11 Bartending Drinks You Should Know

Bartending is more than just mixing drinks; it’s an art form, a skill that requires knowledge, creativity, and precision. Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or just starting out, there are certain drinks that every bartender should know how to make. From classic cocktails to trendy concoctions, mastering these 11 drinks will impress your patrons and elevate your bartending game.

  1. Old Fashioned
  • A true classic, the Old Fashioned is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that dates back to the 19th century. Made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus, it’s a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.
    Recipe:
    • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
    • 1 sugar cube
    • 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
    • Orange twist, for garnish

  1. Martini
  • Another iconic cocktail, the Martini is synonymous with elegance and refinement. Made with gin and vermouth, garnished with an olive or lemon twist, it’s a drink that epitomizes sophistication.
    Recipe:
    • 2 1/2 oz gin or vodka
    • 1/2 oz dry vermouth
    • Lemon twist or olive, for garnish
  1. Margarita
  • No list of essential bartending drinks would be complete without the Margarita. This refreshing cocktail, made with tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, is a perennial favorite, perfect for any occasion.
    Recipe:
    • 2 oz tequila
    • 1 oz triple sec
    • 1 oz fresh lime juice
    • Salt (optional), for rimming
    • Lime wedge, for garnish

Read What Do Bartenders Use To Mix Drinks

  1. Mojito
  • Originating from Cuba, the Mojito is a refreshing and minty cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather. Made with rum, mint, lime juice, sugar, and soda water, it’s a delightful blend of flavors that’s sure to please.
    Recipe:
    • 2 oz white rum
    • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
    • 1/2 oz simple syrup
    • 6-8 fresh mint leaves
    • Soda water
    • Mint sprig and lime wedge, for garnish

  1. Manhattan
  • A cocktail with a rich history, the Manhattan is a bold and complex drink made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Garnished with a cherry, it’s a sophisticated choice for whiskey lovers.
    Recipe:
    • 2 oz rye whiskey
    • 1 oz sweet vermouth
    • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
    • Maraschino cherry, for garnish
  1. Cosmopolitan
  • Popularized by the television show “Sex and the City,” the Cosmopolitan is a vibrant and fruity cocktail made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. It’s a fun and flirty drink that’s perfect for a girls’ night out.
    Recipe:
    • 1 1/2 oz vodka
    • 1 oz triple sec
    • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
    • 1/2 oz cranberry juice
    • Lime twist, for garnish
  1. Daiquiri
  • Simple yet delicious, the Daiquiri is a classic rum cocktail that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Made with rum, lime juice, and simple syrup, it’s a refreshing option for any occasion.
    Recipe:
    • 2 oz white rum
    • 1 oz fresh lime juice
    • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  1. Negroni
  • A drink with Italian roots, the Negroni is a bittersweet cocktail made with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. It’s a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate complex flavors.
    Recipe:
    • 1 oz gin
    • 1 oz Campari
    • 1 oz sweet vermouth
    • Orange twist, for garnish
  1. Moscow Mule
  • Served in a distinctive copper mug, the Moscow Mule is a refreshing and zesty cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. It’s a popular choice for its crisp and tangy taste.
    Recipe:
    • 2 oz vodka
    • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
    • Ginger beer
    • Lime wedge, for garnish
  1. Mai Tai
  • Transport yourself to the tropics with a Mai Tai, a fruity and exotic cocktail made with rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange liqueur. Garnished with a cherry and a pineapple wedge, it’s a taste of paradise in a glass.
    Recipe:
    • 1 1/2 oz white rum
    • 1/2 oz dark rum
    • 1/2 oz triple sec
    • 3/4 oz lime juice
    • 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
    • 1/2 oz simple syrup
    • Pineapple wedge and cherry, for garnish
  1. Whiskey Sour
  • Last but not least, the Whiskey Sour is a timeless cocktail made with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. It’s a balanced blend of sweet and sour flavors that’s sure to please any palate.
    Recipe:
    • 2 oz whiskey
    • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
    • 1/2 oz simple syrup
    • Lemon slice and cherry, for garnish

Mastering these 11 bartending drinks will not only impress your customers but also showcase your skills as a bartender. So grab your shaker, stock up on ingredients, and start mixing up these classic cocktails today!