Marie Yoshimizu (@mixwithmarie), a rocket scientist by day and a renowned lead mixologist by evening, is truly a woman of many talents. This month, Bellevue Lifestyle magazine had the pleasure of catching up with her to explore how she turned a pandemic hobby into a flourishing second career.
Marie's journey into mixology was sparked during the global pandemic when bars and restaurants were closed, giving her time spent at home perfecting her cocktail-making skills, which soon blossomed into a deep passion. Her experiences at cocktail competitions, where she met talented professional bartenders, ultimately inspired her to transition into the hospitality industry and pursue mixology as a second career.
Beginning as a home bartender, she transitioned to mobile bartending with Party On The Rocks after moving to Washington. She then worked as a seasonal bartender at Overlake Golf & Country Club, before becoming the Lead Mixologist at Ce La Vi in the new InterContinental Hotel in Bellevue.
"My cocktails often reflect scientific inspiration and my Japanese heritage, blending unique cultural flavors. I also prioritize seasonality and sustainability to ensure a thoughtful and cohesive menu.", when asked about her inspiration in the creative process of developing a new cocktail or menu.
Her prefered drink to craft? Sours because they are simple, well-balanced and enjoyable for everyone!
Follow her on Instagram and Facebook, @mixwithmarie, or stop by Ce La Vi to try her special cocktail, “Koku & Umami” made with the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami (Pictured above).
"Balancing my role as a Lead Mixologist with my career as a Rocket Scientist, I draw inspiration from both science and my Japanese heritage. I love experimenting with unique cultural flavors and focusing on seasonality and sustainability to craft thoughtful and cohesive menus."