To be a mixologist, one must have an expert knowledge of spirits, flavors, and how to properly measure and mix ingredients. Bartenders use specific techniques like counting poured ounces and understanding ratios to create perfectly balanced cocktails. Drink pricing involves calculating costs per ounce of liquor and marking up the final price 4-5 times the liquor costs to determine price points. Different categories of cocktails require different ingredient combinations and proportions based on their type, such as sours using fruit juices as the primary liquid.