Discover the Top 10 Classic Cocktails every bartender needs to know. Shake, sip, and serve responsibly with our handy guide!
Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
1. Old Fashioned: A Timeless Whiskey Classic
The Old Fashioned is a bloody ripper of a cocktail, and for good reason. It’s simple enough to let the quality of the whiskey shine, with a touch of sweetness and a hint of bitterness for a perfectly balanced drink.
-
Ingredients:
- 60ml bourbon or rye whiskey (have a crack at different brands to find your fave)
- 1 sugar cube or ½ teaspoon caster sugar
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Splash of water (optional, helps dissolve the sugar)
- Orange peel for garnish
-
Method: Muddle the sugar, bitters, and water (if using) in an Old Fashioned glass. Add the whiskey and fill with ice. Stir well until chilled. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and chuck it in as a garnish.
-
Why It’s Essential: The Old Fashioned teaches you the basics of muddling, and it shows you how to balance flavours like a pro. It’s a drink that lets different whiskeys shine, so you can explore the world of this top-shelf spirit.
2. Manhattan: The Sophisticated Rye Cocktail
The Manhattan is another classic whiskey cocktail, this time with the spicy and complex flavours of rye. Sweet vermouth adds depth, while the bitters give it a subtle aromatic kick.
-
Ingredients:
- 60ml rye whiskey
- 30ml sweet vermouth (try different brands for something new)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
-
Method: Combine the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir well until chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
-
Why It’s Essential: The Manhattan is a lesson in the art of the stirred cocktail. It shows you how to get the perfect chill without watering it down. This technique is key for loads of classic cocktails.
3. French Martini: A Fruity and Elegant Twist
The French Martini is a bit of a change from the usual Martini, with a fruity and sophisticated flavour. Vodka (or gin), Chambord, and pineapple juice make for a balanced and refreshing drink.
-
Ingredients:
- 45ml Vodka
- 30ml Chambord (raspberry liqueur)
- 30ml Pineapple Juice
- Lemon twist for garnish
-
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
-
Why It’s Essential: The French Martini introduces you to the world of flavoured vodkas and liqueurs, so you can mix up your cocktail game. It also shows you how to balance sweetness and acidity in a shaken cocktail.
4. Strawberry Daiquiri: A Taste of the Tropics
The Daiquiri is a rum-based classic that’s perfect for a hot Aussie day. White rum, lime juice, and simple syrup make for a balanced and refreshing drink.
-
Ingredients:
- 60ml white rum
- 30ml fresh lime juice
- 22ml simple syrup (adjust to your liking)
- Lime wheel for garnish
-
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
-
Why It’s Essential: The Daiquiri is a basic shaken sour cocktail. It teaches you how to balance the sweetness of the rum and simple syrup with the tartness of the lime juice. This is important for heaps of classic cocktails.
5. Margarita: A Tequila Classic
The Margarita is a bloody legend of a tequila cocktail, and for good reason. Tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur are refreshing and complex, with a good balance of sweet, sour, and savoury flavours.
-
Ingredients:
- 60ml tequila (try different types – blanco, reposado, or añejo)
- 30ml fresh lime juice
- 30ml Cointreau or Triple Sec
- Salt for rimming the glass (optional)
- Lime wedge for garnish
-
Method: If you like, rim a margarita glass with salt. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled. Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
-
Why It’s Essential: The Margarita is another classic sour cocktail that shows how good tequila can be. It teaches you how to balance the strong flavours of tequila with citrus and sweetness.
6. Mojito: A Refreshing Cuban Delight
The Mojito is a Cuban classic that’s perfect for a hot arvo. White rum, mint, lime, and sugar make a refreshing drink.
-
Ingredients:
- 60ml white rum
- 30ml fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 6-8 mint leaves
- Soda water
- Mint sprig and lime wedge for garnish
-
Method: Gently muddle the mint leaves with the sugar in a highball glass. Add the lime juice and rum. Fill the glass with ice. Top with soda water and stir gently. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wedge.
