A bartender’s favorite cocktail recipe can be influenced by a number of factors such as how busy they are or the time in their shift. Bartenders have strong opinions about the drinks they craft. They love cocktails that showcase their skills but dislike ones that slow them down. This article surveys bartenders to reveal their favorite cocktails to make and the ones they dread.
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Trends that Influence Bartender Favorites
Trends in alcohol consumption have a significant impact on bartenders’ preferences when making cocktails. As certain spirits or styles of cocktails become more popular, bartenders must adapt to meet consumer demand. Here are some key ways these trends influence their preferences:
1. Rise in Craft Cocktails
- The trend toward craft and artisanal cocktails has made complex drinks more popular. Bartenders enjoy these drinks for the opportunity to showcase their creativity and skills. However, they may also find them frustrating if these orders dominate service, particularly in high-volume settings.
- Bartenders often prefer making these cocktails if the bar setup supports efficiency. For instance, having fresh ingredients pre-prepared or access to high-quality tools can make the process enjoyable.
2. Shift Towards Health-Conscious Drinking
- Health-conscious trends, such as low-calorie and low-alcohol cocktails, have influenced bartenders’ preferences. Simpler drinks, like vodka sodas or spritzers, are easier to make and preferred in busy settings.
- The preference for cocktails with natural ingredients, like fresh fruit or organic mixers, aligns well with bartenders who enjoy using quality ingredients. Still, the extra preparation can be cumbersome if these trends overwhelm orders.
3. Popularity of Premium Spirits
- The increased popularity of premium and aged spirits affects bartenders’ preferences. Serving a high-quality spirit neat or on the rocks is simpler and allows them to showcase the spirit’s natural flavor. However, when customers demand complex cocktails using premium spirits, bartenders may feel pressure to ensure the drink lives up to the spirit’s quality.
- Cocktails like Old Fashioneds or classic Martinis, which emphasize the quality of the spirit, are often preferred by bartenders for this reason.
4. Preference for Sustainability
- As sustainable and eco-friendly drinking habits grow, bartenders are drawn to making cocktails with minimal waste. This can include using all parts of a fruit or incorporating zero-waste practices.
- Bartenders who care about sustainability might prefer drinks that allow them to implement these practices. However, these cocktails often require careful planning and can add complexity to their workflow.
5. Demand for Customization
- The trend toward customized and personalized drinks can be a double-edged sword for bartenders. On one hand, it allows them to be creative. On the other hand, it may slow down service when customers make numerous specific requests.
- Bartenders might prefer making simple, classic cocktails that require less customization, especially during busy times.
6. Increase in Frozen and Blended Drinks
- Seasonal trends, such as the rise in demand for frozen or blended cocktails in summer, impact bartenders’ preferences. While these drinks are fun and popular, they require blenders and can slow down service. Bartenders may dislike them due to the noise and cleanup involved.
- However, in beach or resort settings, bartenders often enjoy the challenge of making these vibrant and visually appealing cocktails.
7. Advent of Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
- The rise of mocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails has created a new dimension in bartending. Bartenders who enjoy crafting flavor-forward beverages appreciate the challenge. But, some may dislike making these drinks if they require as much effort as alcoholic ones without the same perceived reward.
- Bars that embrace this trend often train bartenders to view non-alcoholic cocktails as an opportunity to engage with a broader customer base.
Bartenders’ preferences in making cocktails are heavily influenced by current alcohol consumption trends. They enjoy crafting drinks that align with popular demand but also value efficiency and creativity. A well-prepared bar setup and thoughtful menu design can make these trends more manageable and enjoyable for bartenders. Trends that push complexity can be stressful in high-volume settings, but they also allow bartenders to demonstrate their skills and passion for mixology.
Top Ten Bartender’s Favorite Cocktails to Make
Bartenders enjoy creating cocktails that highlight their technique while being simple enough to prepare quickly. Here are the favorites:
- Old Fashioned
- This timeless cocktail is a bartender’s favorite. The bourbon, sugar, and bitters blend is simple yet elegant. It also allows bartenders to get creative with bitters and garnishes.
- Margarita
- Bartenders love making Margaritas because they require precision. Balancing tequila, lime, and Cointreau is rewarding, especially with a salted rim.
- Negroni
- The Negroni is loved for its three simple ingredients: gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Bartenders find the balance satisfying.
- Whiskey Sour
- A Whiskey Sour, especially one with egg white, lets bartenders show off their skill. The frothy texture and tart flavor make it fun to prepare.
- Daiquiri
- The simplicity of rum, lime, and sugar makes the Daiquiri a favorite. When made correctly, it showcases the bartender’s precision.
- Martini
- Whether gin or vodka, the Martini tests a bartender’s technique. Achieving the perfect dilution and temperature is crucial.
- Moscow Mule
- Bartenders enjoy the Moscow Mule because of its straightforward preparation. Vodka, ginger beer, and lime are simple yet refreshing.
- Sazerac
- This New Orleans classic is beloved. The absinthe rinse and the careful balance of rye and bitters make it a bartender’s delight.
- Espresso Martini
- Bartenders appreciate the espresso martini for its energy-boosting qualities. Crafting the perfect frothy top is satisfying.
- Tom Collins
- Refreshing and easy to make, the Tom Collins gives bartenders room to experiment with different gins and flavors.
Top Ten Least Favorite Cocktails to Make
On the other hand, some drinks irritate bartenders due to their complexity or the mess they create:
- Mojito
- The Mojito involves muddling fresh mint, which slows down service. Bartenders dislike this drink during busy shifts.
- Bloody Mary
- Bartenders dread making Bloody Marys because of the many ingredients and garnishes involved. Cleaning up tomato juice adds to the frustration.
- Piña Colada
- This cocktail requires a blender and fresh ingredients, which make it a hassle. Bartenders dislike the cleanup involved.
- Mai Tai
- Mai Tais use multiple rums, lime, and orgeat syrup. The preparation is time-consuming and disrupts the bar flow.
- Long Island Iced Tea
- Bartenders dislike this cocktail because of the five different liquors required. It’s a complicated and time-consuming drink.
- Ramos Gin Fizz
- The Ramos Gin Fizz requires over a minute of shaking to achieve the right foam. Bartenders find it exhausting.
- Mint Julep
- Similar to the Mojito, the Mint Julep involves muddling mint and using crushed ice. It slows down service.
- Brandy Alexander
- Bartenders dislike this cocktail because it uses cream, brandy, and grated nutmeg, adding unnecessary steps.
- Caipirinha
- The Caipirinha involves muddling limes and sugar. It’s messy and requires time, which bartenders dislike during a rush.
- Irish Coffee
- Dealing with hot coffee and cream late at night frustrates bartenders. Getting the cream to float perfectly is challenging.
The Takeaway
Knowing a bartender’s favorite cocktails to make and the ones they avoid can improve your bar experience. If you want a happy bartender, consider these preferences when ordering your next drink.
