So you’re going to be a bartender? What drinks should you learn? Where should you begin? If you ask 100 bartenders you’ll get 100 different answers. This list is by no means the Holy Grail of cocktails you should learn, but I bet most of these drinks will be on everyone’s lists. So jump in and enjoy!
1. The Old Fashioned
This is perhaps the most Classic of classic cocktails. It’s a simple cocktail. Three ingredients. And yet people will screw it up right before you very eyes. Don’t be one of those people. In it’s simplest form it’s Bourbon, sugar and bitters. Most people nowadays use simple syrup instead of plain sugar. Don’t muddle anything in it. If you have a maraschino cherry – throw it in the trash! If you’re going to garnish it use a Luxardo cherry or an Orange twist. Thats it. Don’t muddle a cherry, orange and lemon in it. Don’t top it with soda.
Ideally you will serve this chilled and strained over a large ice cube or rocks.
If you learn this drink you can make dozens of variations of it using different base liquors, bitters and sweeteners.
2. The Sazerac
The Sazerac is from New Orleans. Its very similar to the Old Fashioned. The two differences are it uses a Rye whiskey as it’s base liquor. Also the glass gets a Rinse of Absinthe. Absinthe has a whole other story. But for now just know it has an herbal aroma like anise or black licorice. It’s a simple cocktail, Rye, Peychaud’s bitters, simple syrup. Chill and pour into a chilled glass with an Absinthe rinse. Some bartenders like to use an atomizer to add a little flair. Twist a lemon over the top – tada! There’s no ice in this drink.
This is a simple drink to make but you can tell what kind of bartender you have by the care they put into making it.
3. Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a rum based cocktail. Super simple and refreshing. It’s got rum, lime juice and simple syrup. That’s it! It seems to have originated in Cuba around the turn of the 20th century with a good amount of history to back it up. It should be served chilled and up in a coupe glass, but can also be served over ice.
4. Margarita
The margarita is a tequila based cocktail and perhaps one of the most popular in the world. Like the Daiquiri it’s a simple drink. Tequila, Lime and agave syrup are all you need. Some would argue that you need to add Cointreau or triple sec. There is no right answer here. Or is there?
So the question is – is a Margarita just a tequila Daiquiri or is a Daiquiri just a rum Margarita? My advice is to make both and enjoy a lively debate with a close friend.
5. Manhattan
History claims this cocktail was originated at The Manhattan Club in New York City in the late 1800’s. Who are we to doubt history. Some say it was created for Winston Churchill’s Mother. Sure. Why not. This is a Rye whiskey based drink. It’s got Rye, Sweet vermouth and bitters. It’s served chilled and straight up in either a coupe or a Martini glass. It’s garnished with a cherry.
6. Whiskey Sour
A Whiskey Sour is whiskey and sour stuff. Easy right? Yes and no. An optional – or some would say essential – ingredient to a sour drink is the added element of an egg white. At it’s core a Whiskey Sour is just Whiskey, lemon juice and sugar or simple syrup. But if you really want to elevate it you add egg whites! This creates a frothy, silky cocktail that is delicious and unique. This cocktail is served up in a Coupe glass. The egg will give it a nice frothy head that provides a certain elegance to the cocktail. This is a classic style that you’ll want to learn and master And that’s no yolk. (Insert bad pun groan here)
7. Negroni
Thanks to Italy we have the Negroni. The key ingredient is Campari, an Italian aperitif known for it’s orange flavor and distinctly bitter taste. Seriously, if you’ve never tried it be warned. The red color may deceive you. It will not taste sweet or syrupy like cherry Kool-Aid. It’s a very unique flavor that you’ll grow to love. Or at least respect. The Negroni is equal parts Campari, gin and sweet vermouth. It’s traditionally served over ice with an orange twist for a garnish. This is a big, bold drink with a lot of flavor. Take your time and enjoy the many taste sensations along the way.
8. Mojito
The Mojito gained popularity in the U.S in the last couple of decades. It originated in Cuba. It has a deep and mysterious origin story involving rum traders, medicine men and maybe even some witchcraft!
Of course some people think a bartender just threw a bunch of mint in a daiquiri one day and splashed some soda on top and screamed – Mojito! Um…no.
It’s often derided as being too time consuming and messy for bartenders to make. That might be true but this is a classic cocktail that deserves your respect. It’s just muddled mint, limes, sugar, rum and soda. It’s super refreshing and a classic!
9. Martini
When people think of cocktails, this is the one that comes to mind. The shape of the glass, the olive , the gin are all part of the iconic feel of this cocktail. In recent years people refer to any drink served chilled and up as a martini. That’s not a martini. Someone might sit at your bar and say, “I had the best martini. It was pink and had a jalapeño in it” Just know that they had a cocktail that was served in a Martini glass.
A martini is Gin and dry vermouth. Period.
10. Vesper
The Vesper is a twist on the Martini. It has Gin, vodka and Lillet and is garnished with a lemon peel. It was originally mentioned in Ian Fleming’s book “Casino Royale” and was a favorite drink of that super fancy spy guy – James Bond! Of course it’s ‘Shaken’ not ‘stirred.’
11. French 75
This is a classy spin on a traditional Martini. This cocktail was created around the time of World War I in Paris. The 75 refers to the 75 mm rifle that the French army used. It’s got Gin, lemon juice, sugar and a float of champagne. Classy and easy to drink.
12. Tom Collins
So who was Tom Collins and why did he get a drink named after him? Good question. Most iconic cocktails have an equally iconic backstory. The Tom Collins does as well. It seems originally this drink was made with Old Tom gin. Thus the name. But there’s a rabbit hole of fun and interesting stories to follow if you are so inclined. But as of late a Tom Collins is a gin, lemon, sugar and soda water cocktail. A Vodka collins swaps in vodka for gin. A Juan Collins uses tequila. Or so local legend would have you believe.
13. Moscow Mule
This drink is easy to spot in any bar as it’s the one served in a copper mug. Why a copper mug? Stories tell of a Russian immigrant that brought over a couple thousand mugs from her homeland and was able to convince the owner of The Cock and Bull in L.A. to use them for a specialty cocktail using vodka. The rest is history.
The drink is vodka, lime juice and ginger beer. Served over ice. Delicious and refreshing!
14. Aperol Spritz
This classic cocktail is an afternoon staple in Italy. It’s light and refreshing and a perfect way to cool yourself off after a long day of trekking the vineyards or cities. Aperol is an aperitif – a dry, not sweet liquor that has a bright orange flavor. It’s been called the younger brother of Campari. Less bitter and also a lower alcohol content. Just mix it up with some Prosecco, soda water and an orange slice. Delicious! Thanks Italy!
This list could of course be much longer and I know there are cocktails that some might feel should be included on this list. They’re right, I suppose. These are just a sample of some of the cocktails that I ran across in my first years of bartending. You’ll come across these and I’m sure many others. Enjoy the journey!
Let us know what you think. What cocktails do you think should be on this list? Leave a comment below!!
