Most of the recipes listed below, bartenders encounter time and time again, especially when working in a popular bar. It’s important to learn them from the beginning, as they will also be a great help in interviews for jobs.
General Ingredient Mixing Rules
Many cocktails are based upon some form of basic combination of ingredients. Bartender’s who remember these combinations will find it easier to learn and create drinks derived from them. (ie. “Brandy Alexander” is an “Alexander”, as below, with “Brandy” as the Liquor)
Alexander
- 2 oz Liquor or Liqueur
- 2 oz White or Dark Creme de Cacao
- 2 oz Light Cream
Shake and strain into a highball glass.
Examples: Alexander The Great | Rum Alexander | Brandy Alexander
Collins
- 1 1/2 oz Liquor
- 3 oz Sour Mix
- 1 oz Club Soda
Shake, strain into a collins glass, and top with club soda.
Examples: Sloe Gin Collins | Tequila Collins
Cooler
- 1 1/2 oz Liquor
- Fill with Ginger Ale / Carbonated Water
Serve in highball glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Examples: Scotch Cooler | Harvard Cooler
Fruit Daiquiri
- 4 parts Light Rum
- 1 part White Creme de Cacao
- 1 part Appropriate Fruit Liqueur
- Fresh Fruit
Blend and serve in an exotic glass with a straw.
Examples: Banana Daiquiri | Peach Daiquiri | Strawberry Daiquiri
Highball
- 1 1/2 oz Liquor
- Fill with Ginger Ale / Carbonated Water
Serve in a highball glass.
Rickey
- 1 1/2 oz Liquor
- Fill with Club Soda
Serve in a highball glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Examples: Scotch Rickey | Gin Rickey
Sling
- 1 1/2 oz Liquor
- 3 oz Sour Mix
- 1 oz Club Soda
Shake, strain into a collins glass, and top with club soda. Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.
Examples: Singapore Sling | Highland Sling
Sour
- 1 1/2 oz Liquor
- 3 oz Sour Mix
Shake and strain into a lowball glass or serve straight in a sour glass. Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.
Examples: Amaretto Sour | Midori Sour
Spritzer
- 1 1/2 oz Liquor
- Fill with Club Soda
Add the liquor to a highball glass, and fill with club soda.
Examples: Italian Spritzer | Raspberry Jello Spritzer | Magic Spritzer
