted role. As a part-time mixology instructor, I’ve had the privilege of not only sharing my knowledge but also being a part of a vibrant, ever-evolving community.
The impact of my work extends far beyond the confines of the classroom or the bar. I’ve seen firsthand how a deeper understanding of cocktails can open up a world of history, science, and cultural exploration. And by nurturing the next generation of bartenders, I know that my influence will continue to be felt long after I’ve hung up my shaker.
So, if you’re ever in the area, be sure to stop by The Up and Under Pub and see if I’m behind the bar or leading a mixology class. I’d be more than happy to share a story or two, and maybe even mix you up a Suffering Bastard for old time’s sake.
