Popular Cocktails Every Bartender Should Know

There are thousands of different cocktails in bars around the world and some places do even have their signature cocktails so working as a bartender it would be impossible to remember all those recipes. Still, some popular cocktails are very common everywhere in the world and regardless of which place of the planet you are working, you need to know the above 20 popular cocktails.

As there are more than hundreds of articles with the same name and category, we decided to make the list of the 20 popular cocktails very wisely, after questioning many bartenders and doing research on the most popular and selling drinks in different countries of the world, also by getting feedbacks from many hoteliers whom been into the industry for several years and have a lot of experience in the beverages service.

20 Popular Cocktails:

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries and is very popular that you will find in every bar’s menu. Old Fashioned is a top seller when it comes to the popular cocktail list. Here’s a simple recipe for making an Old Fashioned:

• 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube
• 4 dashes Angostura bitters
• Dash of Soda water
• Ice cubes
• Orange twist, for garnish

Instructions on how to make it:

1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
2. Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters to the sugar cube. You can adjust the number of dashes based on your personal preference for bitterness.
3. Muddle the sugar cube with the bitters using a muddler or the back of a spoon until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Add the bourbon or rye whiskey to the glass.
5. Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir the ingredients together for about 15-20 seconds to chill the drink.
6. Garnish with an orange or lemon twist. To create a twist, hold a piece of citrus peel over the glass and give it a twist to release the oils. Drop the twist into the glass.
7. Optionally, you can add a cherry as a garnish.

Whiskey Sour

Whiskey Sour is another popular cocktail known for its balanced combination of whiskey, citrus, and sweetness. A classic cocktail that you find widely used everywhere in the world of course can’t miss the top 20 popular cocktails that every bartender needs to know. Here’s a simple recipe to make a delicious Whiskey Sour:

• 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon or rye whiskey
• 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
• 1 Egg white
• Ice cubes
• 3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters for garnish
• Orange slice or cherry, for garnish

Instructions on how to make a whiskey sour:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon or rye whiskey, fresh lemon juice, the white egg, and the simple syrup.
2. Dry shake (without ice) all the ingredients for about 15 seconds mainly to create the foam.
3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake all the ingredients for another 20 seconds to chill the mixture.
4. Strain the cocktail into a rock glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange slice or a cherry (or both)
   
   If you don’t have simple syrup, you can easily make it by combining equal parts water and sugar and stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

Mojito

The Mojito is a classic, refreshing and very popular cocktail which originated in Cuba. One of the best drinks ideally on hot days or by the beach, which can’t be missed from the most popular cocktails a bartender should know.

• 2 oz (60ml) white rum
• 1 sugar cube
• 1/5 oz (15nl) lime juice
• 1/5oz (15 ml) simple syrup
• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• Soda water (club soda)
• Crushed ice
• 6 Lime wedges and mint leaves for muddling and garnish

Instructions on how to make a mojito:

1. Start by muddling the mint leaves and sugar in a glass. Gently press the mint leaves to release their flavor without tearing them.
2. Add fresh lime juice to the glass. You can adjust the amount of lime juice and sugar based on your taste preferences.
3. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
4. Pour the white rum over the ice and ingredients in the glass.
5. Top off the glass with soda water or club soda. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.
7. Optionally, you can add a straw for easier sipping.
8. Enjoy your refreshing Mojito!

Pina Colada

The Piña Colada is a tropical classic cocktail that originated in Puerto Rico. It’s known for its delicious combination of coconut cream, pineapple juice, and rum. Here’s the classic recipe for making a Piña Colada:

• 2 oz (60ml) white rum
• 3 oz (90ml) pineapple juice
• 1 oz (30) coconut cream
• 1 cup crushed ice
• Pineapple slice or maraschino cherry for garnish (or both)

Instructions on how to make a pina colada:

1. In a blender, combine the white rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and crushed ice.
2. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the blended mixture into a chilled glass.
4. Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry.
5. Optionally, you can also add a pineapple wedge to the rim of the glass for an extra decorative touch.
6. Insert a straw and enjoy your tropical Piña Colada!

