Top 10 Cocktails Bartenders Love to Make and Why

The Timeless Craft of Bartending

Talk to any bartender about the top 10 cocktails bartenders love to make and you will likely be in for a long series of stories. Bartending has evolved into a revered art form over the past century. Legendary bartenders have shaped this craft, creating stories and recipes that stand the test of time. Their influence can be seen in bars around the world, where tradition meets innovation.

The Legends of Bartending

In the early 1900s, Jerry Thomas, known as the “Professor,” revolutionized bartending. His 1862 book, “How to Mix Drinks,” remains a cornerstone of cocktail culture. Thomas’s flamboyant style and creative drinks earned him fame and respect. One of his famous creations, the Blue Blazer, involved lighting whisky on fire and pouring it between two cups, captivating patrons and setting the bar for showmanship.

Harry Craddock, another iconic figure, brought American bartending flair to Europe during Prohibition. At London’s Savoy Hotel, he compiled “The Savoy Cocktail Book,” a collection of timeless recipes still used today. Craddock’s meticulous approach and dedication to the craft inspired countless bartenders, ensuring that classic cocktails like the Corpse Reviver No. 2 remained in the public consciousness.

The Evolution of the Craft

Over the past 100 years, bartending has continuously evolved. Prohibition in the 1920s forced bartenders to become creative, using whatever ingredients they could find. Speakeasies emerged, fostering a sense of mystery and exclusivity around cocktail culture. Bartenders became clandestine artists, crafting drinks that masked the harsh flavors of bootleg alcohol.

The mid-20th century saw a shift towards tiki culture, with bartenders like Donn Beach and Trader Vic pioneering tropical cocktails. Their imaginative creations, such as the Mai Tai and Zombie, introduced exotic flavors and elaborate garnishes, transforming the cocktail experience into a sensory adventure.

In recent decades, the craft cocktail movement has brought a renewed focus on quality ingredients and techniques. Modern bartenders, inspired by their predecessors, experiment with house-made bitters, infusions, and innovative presentations. This era has seen the rise of mixology, where bartenders are celebrated as culinary artists. Figures like Dale DeGroff, also known as “King Cocktail,” have been instrumental in this resurgence, advocating for fresh ingredients and classic recipes.

ALSO READ:

The Stories Behind the Bar

Every bar has its stories, and every bartender adds to the rich tapestry of cocktail history. For instance, at New York’s legendary Rainbow Room, barkeepers like Audrey Saunders have been celebrated for their meticulous craftsmanship and passion for perfection. Saunders’ creation, the Old Cuban, is a testament to the modern twist on classic techniques, combining aged rum, mint, champagne, and bitters.

In San Francisco, Tony Abou-Ganim, the “Modern Mixologist,” has pushed the boundaries of bartending. His dedication to education and innovation has influenced countless professionals in the industry. Abou-Ganim’s signature cocktail, the Cable Car, reflects his ability to blend tradition with contemporary flair.

A Continuing Legacy

The evolution of bartending is a testament to the creativity and resilience of those behind the bar. From the opulent hotel bars of the early 20th century to today’s trendy speakeasies and craft cocktail lounges, bartenders continue to innovate and inspire. Their stories, recipes, and techniques form the backbone of the cocktail world, making each drink a tribute to their enduring legacy.

In this article, we celebrate the top 10 cocktails bartenders love to make. Each drink tells a story, blending history with modern creativity. Join us as we explore these beloved cocktails, their origins, ingredients, and why bartenders across the globe enjoy crafting them.

1. Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange twist
• Ice

Mixing Instructions:

1. Muddle the sugar cube and bitters in a glass.
2. Add whiskey and ice.
3. Stir until well-chilled.
4. Garnish with an orange twist.

Origins: The Old Fashioned, created in the early 1800s, is one of the oldest known cocktails. It was originally called a whiskey cocktail, evolving into the Old Fashioned in the late 19th century. This cocktail’s simplicity and strong flavor make it a favorite among bartenders.

