If you’re just starting out behind the bar, mastering a core set of cocktails is the perfect way to build confidence and impress customers. These classic drinks cover a wide range of skills: shaking, stirring, building, layering, garnishing, and balancing flavors.

Here’s a list of the top 10 cocktails every new bartender should learn, and why they matter.

---

1. Margarita

Why: It’s one of the most popular cocktails in the world, and the perfect introduction to balancing sweet, sour, and strong.

Basic recipe:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• ¾ oz triple sec
  Shake with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.

---

2. Old Fashioned

Why: Teaches you how to make a spirit-forward drink and properly use bitters and sugar.

Basic recipe:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube or ½ tsp sugar
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
  Muddle sugar and bitters, add whiskey and ice, stir well.

---

3. Mojito

Why: Great practice for muddling and balancing herbs with citrus and sugar.

Basic recipe:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• Mint leaves
• Club soda
  Muddle mint with syrup and lime, add rum, ice, top with soda.

---

4. Martini

Why: Teaches precision, proper chilling and dilution, and the art of stirring (or shaking) spirits.

Basic recipe:

• 2 ½ oz gin or vodka
• ½ oz dry vermouth
  Stir (or shake) with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an olive or lemon twist.

---

5. Cosmopolitan

Why: A stylish modern classic, great for practicing balance and presentation.

Basic recipe:

• 1 ½ oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz triple sec
• ½ oz lime juice
  Shake with ice, strain into a chilled glass.

---

6. Negroni

Why: A staple for teaching equal parts cocktails and how to stir and serve spirit-forward drinks.

Basic recipe:

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
  Stir with ice, strain into a rocks glass with ice, garnish with an orange peel.

---

7. Whiskey Sour

Why: A classic shaken cocktail that teaches egg white use (optional), froth technique, and citrus balance.

Basic recipe:

• 2 oz bourbon
• ¾ oz lemon juice
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• (Optional) egg white
  Shake vigorously with ice and strain.

---

8. Manhattan

Why: Another key stirred drink that highlights the use of vermouth and bitters.

Basic recipe:

• 2 oz rye or bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  Stir with ice, strain into a glass, garnish with a cherry.

---

9. Daiquiri

Why: A pure, simple three-ingredient cocktail that tests your ability to balance flavors perfectly.

Basic recipe:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• ¾ oz simple syrup
  Shake with ice and strain.

---

10. Bloody Mary

Why: Essential for brunch service and shows creativity and seasoning skills.

Basic recipe:

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz tomato juice
• ½ oz lemon juice
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, pepper, celery salt
  Build in a glass, stir, garnish creatively.

---

Final Tips for New Bartenders

• Practice makes perfect: These 10 drinks will help you learn the foundational techniques of bartending.
• Know your measurements: Precision matters, especially with sour and spirit-forward drinks.
• Presentation counts: A well-garnished cocktail adds to the guest experience.
• Stay curious: Once you master these, explore variations and more complex cocktails.

---

Want to learn even more? National Bartenders School offers hands-on training to turn beginners into pros behind the bar. Start your bartending journey with us today! 🍸🍹🥂