BIIAB has launched its first mixology qualification – providing learners with the knowledge and skills needed for the development and production of cocktails.
The BIIAB Level 2 Award in Mixology opened for registrations on 1 April. It is available for delivery in England and Northern Ireland and is regulated by Ofqual and CCEA Regulation respectively.
What is mixology?
Mixology is the study or skill of inventing, preparing, and serving mixed drinks or cocktails. Mixologists learn how to pair flavours, combine ingredients, and create drinks with precision, consistency and attention to detail.
Who is the qualification for?
The new qualification provides an introduction to mixology, enabling learners to prepare for further learning or training in this field. It is designed to equip learners with knowledge and skills related to cocktail production and management.
It is a short qualification, with a total qualification time of only 15 hours. It will be of particular interest to those working in the licensed hospitality sector, especially bartenders who want to develop their cocktail-making skills.
There are no entry requirements for the qualification, though learners must be 18 or over to register.
What does it cover?
The qualification covers a range of topics around mixology and related subjects. The learning outcomes are as follows:
- Understand the legal requirements regarding the sale of alcohol
- Understand the history and development of cocktails
- Understand the language and equipment used in cocktail production
- Understand the ices, garnishes and glasses used to produce a variety of cocktails
- Know the different cocktails and their ingredients
- Understand how to build cocktail menus using seasonality, customer profile and business dynamics
- Understand the principles of product costing on business profitability
As such, learners will not only build their knowledge of mixology, but will also understand the context of mixology within a licensed hospitality setting.
How is it assessed?
The assessment of the qualification is formed of two parts. The first part involves a 30-question, 45-minute multiple choice test, while the second part is a 30-minute instructor-led practical assessment.
The practical assessment requires learners to create a selection of classic cocktails to demonstrate their knowledge of the different cocktails and their ingredients.
How can learners progress?
Achievement of the qualification offers opportunities for progression. Learners may wish to develop their knowledge of running licensed premises further by taking the BIIAB Level 2 Award in Licensed Hospitality Operations.
Start delivering the BIIAB Level 2 Award in Mixology
You can find out more about this new qualification by visiting the qualification webpage. Here, you will find key details and a Qualification Guide to download.
If you are interested in delivering the Level 2 Award in Mixology, you can visit our Become a Centre page or contact our Relationship Managers to find out more.