Keep in mind that u don’t need to use a blender, you can simply use only the shakers by shaking all the ingredients for about 30 seconds.

Negroni

The Negroni is a classic cocktail known for its bittersweet and sophisticated flavor profile. It’s made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Here’s the recipe for a Negroni:

• 1 oz (30ml) gin
• 1 oz (30nl) sweet vermouth
• 1 oz (30 ml)Campari
• Orange twist or slice for garnish

Instructions on how to make a negroni:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari to the mixing glass.
3. Stir the ingredients well for about 15-20 seconds to chill the mixture.
4. Strain the mixture into a rock glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish the cocktail with an orange twist or a slice.
6. Enjoy your Negroni!

Note: Some variations of the Negroni call for shaking the ingredients with ice, but traditionally it’s stirred to maintain clarity in the drink.

Margarita

From the most popular cocktails a bartender or any hotelier should know, of course, Margarita can’t miss the list. The Margarita is a popular and classic cocktail that typically consists of tequila, triple sec (orange-flavored liqueur), and lime juice, often served with salt on the rim of the glass. Here’s a basic recipe for a classic Margarita:

• 2 oz (60 ml) tequila
• 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec
• 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
• Ice
• Salt (for rimming the glass)
• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Instructions on how to make a classic Margarita:

1. Rim the Glass:
   • Moisten the rim of a glass with a lime wedge.
   • Dip the rim into salt to coat it.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
   • In a shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.
   • Add ice to the shaker.
3. Shake:
   • Shake the mixture well to chill the ingredients and combine the flavors.
4. Strain and Serve:
   • Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over ice.
5. Garnish:
   • Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.

Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is a refreshing and popular Italian cocktail known for its vibrant orange color and light, bubbly taste. Here’s the simple recipe for making an Aperol Spritz:

• 3 oz (90 ml) Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine)
• 2 oz (60 ml) Aperol
• 1 oz (30 ml) soda water
• Ice
• Orange slice (for garnish)

Instructions on how to make an Aperol Spritz:

1. Fill a Wine Glass with Ice cubes:
2. Add the Aperol over the ice:
3. Top up the glass with the Prosecco:
4. Add 30 ml of Soda Water:
5. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
6. Garnish with an orange slice on the rim of the glass.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing Aperol Spritz!
   The Aperol Spritz is known for its simple and equal parts formula which is a great choice for a light and effervescent cocktail

Daiquiri

The Daiquiri is a classic cocktail that originated in Cuba and is known for its simple yet delicious combination of rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Should Daiquiri be part of the most popular cocktails list? Of course it should! Here’s the basic and simple recipe for a classic Daiquiri:

• 2 oz (60 ml) white rum
• 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
• Ice
• Lime wheel or wedge (for garnish)

Instructions on how to make a classic Daquiri:

1. Prepare the Ingredients, measure out the white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Combine Ingredients, in a cocktail shaker, add the white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add Ice, fill the shaker with ice cubes.
4. Shake, shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill the mixture.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge on the rim of the glass.

Martini

The Martini is a classic cocktail that has been a favorite for many years. It’s known for its elegance and simplicity. The traditional Martini is typically made with gin and dry vermouth, garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. Keep in mind that whenever you have an order for a Martini, is recommended to ask if your customer wants it Dry or Dirty and if the alcohol base would be Gin or Vodka. Anyhow we will share the classic recipe for a dry gin martini below:

• 2 oz (60 ml) gin
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) dry vermouth
• Ice
• Lemon twist or olive (for garnish)

Instructions on making a dry gin Martini:

1. Chill the Glass, place a martini glass in the freezer, or fill it with ice water to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
2. Prepare the Ingredients, measure out the gin and dry vermouth.
3. Combine Ingredients, in a mixing glass, add the gin and dry vermouth.
4. Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes.
5. Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds. Some people prefer shaking for a slightly different texture, but stirring is more traditional.
6. Strain and Serve, remove the ice from the martini glass and strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
7. Garnish with a twist of lemon (express the oils by giving it a twist over the drink and then drop it in) or an olive. Some variations include using cocktail onions for a Gibson Martini.

