Crafting unique cocktails, challenging norms

KUCHING: Many people may not understand the differences between a mixologist and a bartender, but both roles contribute to making drinks taste great with their own creativity.

A bartender typically serves drinks that customers order, including beer, wine, and mixed drinks.

In contrast, a mixologist focuses more on crafting unique or new cocktails, rather than preparing classic ones.

Clare Geena aspires to be a certified mixologist and make a name for herself one day, having discovered her talent in mixing different drinks.

Despite facing challenges, the 25-year-old has not been deterred from pursuing her passion for creating innovative drinks for her customers.

“Basically, a mixologist is someone who mixes drinks and lets their creativity run wild, creating something unique and refreshing for customers to enjoy.

“I took a culinary arts class before becoming a mixologist. Because of my background in culinary arts, it’s quite similar for me.

“I’ve been able to explore more of my creative side to create new things, so I applied that creativity from food to drinks,” said Clare.

For about a year, she attended a university in Kuala Lumpur in 2020. However, when COVID-19 struck and movement was restricted, she dropped out.

She returned to Kuching and began working at a bar in the city, where she learned more about bartending and drink mixing.

“After dropping out of university, I ventured into mixing drinks on my own, and that’s when I found out I enjoy making and mixing drinks.

“From there, I learned everything about mixing drinks from bartenders and other mixologists.

“During that time, the pandemic and movement restrictions made it difficult, but I kept creating drinks on my own, testing my creativity, meeting bartender friends, and making new ones.”

As a young mixologist, Clare faces many challenges, particularly in a profession often dominated by men.

She shared that as a woman in this field, people often underestimate her ability to create quality cocktails.

“Nothing comes easy in any profession, especially as a woman in the bartending world. People often don’t take you seriously.

“At Iced Bar, where both my supervisor and second-in-charge are men, I’m not initially seen as someone capable of mixing drinks,” she said.

However, she added that most people are surprised and impressed when they discover she is the one mixing the cocktails.

“It’s challenging; they tend to underestimate me because I’m a woman, but I usually just let it be.

“It could be seen as sexism, and I should stand up for myself, but in this job, it’s tiring to argue with people who refuse to listen.

“I hope that someday people will not underestimate anyone trying their best in their job and pursuing their passion,” Clare added.

Initially, her parents were hesitant about her working in a bar, but she convinced them that mixing drinks was her passion.

“I know it’s not the social norm for women to work and manage a bar, but I convinced them of my love for working in a bar and mixing drinks.

“They understood because this is something I want to do with my creativity.”

Clare’s interest in mixology was sparked when she watched her friend Sophia mix drinks.

“At first, I didn’t understand what she was doing, so I thought it was just bartending.

“But watching her mix, I was impressed and began exploring it on my own.

“I would go to bars, watch friends make drinks, befriend bartenders, and learn from them.

“Sometimes, I’d just sit at the bar and watch them practice their craft,” she said.

Clare is also the bar manager at Iced Bar in La Promenande Mall, Kota Samarahan, which opened on December 16.

Together with bartender Aloysius Gugun, they have created 25 local ingredient-led cocktails, such as ‘Gin Breezy,’ which combines gin with fresh pineapples and imported cranberries.

Other creations include ‘Strawberry Brandy Tea,’ made with real fruits, brandy, and tea from Black Bean Coffee & Tea, and ‘Forest Breeze,’ inspired by the band At Adau.

“It was unexpected when I met Aloysius. We had attended the same school; he was my junior, and I was his senior.

“One time, we met at a bar where we were both drinking. After rekindling our friendship, he asked to work with me.

“He’s like a brother to me. He knows how to mix drinks the way I like them.

Clare said that she is not yet a certified mixologist but hopes to achieve recognition in the field.

“When I was in school, I dreamed of owning a place, like a library bar or café, where people can relax and read because I enjoy reading myself.

“I am optimistic about the future. I hope to gain recognition as someone who can create exceptional cocktail drinks.

“With my experience in drink mixing, I believe I am good enough to become a certified mixologist,” Clare added.