Popular Cocktails Every Bartenders Should Know

Bartending is a fast-paced gig that offers the opportunity to meet new people, earn tips, and channel some creativity.

If you haven’t worked behind a bar before, it might seem intimidating. There's a lot to learn when you're starting out -- the names of the liquors behind the bar, the rules for the perfect pour, and the precise measurements to make the right cocktail. 

In this blog, we’ll outline how to become a bartender and explore the most popular cocktails bartenders should know how to make.

Let’s get started!

How to Become a Bartender

Before we dive into some of the most common bartender recipes, you might be wondering how to become a bartender. 

Although not required, attending bartending school is a great way to get comprehensive training before diving into a bartending gig. Bartending schools provide an overview of bar setup, equipment, glassware, cleaning, and popular bartender drinks. 

When it comes to alcohol, rules and regulations vary by state. Currently, approximately half of the U.S. states do not require a bartending license or bartender certification; however, some establishments may mandate alcohol training for insurance liability purposes.

The age to become a bartender varies from 18 years old to 21 years old by state; however, Maine allows anyone 17 and older to bartend.

Popular Bartender Recipes to Know

Bartending is a unique gig as each bar has its own menu of mixed drinks, classic cocktails, and drinks on tap. 

Learning popular drink recipes is a great way to prepare for any bartending job. Here are some classic cocktails to get started with!

Aperol Spritz

• 3 ounces Aperol
• 3 ounces Prosecco
• 1 ounce of soda water
• Orange slice for garnish

Best served in a wine glass.

Bloody Mary

• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ¾ cup of spicy tomato-vegetable juice
• 1 ounce of vodka
• 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 dash of hot pepper sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 celery stalk for garnish

Best served in a highball glass.

Cosmopolitan

• 1.5 ounces of vodka
• ¼ ounce of lime juice
• ¼ ounce of triple sec
• ¼ ounce of cranberry juice
• 1 cup of ice
• Lime wedge for garnish

Best served in a martini glass. 

Daiquiri

• 2 ounces of light rum
• 1 ounce of lime juice
• ½ ounce of simple syrup

Best served in a coupe or martini glass.

Espresso Martini

• 2 ounces of vodka
• ½ ounce of coffee liqueur
• 1 ounce of espresso or cold brew concentrate
• ½ ounce of simple syrup
• 2 to 3 espresso or coffee beans for garnish

Best served in a coupe glass. 

Gin and Tonic

• 2 ounces of gin
• 4 ounces of tonic water
• Lime wedge for garnish

Best served in a high-ball glass.

Long Island Iced Tea

• ¾ ounce of vodka
• ¾ ounce of white rum
• ¾ ounce of silver tequila
• ¾ ounce of gin
• ¾ ounce of simple syrup
• ¾ ounce of lemon juice
• 1 ounce of cola
• Lemon twist or wedge for garnish

Best served in a highball glass.

Manhattan

• 2 ounces of rye whiskey
• 1 ounce of sweet vermouth 
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters 
• 1 cherry for garnish

Best served in a martini glass.

Margarita

• 2 ounces of blanco tequila
• ½ ounce of orange liqueur
• 1 ounce of lime juice
• ½ ounce of agave syrup
• Lime wedge for garnish 

Best served in a margarita or rocks glass.

Martini

• 2 ounces of dry gin or vodka
• 1 ounce of dry vermouth

Best served in a martini glass.

Mojito

• 2 ounces of white rum
• 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
• ½ ounce of simple syrup
• Soda water
• Lime slices for garnish
• Mint leaves

Best served in a highball glass.

Moscow Mule 

• 1.5 ounces of vodka
• ½ ounce of lime juice
• ½ cup of ginger beer
• Lime wedge

Best served in a copper mug.

Negroni 

• 1 ounce of gin
• 1 ounce of Campari
• 1 ounce of sweet vermouth
• Orange peel for garnish

Best served in a rocks glass. 

Old Fashion

• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 teaspoon of water
• 2 ounces of bourbon 
• Orange twist for garnish

Best served in a rocks glass.

Whiskey Sour

• 2 ounces of bourbon
• ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice
• ¾ ounce of simple syrup
• Orange wheel for garnish
• Cherry for garnish

Best served in a sour glass.

Explore Flexible Bartending Shifts

While each bar might have their own unique cocktail menu, these are standard drinks that you’ll encounter on a regular basis. Practice makes perfect and before you know it, you’ll be making these drinks with your eyes closed! 

Bartending is a great way to meet new people, earn some extra income, and immerse yourself in the ins and outs of the food and beverage industry. If you’re interested in exploring bartending shifts at local restaurants and bars, events, or country clubs with a flexible work schedule, check out shiftNOW!

shiftNOW connects individuals seeking one-time, part-time, and full-time work to open hospitality shifts in their area. And if bartending turns out not to be the right fit for you, shiftNOW can connect you to additional front and back-of-house shifts that better suit your interests or experience. 

About shiftNOW

shiftNOW connects hospitality’s finest brands to quality talent. Founded in 2022, we provide a flexible solution to the hospitality industry’s toughest problem - talent.

From one-time, recurring, or temp-to-hire shift work, shiftNOW enables businesses to easily control how they resource their business and provides top-tier shift workers with an easy way to make money on their own terms. The right worker. The right shift. Right NOW.