-
Why It’s Essential: The Mojito teaches you how to muddle herbs properly to get the flavour out without making it bitter. It also shows you how to make a refreshing and balanced cocktail with just a few things.
7. Whiskey Sour: A Tart and Frothy Classic
The Whiskey Sour is a timeless cocktail that mixes the boldness of whiskey with the tartness of lemon juice and the sweetness of simple syrup. Chuck in an egg white (optional) for a smooth texture and a nice foam on top.
-
Ingredients:
- 60ml bourbon or rye whiskey
- 30ml fresh lemon juice
- 22ml simple syrup
- 1 egg white (optional)
- Orange peel and Angostura bitters for garnish
-
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker. If using egg white, dry shake first (without ice) to get it frothy. Add ice and shake again until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange peel and a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
-
Why It’s Essential: The Whiskey Sour shows you how to balance sweet and sour flavours in a cocktail. It also teaches you how to use egg whites to make it smooth and look fancy.
8. Negroni: The Bold and Bitter Italian Aperitivo
The Negroni is an Italian classic known for its bold and bitter flavour. It’s a great drink to have before dinner to get your appetite going.
-
Ingredients:
- 30ml gin
- 30ml Campari
- 30ml sweet vermouth
- Orange peel for garnish
-
Method: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir well until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange peel.
-
Why It’s Essential: The Negroni is a good example of an equal-parts cocktail, where each ingredient is just as important. It shows you how to mix bitter, sweet, and boozy flavours.
9. Espresso Martini: The Coffee Lover’s Cocktail
The Espresso Martini is a modern classic that mixes the kick of espresso with the smooth richness of vodka and coffee liqueur. It’s a great drink to have after dinner or when you need a bit of a pick-me-up.
-
Ingredients:
- 45ml Vodka
- 30ml freshly brewed espresso (chilled)
- 15ml coffee liqueur
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
-
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with three coffee beans.
-
Why It’s Essential: The Espresso Martini shows you how to use coffee in cocktails, which is a bit different. It also shows you how to make a balanced and tasty cocktail with something a bit unusual.
10. Gimlet: A Classic Gin Sour
The Gimlet is a simple but elegant gin cocktail that lets the botanicals of the gin shine with the tartness of lime juice and the sweetness of simple syrup. It’s a refreshing and sophisticated drink.
-
Ingredients:
- 60ml gin
- 22ml fresh lime juice
- 22ml simple syrup
- Lime wheel for garnish
-
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
-
Why It’s Essential: The Gimlet is another classic sour cocktail that teaches you how to balance the flavours of gin with citrus and sweetness. It’s a good drink to mix up with different gins and garnishes.
Thanks for joining us behind the bar!
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Read more:
Shaking Vs. Stirring: When And Why It Matters
Alcohol 101: A Beginner’s Guide To Spirits, Liqueurs, And Mixers
The Art Of Mixing: Essential Techniques For New Bartenders
The Science Behind Cocktails: How Ingredients Work Together
Building Your Flavor Palate: Tips For Crafting Signature Drinks
Top 10 Classic Cocktails Every Bartender Should Master
Understanding Glassware: Finding The Right Fit For Every Cocktail
Bartenders Lingo Decoded: Command The Bar With Confidence
Home Bar Essentials: Must-Have Tools For Every Beginner Bartender
Syrups, Bitters, And More: Adding The Perfect Finishing Touch To Your Drink
What a fantastic roundup of classic cocktails! This post is a treasure trove for anyone looking to master the essentials of bartending, whether they’re seasoned professionals or enthusiastic beginners. Each drink you’ve highlighted is a cornerstone of cocktail culture, offering unique lessons in technique and flavor balance. I particularly appreciate the detailed breakdowns of why each cocktail is essential—it’s not just about mixing drinks but also understanding the artistry and science behind them.
Love this cocktail guide! It’s perfect for anyone wanting to learn the basics, and I especially like how you explain why each cocktail is important. The tips on experimenting with different ingredients are awesome too.
Hey, thanks so much! Really glad you found it helpful and inspiring. It’s true, there’s a real art to mixing a good drink, and I’m all about sharing those little tricks.