mixologist / mixology
noun

- a person who is skilled at mixing cocktails and other drinks

- the activity or skill of mixing drinks such as cocktails (= drinks, usually alcoholic ones, made by mixing other drinks together)

Oxford Languages / Cambridge Dictionary

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WORD ORIGIN

The term "mixologist" emerged in the late 19th century as a way to describe bartenders or those who specialised in the art of mixing cocktails. The term was not originally coined by bartenders themselves, but rather by a forgotten journalist who intended it to be used in a playful manner.

The modern reclamation and legitimisation of the term "mixologist" is credited to Dale DeGroff, a prominent bartender in the 1980s. DeGroff used the term to describe his approach to bartending, which emphasised the grandeur and showmanship of crafting cocktails.

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CAN WORDS AFFECT TASTE?

There have been several studies* that examined the effect of menu language and descriptions on the perceived taste and enjoyment of food and drinks. Restaurants that use descriptive menu labeling and evocative wording tend to sell more of those items described in an appetising way.

Menu items with descriptive, indulgent names (e.g. "Dynamite Crab Bake") outsold those with plain names by around 27%.

*Wansink et al., 2001 & 2005; McCall & Lynn, 2008; Philipsen et al., 2017

- The Volcanic Vortex
  An eruption of flavour detonates on your taste buds as you delve into this molten marvel. Layers of smoky mezcal and fiery cinnamon syrup swirl together in a maelstrom of heat, tempered by bright citrus notes. Topped with a flaming cinnamon stick, this libation is the epitome of liquid magma.

- The Unicorn's Kiss
  A mythical melange of shimmering colours and celestial flavours, this nectar of the gods will transport you to a fairy realm. Layers of butterfly pea flower tea, rose water and vanilla-bean infused vodka intertwine in an iridescent swirl. Garnished with a shard of crystallised rose petals and a dusting of edible glitter.

- The Sin-amon Bun Sipper
  Dessert in a glass reaches new decadent heights. Thick ribbons of dulce de leche wind through cinnamon-infused bourbon, accented by a velvety vanilla cream float. Garnished with a cinnamon sugar dusted mini churro skewer and a dollop of brandied cherries. A liquid cinnamon roll to indulge all your vices.

- The Dragon's Breath
  Dare to wake the ancient fire-breather with this smouldering elixir. A robust porter beer reduction mingles with fiery ginger liqueur and a hint of Scotch smoke. Dramatically served over hickory smoke-filled globe with an elongated cinnamon stick "tail" for fragrant wafts with every sip.

- The Millionaire's Morning
  Start your day like a tycoon with this liquidstack of pancakes, bacon, and maple syrup - with a boozy twist. Maple crown royal blends with a velvety custard notes of vanilla and brown butter, topped with an effervescent float of salted caramel oat milk espresso foam. Garnished with a sidecar of maple-candied bacon strips.

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SELECTED SYNONYMS

- for “combining” or “mixing together”:

admix, affiliate, agglutinate, agglomerate, alloy, amalgamate, blend, bond, braid, braid together, coalesce, commingle, commix, concatenate, conflate, conglomerate, cross-breed (-fertilize, -pollinate), entangle, enwrap, fling together, fuse, homogenise, integrate, interlace, interlink, interweave, kneed together, knit, merge, mingle, unify, unite, wed, weave

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation, say something like:

“The taste and appreciation of a cocktail is much influenced by how a MIXOLOGIST describes it.”

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