Mai Tai

The Mai Tai is a classic tropical cocktail that originated in the 1940s and gained popularity in tiki culture. There are various recipes for the Mai Tai, but here’s the classic version:

• 2 oz (60 ml) light rum
• 1 oz (30 ml) dark rum
• 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) orange liqueur (such as triple sec or orange curaçao)
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) orgeat syrup
• Ice
• Mint sprig and lime wheel (for garnish)

Instructions on making an original classic Mai Tai:

1. Measure out the light rum, dark rum, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and orgeat syrup.
2. In a shaker, add the light rum, dark rum, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and orgeat syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes. Shake the ingredients well to chill the mixture.
4. Strain the cocktail into an old-fashioned glass filled with crushed ice.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wheel.

What is important to note, is that you need always to use an original Mai Tai glass for this cocktail to give and feel more of the Tiki vibes.

Caipirinha

The Caipirinha is a refreshing Brazilian cocktail that features cachaça, a spirit made from sugarcane juice. It’s a simple and delicious drink with a sweet, tart, and slightly fruity flavor. Here’s a basic recipe for a Caipirinha:

• 2 oz (60 ml) cachaça
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• Ice

Instructions on making a Caipirinha

1. Cut a lime into wedges.
2. Muddle:
   • Place the lime wedges in a rock glass.
   • Sprinkle the sugar over the lime wedges.
   • Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently muddle the lime and sugar. Press down and twist to extract the lime juice without pulverizing the lime.
3. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
4. Pour 2 ounces (60 ml) of cachaça over the muddled lime and ice.
5. Stir the ingredients well to mix the lime, sugar, and cachaça.
6. Serve immediately.

Moscow Mule

Moscow Mule is another classic cocktail part of the 20 popular cocktails that all hoteliers and bartenders should know. The Moscow Mule gained popularity in the United States (LA) during the mid-20th century. It is traditionally served in a copper mug and features a refreshing combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. Here’s a basic recipe for a Moscow Mule:

• 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
• 4 oz (120 ml) ginger beer
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
• Ice
• Lime wedge or wheel (for garnish)
• Mint sprig (optional, for garnish)

Instructions on making a Moscow Mule:

1. Fill a copper mug with ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 ounces (60 ml) of vodka over the ice.
3. Squeeze fresh lime juice to measure 1/2 ounce (15 ml), and add it to the mug.
4. Fill the mug with 4 ounces (120 ml) of ginger beer.
5. Use a stirring stick or spoon to gently stir the ingredients.
6. Garnish:
   • Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel on the rim of the mug.
   • Optionally, add a mint sprig for additional freshness.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy your Moscow Mule!

Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini is a popular and invigorating cocktail that combines the rich flavors of coffee with the smoothness of vodka and a touch of sweetness. Here’s the basic recipe for making an Espresso Martini:

• 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) vodka
• 1 oz (30 ml) coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
• 1 oz (30 ml) freshly brewed espresso (cooled to room temperature)
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 3 Coffee beans for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions on making an Espresso Martini:

1. Brew a shot of espresso and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Fill a shaker with ice cubes to chill the ingredients.
3. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, and simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill and froth the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
6. Optionally, you can garnish the cocktail with coffee beans or a twist of orange peel.

Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan, often referred to as a “Cosmo,” is a classic cocktail known for its vibrant color and refreshing taste. Here’s a basic recipe for making a Cosmopolitan:

• 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) vodka
• 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec (orange-flavored liqueur)
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Orange or lemon twist, for garnish (optional)

Instructions on how to make a classic Cosmopolitan cocktail:

1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes to chill the ingredients.
2. Add the vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice to the shaker.
3. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
5. Optionally, garnish the cocktail with an orange or lemon twist. To create a twist, use a vegetable peeler or a knife to cut a thin strip of peel from the citrus fruit, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
6. Serve and enjoy your Cosmopolitan!

