Being a bartender is a challenging job that requires a lot of knowledge and expertise. A good bartender knows how to make a wide range of drinks, from classic cocktails to modern favorites. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 drinks that every bartender should know.
As bartenders, it is essential to know a vast variety of drinks to keep customers satisfied. Knowing the top 10 drinks ordered by customers is the key to success in the industry. In this article, we will list the top 10 drinks every bartender should know, from classic cocktails to trendy drinks. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional bartender, these essential drinks will help you satisfy your customers’ thirst and make your bar more productive.
The Classic Martini
The martini is a classic cocktail that has been around for over a century. It is a simple drink made with gin and vermouth, and it is usually served with an olive or a twist of lemon. The martini is a popular drink that is easy to make, and it is a must-know for any bartender.
How to Make a Classic Martini
Fill a shaker with ice.
Add 2.5 oz of gin and 0.5 oz of dry vermouth.
Stir until chilled.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with an olive or a twist of lemon.
The Margarita
The Margarita is a classic cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. It is a refreshing drink made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. The Margarita is a popular drink that is easy to make, and it is a must-know for any bartender.
One key takeaway from this text is that every bartender should have a good knowledge of the most popular and classic drinks. From the classic Martini to the modern Cosmopolitan, these top 10 drinks are essential for any bartender to know in order to succeed in the industry. By mastering these drinks, a bartender can impress customers, provide excellent service and improve their job prospects. So, it’s worth taking the time to learn how to make these classic cocktails and incorporate them into your bartending skills.
How to Make a Margarita
Add 2 oz of tequila, 1 oz of lime juice, and 1 oz of triple sec.
Shake until chilled.
Strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
The Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been around for over a century. It is a simple drink made with whiskey, bitters, and sugar. The Old Fashioned is a popular drink that is easy to make, and it is a must-know for any bartender.
A key takeaway from this text is that it is essential for every bartender to have a good understanding of popular classic and modern cocktails. These drinks, including the Classic Martini, Margarita, Old Fashioned, Cosmopolitan, Mojito, Bloody Mary, Daiquiri, Sidecar, Negroni, and Manhattan, are easy to make and must-knows for any bartender. Mastering these drinks can help a bartender succeed in the industry and showcase their skill and knowledge to customers.
How to Make an Old Fashioned
Muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of bitters.
Add ice and 2 oz of whiskey.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with an orange twist.
The Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a modern classic that became popular in the 1990s thanks to the TV show “Sex and the City.” It is a refreshing drink made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. The Cosmopolitan is a popular drink that is easy to make, and it is a must-know for any bartender.
The key takeaway from this text is that every bartender should know how to make classic and modern cocktails, including the martini, margarita, old fashioned, cosmopolitan, mojito, bloody mary, daiquiri, sidecar, negroni, and Manhattan. Mastering these popular drinks can help bartenders succeed in the industry and showcase their skills and knowledge to customers.
How to Make a Cosmopolitan
Add 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of triple sec, 0.5 oz of cranberry juice, and 0.5 oz of lime juice.
The Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing drink that originated in Cuba. It is a simple drink made with rum, lime juice, sugar, and mint. The Mojito is a popular drink that is easy to make, and it is a must-know for any bartender.
The key takeaway from this article is that there are top 10 drinks that every bartender should know in order to succeed in the industry. These classic and modern cocktails range from a simple Classic Martini to the more complex Negroni, and include the refreshing Margarita, Mojito, and Daiquiri. Having the knowledge and expertise to make these popular drinks is essential for any bartender, regardless of experience level. So, next time you order a drink at the bar, appreciate the skill and attention to detail that goes into making it.
How to Make a Mojito
Muddle a few mint leaves with 1 oz of simple syrup and 0.5 oz of lime juice.
Add ice and 2 oz of rum.
Top with soda water.
Garnish with a mint sprig.
The Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a classic brunch cocktail that is perfect for a lazy Sunday morning. It is a savory drink made with vodka, tomato juice, and a blend of spices. The Bloody Mary is a popular drink that is easy to make, and it is a must-know for any bartender.
The key takeaway from this article is that every bartender should know the basics of making classic cocktails, from the Martini to the Manhattan. While modern drinks like the Cosmopolitan may be popular, knowing how to make the classic drinks and their variations is essential to becoming a successful bartender. With these 10 drinks in your arsenal, you’ll be able to impress customers and serve up delicious drinks with ease.
How to Make a Bloody Mary
Fill a glass with ice.
Add 2 oz of vodka and fill the glass with tomato juice.
Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and celery salt.
Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.
Stir well.
Garnish with a celery stalk and a lemon wedge.
The Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a classic cocktail that originated in Cuba. It is a simple drink made with rum, lime juice, and sugar. The Daiquiri is a popular drink that is easy to make, and it is a must-know for any bartender.
