Empire Mixology Launches Expert Cognac & Brandy and Sparkling Wine & Champagne Certifications

Empire Mixology is proud to announce the release of its ninth and tenth expert-level certification programs: the Expert Cognac & Brandy Certification and the Expert Sparkling Wine & Champagne Certification. These two distinct, in-depth courses are now available exclusively through UMixology.com, further expanding the Empire Mixology curriculum for serious spirits and wine professionals.

With this milestone, Empire Mixology now offers ten expert certifications, each designed to provide a deep dive into a specific category of spirits, wine, or advanced mixology.

Expert Cognac & Brandy Certification: Old World Elegance, Modern Expertise

This program explores the rich world of aged grape distillates, from the chalky soils of Cognac to the high-altitude vineyards of South America. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of:

• The history and classification of Cognac, Armagnac, and global brandies

• Grape varietals and their role in distillate character

• Regional regulations and geographic indications

• Distillation methods, aging techniques, and blending philosophies

• The influence of terroir and barrel maturation

• Cultural significance and modern market trends

This certification is essential for anyone seeking to speak fluently about brandy-based spirits, whether in the tasting room, behind the bar, or in the classroom.

Expert Sparkling Wine & Champagne Certification: Precision in Every Bubble

Champagne may be the world’s most iconic sparkling wine, but it’s only the beginning. This program explores the breadth of traditional and modern sparkling wine production from across the globe, including:

• The méthode traditionnelle, tank method, ancestral method, and hybrid techniques

• Key regions including Champagne, Franciacorta, Cava, Sekt, California, and beyond

• The science of bubbles: pressure, bottle fermentation, and disgorgement

• Grape varieties and their role in texture and flavor

• Global classification systems and labeling terminology

• The evolution of sparkling wine culture and celebratory symbolism

Perfect for sommeliers, educators, wine professionals, or curious enthusiasts, this course delivers a refined understanding of one of the most technical and expressive wine styles in the world.

What This Milestone Means

With the release of these two new certifications, Empire Mixology’s Expert Track now includes the following ten disciplines:

1. Whiskey

2. Gin

3. Tequila & Mezcal

4. Vodka

5. Rum

6. Wine

7. Beer

8. Liqueurs

9. Cognac & Brandy

10. Sparkling Wine & Champagne

Each program consists of fully online modules, designed to build expert-level theoretical understanding. Learners can complete them on their own schedule and receive digital certification upon passing.

Now Accepting Enrollment

Enrollment for both new expert certifications is open now at UMixology.com. Whether you're a bartender, sommelier, hospitality professional, or dedicated enthusiast, these programs are built to deepen your expertise and elevate your career.

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Join The Empire Society to gain access to exclusive resources, tasting templates, service tools, and professional downloads that complement your certification journey.

Bartending in Tourist Towns: Cape Cod’s Seasonal Shifts

Cape Cod is known for its windswept beaches, quaint harbors, and iconic summer vibes, but for bartenders, it’s more than just a picturesque destination. It’s a seasonal battleground of shifting menus, changing clientele, and the unique challenge of crafting memorable cocktails for a crowd that disappears when the leaves fall.

For cocktail enthusiasts, understanding how the rhythm of a coastal town like Cape Cod influences bartending can offer deeper insight into the craft, and maybe even inspire your next travel itinerary.

The High Season: Sun, Speed, and Signature Drinks

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Cape Cod becomes a magnet for tourists. Restaurants and bars stretch their hours, local populations swell, and the demand for drinks skyrockets. Bartenders work at full tilt, sometimes mixing hundreds of cocktails a night.

What Sells in Summer?

• Refreshing and fast: Think vodka lemonades, Cape Codders, mojitos, and spritzes.

• Local twists: Drinks featuring cranberry juice, Massachusetts-made spirits, and fresh herbs thrive.

• Frozen cocktails: Blenders run non-stop, churning out frozen daiquiris, piña coladas, and slushie-style specials.

• Crush culture: Borrowed from Maryland, the “crush” has caught on — fresh-squeezed juice cocktails served over crushed ice, ideal for beach bars.

In summer, the name of the game is speed without sacrificing style. Bartenders rely heavily on batching, pre-garnishing, and well-organized stations to keep up with the demand.

Off-Season: Slowing Down, Leveling Up

Come late September, the crowds begin to thin, and Cape Cod gradually transitions into a quieter, locals-focused environment. For bartenders, this means more time to engage, experiment, and get creative with their craft.

What Changes?

• More complex cocktails: With less pressure to move quickly, bartenders can introduce spirit-forward drinks and stirred classics like Old Fashioneds or Boulevardiers.

• Seasonal ingredients: Apple cider, maple syrup, clove, and nutmeg become staples in fall menus.

• Education-focused service: Locals are often more interested in what they’re drinking and why. Bartenders can explain house infusions, rare spirits, or cocktail history in a way that’s not always possible during peak season.

