10 Cocktails Every Bartender Should Know 🍸 | Easy, Classic, Essential

Summary

In this video, the home bartender walks viewers through the top 10 essential cocktails every home bar should have, plus a bonus 11th cocktail. The list includes classics like the Old Fashioned, Martini, Manhattan, and Margarita, along with lesser-known but equally beloved drinks like the Negroni, Daiquiri, and Mojito. Each recipe is detailed with tips on ingredients, techniques, and personal preferences, giving both beginners and seasoned bartenders the tools to make perfect cocktails. Whether you prefer whiskey, rum, gin, or tequila, there's something for everyone in this must-know cocktail roundup.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Old Fashioned is a quintessential cocktail that showcases the whiskey's flavor, with simple syrup or sugar cube and bitters accentuating the spirit.
• 😀 A classic martini should be made with gin, not vodka, and should feature a 2:1 ratio of gin to vermouth for balance.
• 😀 The Manhattan is a timeless cocktail with a simple 2:1 ratio of whiskey to sweet vermouth, enhanced with bitters and garnished with a cherry.
• 😀 Negronis are an acquired taste but become addictive once you get used to the bitter flavors. A classic equal-parts mix of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
• 😀 The classic Daiquiri uses just rum, simple syrup, and lime juice, with the balance between sweetness and tartness crucial for its refreshing taste.
• 😀 Margaritas can be made with any tequila, but reposado tequila is preferred for its depth of flavor. Orange liqueur and lime juice complete the mix.
• 😀 Whiskey Sours include egg white for a frothy texture, enhancing the drink's mouthfeel while keeping the balance of sweetness and tartness.
• 😀 The Mojito is a refreshing summer cocktail made with rum, mint, lime, and soda water, perfect for variations like a strawberry mojito or gin mojito.
• 😀 Moscow Mules are made with vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer, but switching vodka for mezcal adds a smoky depth to the drink.
• 😀 Espresso Martinis combine coffee, vodka, and coffee liqueur for a rich, energizing drink, with variations using Irish whiskey adding more flavor complexity.

Q & A

What is the main difference between using simple syrup and a sugar cube in an Old Fashioned?

The main difference is in preparation speed. Using simple syrup is quicker as it dissolves instantly, while a sugar cube takes longer to dissolve and can result in the drink becoming sweeter as you reach the bottom.

Can you use vodka instead of gin in a martini?

While it's technically possible, the script emphasizes that a martini should be made with gin. Vodka lacks the distinctive herbal flavor that gin provides, which is why gin is preferred for the authentic taste of a martini.

What makes the Manhattan different from the Martini in terms of ingredients and flavor?

The Manhattan uses whiskey (usually rye), sweet vermouth, and bitters, giving it a rich, warming flavor with a slight sweetness. The Martini, on the other hand, uses gin (or vodka), dry vermouth, and bitters, making it more herbal and drier in taste.

What is the primary reason people may struggle with their first Negroni?

The Negroni has a very strong, bitter flavor due to the Campari, which can be challenging for first-timers. The script suggests pushing through that initial bitterness to appreciate the complex flavors that develop over time.

How does the use of different types of rum affect a classic daiquiri?

The type of rum used in a daiquiri significantly influences its flavor. The script suggests that using a white rum will result in a lighter, crisper drink, while darker rums can add richness and depth. The choice of rum can highlight different characteristics of the cocktail.

What are some variations of the classic margarita?

Aside from using different types of tequila, you can alter the sweetness level by adding agave syrup or simple syrup. The script also mentions the Tommy's Margarita, which uses agave syrup instead of triple sec. Another variation includes using Grand Marnier instead of Cointreau.

Why is it important to rim the glass with salt only on the outside for a margarita?

Rimming the glass with salt only on the outside ensures that the salt enhances the tequila flavor without making the entire drink too salty. The script highlights that sipping from both sides of the glass prevents the salt from overwhelming the cocktail.

What role does egg white play in a whiskey sour?

Egg white in a whiskey sour creates a frothy texture and a smooth mouthfeel, enhancing the drinking experience. It doesn't affect the flavor directly but improves the drink's appearance and texture, making it more pleasant to sip.

What is the difference between a classic mojito and its variations like the strawberry or gin mojito?

The classic mojito uses rum, mint, lime juice, and simple syrup. Variations such as the strawberry mojito incorporate fresh strawberries for a fruity twist, while a gin mojito swaps out rum for gin, offering a different flavor profile but maintaining the refreshing minty, citrusy characteristics.

Why does the script suggest using mezcal instead of vodka in a Moscow mule?

Mezcal adds a smoky, earthy flavor to the Moscow Mule, creating a richer and more complex taste compared to vodka, which is essentially neutral. The script highlights that using mezcal can elevate the mule and provide a unique twist on the classic.