One key takeaway from this text is that being a bartender requires extensive knowledge and expertise in making a variety of drinks. The top 10 drinks that every bartender should know include classics such as the martini, old fashioned, and Manhattan, as well as modern favorites like the Cosmopolitan and margarita. It is important for bartenders to master these drinks in order to succeed in the industry and provide customers with quality service.
How to Make a Daiquiri
Add 2 oz of rum, 1 oz of lime juice, and 0.5 oz of simple syrup.
Strain into a chilled glass.
The Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic cocktail that originated in France. It is a simple drink made with cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice. The Sidecar is a popular drink that is easy to make, and it is a must-know for any bartender.
One key takeaway from this article is that as a bartender, it is essential to know the top 10 drinks that are popular and easy to make. With these drinks in your repertoire, you can cater to a wide range of customers and satisfy their taste buds. It is also important to note that the classic cocktails like Martini, Old Fashioned, and Manhattan have been around for a long time and have stood the test of time. However, with the modern favorites like Cosmopolitan and Margarita, one can add a contemporary twist to the menu. Additionally, garnishing the drinks adds to the aesthetic appeal, making them visually appealing as well. Overall, mastering these drinks not only helps in creating delicious concoctions but also helps in establishing credibility as a professional bartender.
How to Make a Sidecar
Add 2 oz of cognac, 1 oz of triple sec, and 0.5 oz of lemon juice.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
The Negroni
The Negroni is a classic cocktail that originated in Italy. It is a simple drink made with gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. The Negroni is a popular drink that is easy to make, and it is a must-know for any bartender.
The key takeaway from this text is that being a bartender requires knowledge and expertise in making a wide range of drinks, from classic cocktails to modern favorites. The top 10 drinks that every bartender should know includes the Classic Martini, Margarita, Old Fashioned, Cosmopolitan, Mojito, Bloody Mary, Daiquiri, Sidecar, Negroni, and Manhattan. Mastering these drinks can help bartenders succeed in the industry and impress their customers with their skills and knowledge.
How to Make a Negroni
Add 1 oz of gin, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and 1 oz of Campari.
The Manhattan
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that originated in New York City. It is a simple drink made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. The Manhattan is a popular drink that is easy to make, and it is a must-know for any bartender.
How to Make a Manhattan
Add 2 oz of whiskey, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters.
Garnish with a cherry.
In conclusion, these are the top 10 drinks that every bartender should know. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a beginner, mastering these drinks will help you succeed in the industry. So, next time you visit a bar, order one of these drinks and appreciate the skill and knowledge that goes into making it.
FAQs – What Are the Top 10 Drinks a Bartender Should Know?
What are the most popular drinks that a bartender should know?
As a bartender, you should know the most popular drinks that customers typically order. Some of the top drinks include the Martini, Old Fashioned, Margarita, Manhattan, Daiquiri, Negroni, Cosmopolitan, Moscow Mule, Bloody Mary, and the Mai Tai. These drinks are classics that never go out of style and are often enjoyed by customers.
What ingredients are commonly used in these drinks?
The ingredients used in each of these drinks vary, but some of the most common include gin, whiskey, vodka, rum, tequila, and various types of juice, such as lime, lemon, and orange. Syrups, bitters, and liqueurs are also frequently used to enhance the flavor of the drink.
Is it necessary to be well-versed in mixing techniques to make these drinks?
Yes, as a bartender, it’s essential to be well-versed in mixing techniques to create the perfect drink. Mixing techniques are not just about shaking or stirring a drink; it’s about combining the right ratio of ingredients to create the perfect balance of flavors. Knowing how to properly muddle, shake, and stir is crucial for making these drinks.
Should a bartender be creative with these drinks or stick to the traditional recipe?
A good bartender should be able to create variations of popular drinks using their creativity while still maintaining the flavor profile of the original drink. Bartenders should have a good understanding of the foundational skills to make these popular drinks, but they should never be afraid to get creative.
Are there any other drinks or cocktails that a bartender should know?
Apart from the popular drinks mentioned earlier, there are several other drinks or cocktails that a bartender should know. Some of these drinks include The Aviation, Sidecar, Hot Toddy, Sazerac, Gimlet, and the Penicillin. Knowing several drinks that are not as well-known can help you stand out from the competition and impress your customers with your knowledge and skill.
Can a bartender learn all these drinks from bartending schools?
Bartending schools are a great place to learn the basics of bartending, including the most popular drinks. However, being a great bartender requires much more than just learning recipes. One of the best ways to become an excellent bartender is through real-world experience, so working in a bar will give you the exposure and practical knowledge you need to improve your skills.