In the off-season, bartenders have a chance to refine their technique, test new recipes, and connect with their core community.

Working in a Tourist Town: What Bartenders Need to Know

Cape Cod is a prime example of a location where seasonality defines the job. Here are a few lessons that apply to any cocktail professional working in a vacation destination:

• Adaptability is key: Summer bartending is about stamina and speed. Off-season is about creativity and customer connection.

• Prep smarter, not harder: Batching cocktails and pre-cutting garnishes can save hours when the bar is packed.

• Design your menu by the month: Successful bars evolve their offerings with the calendar. Summer = citrus and speed. Fall = depth and spice.

• Inventory management is critical: Ordering and stocking must reflect the surge of summer and the slowdown of fall.

• Build relationships: Locals often become your most loyal supporters. They’re the ones who keep the bar alive when the tourists are gone.

A Bartender’s Travel Tip: Learn by the Coastline

If you’re a mixologist on the move, consider spending a summer season in Cape Cod, or simply visiting to observe how the region’s bars adjust to seasonal shifts. The lessons you’ll take away go far beyond drink recipes. You’ll see firsthand how setting, audience, and time of year all shape what’s in the glass.

And if you’re just stopping by for a drink? Ask your bartender what they’re excited about now that the tourists are gone. You might get something special that never makes the summer menu.

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Ready to master your mixology game before you travel?
Explore expert-level certifications and cocktail resources at UMixology.com or become a member of The Empire Society for exclusive access to recipes, travel tips, and mixology guides.

Elevate Your Craft: Explore Mixology Certifications at UMixology.com

Whether you’re a passionate cocktail enthusiast or an industry professional seeking to refine your skills, Empire Mixology offers a comprehensive certification path through UMixology.com. With a curriculum designed by top-tier mixologists and educators, these self-paced, online programs provide in-depth training across the entire spectrum of mixology and spirits.

From foundational knowledge to mastery-level expertise, each certification is crafted to elevate your understanding, technique, and confidence behind the bar.

Why Choose Empire Mixology Certifications?

• Self-paced and 100% online: Learn on your schedule, from anywhere in the world.

• Structured curriculum: Courses are thoughtfully divided into clear, progressive modules.

• Expert-level instruction: Designed by professionals for serious learners.

• Certification upon completion: Ideal for résumes, bar programs, or personal mastery.

These aren’t surface-level classes. Every course digs deep into history, science, culture, and innovation, with no fluff, no gimmicks, and no hands-on requirements. It's serious mixology, made accessible.

Available Certification Tracks

Empire Mixology offers a progressive certification path designed to take you from foundational knowledge to true mastery. Each level builds upon the last, guiding you through the complete journey of mixology education.

1. Basic Certification

A perfect starting point for cocktail enthusiasts and aspiring bartenders. This introductory course covers essential terminology, tools, spirits, and cocktail-building techniques. No prior experience required.

2. Apprentice Certification

The next step for those ready to expand their knowledge. This program dives deeper into other spirits, mixology history, and the beer, wine, and champagne categories, laying the groundwork for professional-level understanding.

3. Certified Mixologist

This certification delivers a full, advanced education in bartending theory and mixology principles. Ideal for those working behind the bar or building toward expert specialization. Topics include a wide range of cocktail recipes. The first two certifications lay the foundation; this one builds the know-how.

4. Expert Mixologist Certification

A prestigious program consisting of 10 specialized expert tracks, each focused on a specific category of spirits or mixology expertise. These in-depth courses are designed for professionals or serious enthusiasts looking to master:

• Whiskey

• Gin

• Tequila & Mezcal

• Vodka

• Rum

• Wine

• Beer

• Liqueurs

• Champagne & Sparkling Wine

• Cognacs & Brandy

Each track includes a full curriculum with detailed modules, industry insights, and a digital certification upon completion.

5. Master Mixologist Certification

The highest level of achievement offered by Empire Mixology. This capstone certification is reserved for those who complete all prior certifications and three expert certification curricula and wish to take their skills to the elite level. The Master Mixologist program focuses on leadership, advanced bar program design, innovation, aesthetics, entrepreneurship, and industry influence.

Who Should Enroll?

• Home enthusiasts ready to build professional-grade knowledge

• Aspiring bartenders and bar managers

• Industry professionals seeking formal recognition of expertise

• Hospitality educators and culinary instructors

• Beverage brand ambassadors, marketers, and developers

Whether you're building a career or building a bar at home, these certifications will equip you with the confidence, clarity, and credibility to succeed.

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Ready to Raise the Bar?

Explore the full curriculum, read detailed course outlines, and begin your certification journey today at UMixology.com. For exclusive access to resources, downloads, and continuing education, consider joining The Empire Society — our members-only community for dedicated professionals and passionate enthusiasts.