Table of Contents
- Guidelines for Using this Bartender Drinks List
- Margaritas:
- Martini:
- Old Fashioned:
- Mimosa:
- Negroni:
- Whiskey Sour:
- Moscow Mule:
- Paloma:
- Piña Colada:
- Dark ‘n’ Stormy:
Step into the glamorous world of bartending, where the life of a professional bartender resembles that of a celebrity—filled with parties, music, cocktails, people, scandals, secrets, and, of course, the occasional hangover. It’s a place where doors swing open to opportunity, and valuable contacts are made across varied industries. However, obtaining this rank is no cakewalk; it involves hard effort, dedication, and a commitment to studying the art of being a good bartender.
Being a skilled bartender exceeds basic knowledge of popular drinks or the myriad spirits and liqueurs that line the bar shelves. It’s a subtle blend of qualities, with two important elements sticking out: great customer service and an unwaveringly cheerful mindset. The core of bartending resides in addressing the essential demands of the consumer, a truth mirrored in every strategically planned bar, pub, wine bar, cocktail bar, sports club, and nightclub.
The perception of a place rests on the caliber of its bartenders. Below-average service reflects poorly on a bar, while quality, exceptional service, and thought leadership can launch an establishment to success. The world’s most recognised bars understand this, paying heavily in employing the ‘world’s greatest’ bartenders who possess the precise attributes to attract consumers.
For those hoping to join the rank of expert cocktail barman or seeking to better their talents, our meticulously chosen collection of bartender drink recipes is your passport to mastery. We’ve scoured the realm of cocktails, interviewing seasoned bartenders, exploring bustling venues and distilled the essence of mixology into an epic compilation of 18 must-master drinks.
Guidelines for Using this Bartender Drinks List
Bartenders worldwide employ varied measurement systems. In the United States, 1 shot equals 1 oz, in the UK it’s 25ml, in Australia it’s 30ml, and in France, it’s 40ml. The diversity can indeed be perplexing!
In this bartender drinks inventory, some terms lack standardization or might be vague. To ensure consistency, here’s our clarification for specific units of measurement or terms:
- Shot: 1.5 oz. (Note: A fifth of alcohol, the standard liquor bottle size, typically contains about 17 shooters.)
- Dash: Approximately 10 solitary drops
- Pinch: The quantity that fits between your thumb and index finger
- Top with: Fill the remaining volume of the glass with
- Zest: Scrape the pigmented fruit skin off, leaving behind the white pith
- Twist: A thin piece of skin from a citrus fruit, twisted over and into a cocktail (usually left in the cocktail or on the rim of the glassware)
Margaritas:
Margaritas are celebrated for their zesty and invigorating flavor. Widely enjoyed across Canada, these cocktails bring a tangy delight, particularly favored during warm summers or alongside Mexican cuisine. For bartenders, mastering the art of crafting margaritas is essential, especially during bustling hours when they’re in high demand. It’s also an excellent opportunity to enhance customer experiences.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons tequila
- 1 oz. Cointreau
- 1 oz. citrus juice
- 1 lime wedge
- 1 sprinkle of salt (for a salted rim)
How to Make a Margarita:
- Rim the glass with salt and fill it with ice.
- Combine tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and ice in a shaker. Shake well.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish with a citrus slice.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Margarita:
- Always shake, not stir, a margarita.
- Opt for 100% agave tequila to capture an authentic flavor.
Martini:
Recognizable by their V-shaped Martini glasses, Martinis exude elegance and sophistication. They’re associated with luxury and hold a significant place in Canadian cocktail preferences. Though not as dominant as in some other regions, Martinis are still highly regarded in Canadian nocturnal settings. Originating in 1863, the Martini carries an effortless allure, perfect for the evening hours.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz. gin
- 1.5 oz. dry vermouth
- 1 speared olive or lemon twist
How to Make a Martini:
- Pour gin and vermouth into a shaker with ice, then stir.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with an olive or lemon twist.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Martini:
- Chill martini glassware in the freezer for an optimal serving experience.
- Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds.
- Cut the lemon twist over the martini glass to capture any falling zest.
Old Fashioned:
The Old Fashioned stands as a timeless classic, dating back to a simpler era of cocktail crafting. Though originally made with bourbon, brandy, or rye, this cocktail has retained its charm over time and holds a place of honor in Canadian cocktail preferences.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. bourbon spirit
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 orange sliver or cherry
How to Make an Old Fashioned:
- Place a sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and saturate it with bitters.
