Being a bartender is about more than just pouring drinks; it’s about knowing the popular drinks that people expect when they order at a bar. Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or just getting started, having knowledge of classic cocktails and popular drinks is essential for success in the bartending industry. Impress your friends or guests with your bartending skills and master these 10 popular drinks that every bartender should know. From timeless classics like the Martini and Old Fashioned to trendy favorites like the Moscow Mule and Cosmopolitan, there’s a drink for every occasion and taste. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these 10 must-know drinks, including their ingredients, serving styles, and garnishes. So whether you’re mixing drinks at a party or behind the bar, these popular drinks are sure to be a hit with your guests.
Martini
Ingredients:
2 1/2 ounces gin or vodka
1/2 ounce dry vermouth
Instructions:
Chill the glass
Build the drink
Stir and strain
Garnish the drink
Margarita
Ingredients:
1/4 c. kosher salt or coarse sea salt
Lime wedges, for glasses and serving
4 oz. blanco tequila
2 oz. triple sec
1 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
Instructions:
Coat the glass rim with salt
Combine tequila, triple sec, and lime juice
Garnish with lime wedges
Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon sugar
3 dashes Angostura bitters
1 teaspoon water
2 ounces bourbon
Instructions:
Dissolve sugar and bitters
Add bourbon and ice
Garnish with orange twist
Manhattan
Ingredients:
2 ounces rye whiskey
1 ounce sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions:
Stir ingredients with ice
Strain into glass
Garnish with brandied cherry
Negroni
Ingredients:
1 ounce gin
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce sweet vermouth
Instructions:
Stir ingredients with ice
Strain into glass
Garnish with orange peel
Cosmopolitan
Ingredients:
1 1/2 ounces citron vodka
3/4 ounce Cointreau
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 ounce cranberry juice cocktail
Instructions:
Shake ingredients with ice
Strain into a chilled glass
Garnish with a lime wedge
Daiquiri
Ingredients:
2 ounces light rum
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
3/4 ounce demerara sugar syrup
Instructions:
Shake ingredients with ice
Strain into a chilled glass
Garnish with a lime twist
Moscow Mule
Ingredients:
2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
3 ounces ginger beer
Instructions:
Add vodka and lime juice to glass
Top with ginger beer
Garnish with a lime wheel
Gin and Tonic
Ingredients:
2 ounces gin
4 ounces tonic water
Instructions:
Fill glass with ice and gin
Top with tonic water
Garnish with lime wheels or your choice of seasonal garnishes
Bloody Mary
Ingredients:
Celery salt
Lemon and lime wedges
2 ounces vodka
4 ounces tomato juice
Horseradish, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, and spices
Instructions:
Rim glass with celery salt
Combine ingredients with ice and stir
Garnish with parsley, green olives, lime, and celery stalk
Mastering these 10 popular drinks will not only impress your customers but also make your bartending experience more enjoyable. So, whether you’re mixing up drinks at a party or behind the bar, these classic and trendy cocktails are sure to be a hit. Cheers!
