10 Classic Cocktail Recipes Every Bartender Should Know
Hey there, people! Do you want to learn about the classic cocktail recipes? In the world of mixology, traditional classic drinks hold a special place in the hearts of people. No matter how many innovative cocktails are created, the classics are always preferred by people. These cocktail recipes are sure to enhance your cocktail-making skills. So what is the wait about? Let’s discover more about the ten must-try classic cocktail recipes every home bartender should know.
10 Classic Cocktail Recipes For Home Bartenders
1. Old Fashioned
A classic drink that remained to be favourite among people for a long time. The Old Fashioned is an elegant cocktail made with bourbon or rye whisky. You would prefer sipping on this drink on a chilling winter night. In addition, the orange or lemon peel used to garnish the drink adds zest to this classic refreshing cocktail.
Here’s the recipe for this classic cocktail:
- In a glass, muddle 1 teaspoon of sugar and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Pour 60 ml of bourbon or rye whisky into it and stir.
- Strain the mixture into a rock glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a slice of orange or lemon.
2. Martini
It is a traditional and well-known cocktail known for its grace and simplicity. Gin is the base spirit here. A well-known variant of this is the vodka martini where vodka is used instead of gin. Use high-quality spirits and ingredients to improve the taste of your martini. If you are in the mood of having a smooth drink that has a hint of herbal notes, Martini cocktails are the best choice.
Here’s the recipe for this classic cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, pour 74 ml of gin or vodka, 45 ml of dry vermouth, and ice.
- Shake vigorously and pour the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel or olives.
3. Margarita
Whether to go to a party night or relax by a pool, every sip of the margarita cocktail will make your experience more incredible. It is a well-known cocktail made with tequila that gives tart and refreshing flavours. Margarita cocktails come in many distinct flavours. So enjoy every bit of them.
Here’s the recipe for this classic cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, pour 60 ml of tequila, 30 ml of triple sec, 22 ml of lime juice, and ice.
- Shake the mixture for about 10-15 seconds until chilled.
- Strain and pour the mixture into a rimmed glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
4. Mojito
This refreshing drink will surely quench your thirst on a sunny day. Mint, lime, and rum make this drink a delicious option. You can modify the flavours of the drink according to your preference. This is a must-know cocktail recipe for every home bartender so that they can offer the best classic cocktail on a sunny day.
Here’s the recipe for this classic cocktail:
- In a tall glass, muddle 1 teaspoon of sugar and 3 sprigs of fresh mint.
- Pour 60 ml of white rum, 22 ml of lime juice, and ice into the glass and gently stir.
- Add top-up with soda water.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.
5. Negroni
The Negroni is a traditional Italian cocktail that is popular all across the globe. This tasty cocktail mixes gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth equally. Negroni cocktail is a delicious balance of bitterness, sweetness, and herbal flavours. Knowing to craft this drink adds elegance to a home bartender's drink-making abilities.
Here’s the recipe for this classic cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, pour 25 ml of gin, 25 ml of sweet vermouth, 25 ml of Campari, and ice.
- Shake well until the drink is chilled.
- Pour the drink into a tall glass and garnish it with a slice of orange.
6. Daiquiri
To transport your customers to a tropical paradise every bartender should know to make this mouth-watering classic daiquiri cocktail. The perfect harmony of sweetness, smoothness, and spicy flavours can be found in this drink. Thanks to the white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup used to make this cocktail, it offers a cool beverage on a warm day.
Here’s the recipe for this classic cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, pour 45 ml of white rum, 22 ml of lime juice, 22 ml of simple syrup, and ice.
- Shake the mixture well and pour it into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a peel of lemon.
7. Whiskey Sour
A classic cocktail recognised for its sweet and sour flavour is the Whisky Sour. The taste of this amazing drink is balanced by the richness of the whisky in combination with lemon juice and simple syrup. Home bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts can surely impress whisky lovers by offering this classic drink to them.
Here’s the recipe for this classic cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, pour 60 ml of bourbon, 22 ml of lemon juice, 15 ml of simple syrup, and 15 ml of egg white and dry shake the mixture for 30 seconds.
- Further, add ice to the mixture and shake it for another 10 seconds.
- Pour the mixture into a rock glass and garnish with Angostura bitters.
8. Piña Colada
Piña Colada is an exotic drink that originated in Puerto Rico and has gained popularity all over the world. It is a popular beverage among many people. The combination of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice in this refreshing cocktail recipe makes it ideal for unwinding.
Here’s the recipe for this classic cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, pour 60 ml of light rum, 45 ml of coconut cream, 45 ml of pineapple juice, 15 ml of lime juice, and ice.
- Shake the mixture well and transfer it into a glass.
- Add crushed ice on top of it.
- Garnish with a cherry or a slice of pineapple.
9. Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a savoury cocktail with a subtle flavour. Vodka, tomato juice, and a variety of seasonings and spices are used in this cocktail. This cocktail has a lovely appearance thanks to the garnishing elements. This is a must-know cocktail recipe because this drink offers a ride of exotic flavours with every sip.
Here’s the recipe for this classic cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, pour 60 ml of vodka and 120 ml of tomato juice.
- Further add 2 teaspoons of horseradish, 2 dashes of Tabasco sauce, 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce, 1 pinch of black pepper and smoked paprika into the cocktail shaker and shake gently.
- Strain the mixture into a rimmed glass
- Garnish it with a slice of lemon or a parsley sprig and olives.
10. Sazerac
New Orleans is known for having a rich history. This classic cocktail originated from there and is known for having bold and complex flavours. This is a whisky-based cocktail making it perfect to sip on a cold freezing night. A bartender should know to make this true masterpiece because of its rich flavours.
Here’s the recipe for this classic cocktail:
- In a mixing glass, muddle a sugar cube with 3 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters.
- Pour 60 ml of rye whisky into the glass and stir.
- Take a chilled old-fashioned glass, swirl the glass with 7 ml of absinthe and discard the liquid.
- Now pour the mixture into the glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
To be an experienced and talented mixologist, you will have to master the art of making these cocktails and serving and satisfying the cravings of your customers. With these 10 classic cocktails recipes, you can elevate your cocktail-making skills. Cheers to bartending!