- Add a teaspoon of water and muddle until the sugar dissolves.
- Fill the glass with ice and pour in the whiskey.
- Garnish with an orange slice or cherry.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Old Fashioned:
- While bourbon is traditional, rye whiskey, scotch, or brandy can offer distinct flavor profiles.
- If lacking sugar cubes, replace them with 0.75 oz. of simple syrup.
Mimosa:
A Mimosa, a brunch favorite, offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. In Canada, it holds a special place as the 4th most popular cocktail, often enjoyed during morning and afternoon gatherings. Its origins may vary, but its refreshing appeal remains consistent.
Ingredients:
- 2.5 oz. Champagne or sparkling wine
- 2.5 oz. citrus juice
- 1 citrus slice
How to Make a Mimosa:
- Pour Champagne into a flute glass.
- Add citrus juice.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Mimosa:
- Opt for dry sparkling wine with sweeter fresh-squeezed orange juice, or select sweeter sparkling wine when using acidic orange juice from concentrate.
- When preparing pitchers, avoid premixing too far in advance to retain carbonation—aim for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best effervescence.
Negroni:
A Negroni, a staple in the world of mixology, boasts a perfect blend of bitterness and herbaceousness. Known for its strong flavors, it’s a drink that holds a significant place in Canada’s cocktail scene.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. gin
- 1 oz. Campari
- 1 oz. sweet vermouth
- 1 orange twist
How to Make a Negroni:
- Combine gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Negroni:
- Adjust the ratio of ingredients to suit personal taste preferences.
- For a smoother flavor profile, try using aged gin or different types of vermouth.
Whiskey Sour:
The Whiskey Sour, a timeless classic, offers a harmonious balance of sweetness and tanginess. It’s a well-loved cocktail appreciated by Canadian whiskey enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. whiskey
- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. simple syrup
- 1 cherry or lemon wedge
How to Make a Whiskey Sour:
- Combine whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a cherry or lemon wedge.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Whiskey Sour:
- Experiment with different types of whiskey to explore diverse flavor profiles.
- For a frothier texture, try dry shaking (shaking without ice) the ingredients before adding ice and shaking again.
Moscow Mule:
The Moscow Mule, with its refreshing ginger kick, has gained popularity in Canada for its invigorating taste and iconic copper mug presentation.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. vodka
- ½ oz. fresh lime juice
- 4-6 oz. ginger beer
- 1 lime wedge
How to Make a Moscow Mule:
- Pour vodka and lime juice into a copper mug filled with ice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Moscow Mule:
- Choose high-quality ginger beer for a more intense and authentic flavor.
- Experiment with flavored vodkas or add muddled fruit for a unique twist.
Paloma:
The Paloma, a beloved tequila-based cocktail, brings a refreshing citrusy zing and is gaining popularity in Canada’s cocktail culture.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. tequila
- ½ oz. fresh lime juice
- Grapefruit soda
- 1 grapefruit wedge
How to Make a Paloma:
- Combine tequila and lime juice in a highball glass with ice.
- Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Paloma:
- Use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice as an alternative to grapefruit soda for a more authentic taste.
- Experiment with different types of tequila for varying flavor nuances.
Piña Colada:
The Piña Colada, a tropical delight, evokes images of sandy beaches and sunny vacations. It’s a popular choice among Canadians seeking a taste of the tropics.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. rum
- 2 oz. coconut cream
- 2 oz. pineapple juice
- Pineapple wedge and cherry
How to Make a Piña Colada:
- Blend rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice with ice until smooth.
- Pour into a hurricane glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Piña Colada:
- Use coconut milk or coconut milk mixed with cream of coconut for a lighter version.
- Experiment with different rums to find the perfect balance of flavors.
Dark ‘n’ Stormy:
The Dark ‘n’ Stormy, characterized by its bold ginger flavor, is a simple yet striking cocktail favored by Canadians who appreciate a potent yet refreshing drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. dark rum
- 3-4 oz. ginger beer
- Lime wedge
How to Make a Dark ‘n’ Stormy:
- Pour dark rum over ice in a highball glass.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Dark ‘n’ Stormy:
- Opt for high-quality ginger beer to enhance the drink’s overall taste and aroma.
- Adjust the ginger beer-to-rum ratio according to personal preference for sweetness and potency.