2. Margarita

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
• Salt
• Lime wedge
• Ice

Mixing Instructions:

1. Rim the glass with salt.
2. Shake tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau with ice.
3. Strain into a glass over ice.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Origins: The Margarita, originating in Mexico in the 1930s or 1940s, has become a worldwide favorite. Its refreshing mix of tequila, lime, and Cointreau creates a perfect balance. Bartenders love its versatility and the joy it brings to patrons.

3. Negroni

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Orange twist
• Ice

Mixing Instructions:

1. Combine gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a glass with ice.
2. Stir until well-chilled.
3. Garnish with an orange twist.

Origins: The Negroni, invented in Italy in the early 20th century, is beloved for its bitter and sweet balance. Count Camillo Negroni requested the cocktail, which led to its creation. Bartenders appreciate its complexity and elegance.

4. Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz ginger beer
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• Lime wedge
• Mint sprig
• Ice

Mixing Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
2. Add vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.
3. Stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.

Origins: The Moscow Mule was created in the 1940s by a vodka distributor and a ginger beer maker. The cocktail’s refreshing and spicy profile, combined with its distinctive copper mug, makes it a bartender favorite.

5. Mojito

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• 2 tsp sugar
• Mint leaves
• Soda water
• Lime wedge
• Ice

Mixing Instructions:

1. Muddle mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice in a glass.
2. Add rum and ice.
3. Top with soda water.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Origins: The Mojito, with Cuban origins, dates back to the 16th century. Its refreshing mix of rum, mint, lime, and sugar makes it popular. Bartenders enjoy its vibrant and refreshing taste.

6. Martini

Ingredients:

• 2.5 oz gin or vodka
• 0.5 oz dry vermouth
• Lemon twist or olive
• Ice

Mixing Instructions:

1. Combine gin or vodka and vermouth in a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled glass.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive.

Origins: The Martini, a classic cocktail with a debated origin, became popular in the early 20th century. Bartenders love its sophistication and the opportunity to customize it to patrons’ tastes.

7. Daiquiri

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• 0.75 oz simple syrup
• Lime twist
• Ice

Mixing Instructions:

1. Shake rum, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice.
2. Strain into a chilled glass.
3. Garnish with a lime twist.

Origins: The Daiquiri, created in Cuba in the early 1900s, is a favorite for its simplicity and refreshing taste. Bartenders appreciate its balance and the ability to highlight quality rum.

8. Whiskey Sour

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• Cherry and orange slice
• Ice

Mixing Instructions:

1. Shake bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
2. Strain into a glass over ice.
3. Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.

Origins: The Whiskey Sour, dating back to the mid-1800s, is a timeless favorite. Its mix of bourbon, lemon, and sugar creates a balanced and satisfying drink. Bartenders love its classic appeal.

9. Cosmopolitan

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz Cointreau
• Lime twist
• Ice

Mixing Instructions:

1. Shake vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and Cointreau with ice.
2. Strain into a chilled glass.
3. Garnish with a lime twist.

Origins: The Cosmopolitan, popularized in the 1990s, offers a stylish and vibrant option. Its blend of vodka, cranberry, lime, and Cointreau is enjoyed by bartenders for its modern flair.

10. Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Cherry
• Ice

Mixing Instructions:

1. Stir rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice.
2. Strain into a chilled glass.
3. Garnish with a cherry.

Origins: The Manhattan, originating in the late 1800s, remains a classic cocktail. Its robust mix of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, balanced with bitters, is a favorite. Bartenders appreciate its rich history and enduring popularity.

The Takeaway

Bartenders love these cocktails for their rich histories, balanced flavors, and the joy they bring to patrons. From the classic Old Fashioned to the vibrant Cosmopolitan, each drink offers a unique experience. By mastering these cocktails, bartenders connect with tradition and delight customers with timeless and refreshing flavors.