Mixology

Mixology is the art and craft of cocktail-making at its most elevated level, far beyond standard bartending. Modern mixology emerged in the 2000s and uses techniques borrowed from haute cuisine: clarification, smoking, distillation, fermentation, sous-vide infusion. At luxury hotels, mixology bars feature signature cocktail menus that change seasonally and prices ranging from 18-35 EUR per drink. What to expect: theatrical preparation in front of you (sometimes 5-10 minutes per drink), house-made syrups and infusions, unusual ingredients (smoked salt, edible flowers, exotic bitters), and bartenders who can recommend drinks based on your taste preferences. Tipping etiquette: 10-15% in most European hotels, 18-20% in the US. Some bars offer cocktail pairings with dinner, ask the concierge.