Mastering the Art of Mixology

Mastering the Art of Mixology

Introduction

The beverage industry plays a significant role in hospitality and F&B revenue, typically with alcoholic beverages alone contributing between 25% to 40% of total restaurant sales. Cocktails, in particular, boast high profit margins ranging from 60% to 80%, making mixology not just a craft but a key driver of profitability in bars and restaurants.

Globally, the cocktail market is booming, with the demand for craft cocktails and unique drink experiences on the rise. Reports show that the global alcoholic beverage market is expected to surpass $2 trillion by 2025, with premiumization and mixology trends driving growth. Meanwhile, mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages are experiencing a surge in popularity, driven by wellness-conscious consumers and alcohol-free alternatives.

With this in mind, mastering the fundamentals of mixology is more than just learning to make drinks, it’s about understanding flavor dynamics, maximizing profitability, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. This program blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice to equip participants with essential skills in crafting balanced, creative, and visually stunning beverages. Whether you’re an aspiring bartender, a seasoned service professional, or a business owner looking to enhance your drink offerings, this course provides the foundation needed to excel in mixology and beverage service.

“A cocktail is not just a drink, it is an expression of artistry, a symphony of flavors, a story... in a glass." - hsgms

Outcome

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

- Develop a solid understanding of the history and evolution of mixology.
- Learn the fundamentals of spirits, liqueurs, and mixers, including their flavor profiles and uses.
- Master essential bartending tools and techniques for precise and efficient drink preparation.
- Acquire the skills to craft classic cocktails and mocktails with proper balance and presentation.
- Gain the confidence to experiment with ingredients and create unique signature drinks.
- Understand the importance of garnishing, presentation, and service etiquette in the bar industry.

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No	Topic	Topic Description
1	Introduction to Mixology & bar Basics	The history and evolution of cocktails and mixology. The role of a professional bartender: Skills, responsibilities, and customer service. Essential tools of the trade and their proper usage. Bar maintenance, hygiene, and safety protocols.
2	Bar Setup & Workflow Optimization	Bar station organization for efficiency. Best practices for smooth bar operations. Drink-making techniques: Stirring, shaking, layering, and more. Measurements accuracy and free pouring.
3	Understanding Spirits, Wines & Mixers	Overview of spirits: Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, brandy, and liqueurs. Overview of wines: Types, characteristics, and tasting fundamentals. Overview of beer and brews: Types and characteristics. Infusions, syrups, and homemade bitters.
4	Classic Cocktails, Mocktails and Flavor Balancing	Mixed Drinks & The principles of a well-balanced cocktail Introduction to key cocktail families (Sours, Highballs, Old-Fashioned). Essential techniques: shaking, stirring, muddling, layering Understanding dilution, temperature, and texture in drinks Hands-on practice: Crafting cocktails and mocktails
5	Garnishing, Presentation & Service Etiguette	The art of garnishing: Fresh fruits, herbs, edible flowers Importance of ice and its impact on drink quality. Presentation techniques through glassware selection and styling (Rimming, flaming, layering) Responsible alcohol service and customer interaction technique
6	Mixology Showcase	Participants create and present their own signature cocktail. Judging criteria: Creativity, flavor balance, and presentation. Constructive feedback from GM / F&B Director and awarding of certificates of completion.

Expert

Gobinath Selvanayagam

Gobinath Selvanayagam is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. Currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Business, Economics, and Accounting – School of Hospitality and Tourism, he is renowned for his visionary leadership, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Gobinath’s expertise lies in Food and Beverage services, operations, and management, where he has consistently driven high standards of performance and innovation. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Additionally, he is an HRDFCorp Accredited TTT Trainer and possesses the Food and Beverage SKM & VTO Certificate, showcasing his dedication to continuous professional development and the advancement of industry skills. Throughout his career, Gobinath has demonstrated a passion for leadership and industry collaboration. He serves as the Deputy President of the Malaysian Food & Beverage Executives Association (MFBEA) and is an active member of the Sectorial Training Committee (STC) for Hospitality under HRDFCorp. His contributions to academia include publishing impactful research and receiving university seeding grants in 2019 and 2020 for scholarly activities. Furthermore, he has played a pivotal role in developing industry standards through the Industrial Skills Framework (IndSF). Gobinath is also an expert in organising and judging Food and Beverage competitions, with extensive involvement in prestigious events such as Food Hotel Malaysia/Malaysia Culinaire. His training expertise covers a broad spectrum, including table service techniques, up-selling strategies, menu engineering, cost control, allergen awareness, food safety, and bartending. In addition to his academic and training roles, Gobinath has provided consultation to renowned establishments such as Kumar’s, Federal Hotels International, Nam Kopi Muar, and Rombus Connexion, where his guidance has elevated menu appeal, operational standards, and service excellence. His contributions have also extended to developing certification programs for the hospitality sector and refining training methodologies, making a lasting impact on the industry. Gobinath’s dedication to advancing the hospitality field, coupled with his extensive expertise and leadership, underscores his reputation as a respected educator, trainer, and industry professional.