Long Island Iced Tea

The Long Island Iced Tea is a popular and potent cocktail known for its mix of various spirits. Despite its name, it doesn’t actually contain any tea. No matter what side you’re on, it’s a bold, but delicious, choice.  Let’s have a look at another popular cocktail recipe:

• 1/2 oz (15 ml) vodka
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) rum
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) gin
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) tequila
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) triple sec (orange-flavored liqueur)
• 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) simple syrup
• Cola (to top)
• Lemon wedge, for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions on how to make a Long Island Iced tea:

1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes to chill the ingredients.
2. Add the vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake the mixture well for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
5. Top off the glass with cola, leaving about half an inch at the top.
6. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
7. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
8. Serve and enjoy your Long Island Iced Tea!

Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail known for its savory and spicy flavors, often enjoyed as a brunch cocktail. Here’s the basic recipe for making a Bloody Mary:

• 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) vodka
• 3 oz (90 ml) tomato juice
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 dash of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 dash of hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• Pinch of salt and black pepper
• Celery salt (for rimming the glass, optional)
• Ice cubes
• Celery stalk, lemon wedge, and/or olives for garnish

Instructions on how to make a Bloody Mary cocktail:

1. If desired, rim a highball glass with celery salt by moistening the rim with a lemon wedge and dipping it into the salt.
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
3. In a shaker, combine vodka, tomato juice, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
4. Shake the mixture well to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over the ice.
6. Garnish the cocktail with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, and/or olives.
7. Optionally, you can add extra hot sauce or other spices to adjust the spiciness to your liking.
8. Serve and enjoy your Bloody Mary!

Sex On The Beach

Sex on the Beach is a fruity and tropical cocktail known for its sweet and refreshing taste. Here’s the classic recipe for making a Sex on the Beach cocktail:

• 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) vodka
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) peach schnapps
• 2 oz (60 ml) cranberry juice
• 2 oz (60 ml) orange juice
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice and/or cherry for garnish

Instructions on how to make a Sex On The Beach cocktail:

1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice to the shaker.
3. Shake the mixture well for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and/or a cherry.
6. Optionally, you can also garnish with a cocktail umbrella for a tropical touch.
7. Serve and enjoy your Sex on the Beach cocktail!

Screwdriver

Not to be confused with a mimosa, vodka takes the place of sparkling wine in this two-ingredient cocktail. The Screwdriver is a simple and classic cocktail consisting of just two main ingredients: vodka and orange juice. It’s known for its simplicity and refreshing taste. Let’s have a look into its recipe below:

• 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
• 4 oz (120 ml) orange juice
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice or twist for garnish (optional)

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the vodka over the ice.
3. Add the orange juice to the glass.
4. Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients.
5. Optionally, garnish with an orange slice or twist.
6. Serve and enjoy your Screwdriver!

Manhattan

The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that dates back to the late 19th century. It’s known for its sophisticated and robust flavor, combining whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Here’s a basic recipe for a Manhattan:

• 2 oz (60 ml) rye whiskey or bourbon
• 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions on how to make a Manhattan:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
2. Add the rye whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixing glass.
3. Stir the ingredients well for about 15-20 seconds to chill and properly dilute the mixture.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling is another worldwide popular cocktail that originated in the early 20th century at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. It’s known for its complex flavor profile, combining fruity, herbal, and citrusy notes. Here’s a basic recipe for a Singapore Sling:

• 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) gin
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) Cherry Heering (cherry liqueur)
• 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) Cointreau (orange liqueur)
• 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) Bénédictine (herbal liqueur)
• 1 oz (30 ml) pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
• 1/3 oz (10 ml) grenadine
• A dash of Angostura bitters
• Soda water
• Ice cubes
• Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions on how to make a Classic Singapore Slim Cocktail:

1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add gin, Cherry Heering, Cointreau, Bénédictine, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, grenadine, and a dash of Angostura bitters to the shaker.
3. Shake the mixture well for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top off the glass with soda water.
6. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
7. Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry.

As we mentioned before, there are thousands of cocktails out there, and of course, we can’t memorize all of them. The 20 classic cocktails we mentioned in this article, you will find widely used everywhere in the world and each bartender or person who works in the hotel industry should know. Have a look at the below video for more options and for a better understanding of how to prepare all the mentioned cocktails:

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