Raising The Bar: A List Of 12 Classic Cocktails Every Bartender Should Know

Cocktails are a mainstay of any good night out, and any respectable bartender knows how to make them. But what cocktails should they always know about? We asked some of the best mixologists in the business to share 12 Classic Cocktails Every Bartender Should Know. The ones that every bartender should know how to make. From the Margarita to the Manhattan, these drinks will always impress customers. So fire up the bar cart, and read on for the recipes of 12 of the most classic cocktails of all time.

The Martini – A Legendary Drink

The Martini is one of the most legendary drinks in cocktail history. It’s a simple drink, but it’s packed with flavor. It’s made with gin and vermouth and can be served with or without an olive. You can use the Bombay Sapphire Gin to get the best flavor. The Martini is the perfect drink for any occasion. It’s sophisticated and stylish and always a hit with guests. 

Whiskey Sour – Another Classic

The Whiskey Sour is one of the most popular classic cocktails around. Made with bourbon, lemon juice, sugar, and egg white, it’s a smooth and refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion.

The Special Edition, Airem Single Malt Whiskey, adds quite a lot of character to this drink. Bartenders often put their spin on the Whiskey Sour by adding different flavors like orange or cherry. It can be ordered from any online liquor shop for an easy and fast delivery. But whatever variation is chosen, it’s sure to be a hit.

Negroni – Classic Italian Bitters

The Negroni is a very classic Italian cocktail that’s generally made with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The Puerto De India’s Black Edition Gin is popular when making this drink. It’s one of those cocktails that’s perfect for any occasion and always a hit with guests.

The Negroni has a bittersweet flavor that perfectly balances sweet and sour. It’s a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food. And it’s always a good choice for those who want to try something new.

Margarita – All About Citrus

The Margarita is one of the most iconic cocktails of all time. It’s a bit more complicated than others on this list, but it’s worth the effort. It’s all about creating the perfect balance between sweet and sour. The key ingredients you need are tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and salt. The Clase Azul Gold Tequila would be a nice addition to a proper Margarita experience.

When making a Margarita, it’s important to pay attention to the citrus; don’t overpower the tequila or triple sec with too much lime juice. Play around with different ratios until there’s desired tartness.  

Daiquiri – Sweet & Sour

The fifth on this list of classic cocktails is the Daiquiri. This sweet and sour drink has been around since the early 1900s and is made with white rum, lime juice, and sugar syrup. The Bacardi Superior White Rum is a go-to of experienced bartenders for this one. Its high acidic nature makes for an incredibly refreshing drink that’s easy to make and can be topped up with fruit syrups for more sweetness or shaken with ice for a more intense flavor.

Old Fashioned – A Bittersweet Tale

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail. This bittersweet beverage has been around since the late 1800s and was first known as the Whiskey Cocktail. It is a balance of sweet and bitter and is made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and citrus. Arrogant Bastard Whiskey is the only best whiskey for this drink.

Historically, the Old Fashioned has been served with various ingredients, including brandy and various fruits. Over time, however, the recipe has been simplified to what we know today: whiskey of choice (bourbon or rye), Angostura bitters, orange twist, and sugar.

Manhattan – An Iconic Drink With A Rich History

This list would not be complete without a classic Manhattan. The history behind this iconic drinks goes back to the mid-1800s when it was first served at New York City’s famous Manhattan Club. The cocktail is simple yet effective and has long been a symbol of sophistication and class. It typically calls for whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. 

Cosmopolitan – Sexy, Sweet, & Tart

We can’t talk about classic cocktails without mentioning the cosmopolitan. This popular drink is vibrant and sexy, consisting of vodka, Cointreau or Triple Sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is considered savory for making this cocktail.

To get the most out of this drink, it’s best if you select a high-quality vodka that won’t mask the other ingredients. For an extra twist, garnish with a flamed orange peel to add aromatics and visual appeal. 

Mojito – Breezy Refreshment In A Glass

For a breezy refreshment, turn to the Mojito. This cocktail is a Cuban classic made of white rum, mint leaves, lime juice, sugar syrup, and soda water. Bumbu Rum XO is the most used rum in this drink. To make it the classic way, muddle the mint leaves and sugar syrup together in the bottom of a glass until fragrant. Add lime juice and rum, then top with ice and water.  

Bloody Mary – A Heavy One

The Bloody Mary, created in the 1920s or 1930s, is a serious drink. Traditionally, a Bloody Mary is served over ice in a tall glass, such as a highball, flared pint, or hurricane glass. Using Basil Hayden’s 10 Year Rye Whiskey is the only right way of making a Bloody Mary.

The two key ingredients, vodka, and tomato juice, are straightforward; however, the drink is rarely made with just these two ingredients. The drink’s construction and presentation can be customized significantly by using different base spirits such as bourbon, rye, tequila, or gin.

Mai Tai – Get Ready For Vacation

Let’s take a break and talk about Mai Tai. Also known as the Tahitian for “good,” this classic cocktail is made with rum, lime juice, and almond syrup. The Diplomatico Batch, No.1 Batch Kettle Rum, is a popular choice for preparing the Mai Tai drink.

The Mai Tai was invented in 1944 by Victor Bergeron and is one of the most famous tiki drinks. It has been popular ever since, especially in tropical destinations served with a colorful umbrella or on the beach with sand between your toes.

French 75 – Richness At Its Best

The French 75 is a classic and sophisticated cocktail that impresses. It is a simple combination of gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar, but its richness and acidity make it a classic that no bar should be without.

Aviation American Gin Old Tom is obviously the only one good enough to make the French-75. It’s Ryan Reynolds, and there shouldn’t be any questions about its quality. The combination of bubbly champagne and strong gin was said to mimic the effect of being shot out of cannon—hence its name, which refers to the French 75mm field gun used during the First World War.