So, Inflation Has You Thinking About Becoming a Bartender? In these challenging economic times, many of us are exploring side gigs to make ends meet. If you've ever thought about becoming a bartender, now might be the perfect time to learn. Bartending is not just about serving drinks; it's an art form that involves creativity, precision, and a bit of flair. To get you started on your journey, here are ten classic cocktails every bartender should know how to make. Mastering these drinks will not only impress your friends but also set you up for success in any bar.

Martini

Description: A classic cocktail made with gin and dry vermouth, garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. It can be served dry, wet, dirty, or with vodka instead of gin.

History: The origins of the Martini are somewhat mysterious, with several competing stories about its creation. One popular theory traces it back to the 1860s, linking it to a bartender named Jerry Thomas who served a drink called the "Martinez" in San Francisco. Over time, this drink evolved into the Martini we know today, gaining widespread popularity during the Prohibition era in the United States when gin was easier to produce illicitly than other spirits.

Link to Martini recipe

Old Fashioned

Description: A traditional whiskey cocktail made with sugar, bitters, water, and a twist of orange peel. It's usually garnished with a cherry and an orange slice.

History: The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails, dating back to the early 19th century. It was originally called a "whiskey cocktail," a simple mix of spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. The term "Old Fashioned" was coined in the late 1800s as a way to distinguish this straightforward cocktail from the newer, more elaborate drinks that were becoming popular.

Link to Old Fashioned recipe

Margarita

Description: A popular tequila-based cocktail made with lime juice, triple sec, and served with salt on the rim of the glass. It can be served on the rocks, frozen, or straight up.

History: The Margarita's exact origins are debated, but it likely emerged in Mexico or the southwestern United States in the 1930s or 1940s. One story credits bartender Carlos "Danny" Herrera, who allegedly created the drink in Tijuana in 1938 for a customer allergic to all spirits except tequila. Another popular theory attributes the cocktail's invention to socialite Margarita Sames, who is said to have mixed the first Margarita at her Acapulco home in 1948.

Link to Margarita recipe

Mojito

Description: A refreshing cocktail made with white rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and soda water. It's typically served over ice in a highball glass.

History: The Mojito has roots dating back to 16th-century Cuba, with a drink called "El Draque," named after the English pirate Sir Francis Drake. The drink evolved over time, with the addition of rum replacing the original aguardiente (a precursor to rum), and it became a favorite of Ernest Hemingway in the 20th century, further popularizing it worldwide.

Link to Mojito recipe

Negroni

Description: A bitter yet balanced cocktail made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. It's served over ice in a rocks glass and garnished with an orange peel.

History: The Negroni was reportedly invented in 1919 in Florence, Italy, when Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his favorite cocktail, the Americano, by replacing the soda water with gin. The resulting drink, named after the Count, quickly gained popularity for its bold, bitter flavor profile.

Link to Negroni recipe

Manhattan

Description: A whiskey cocktail made with rye or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It’s typically stirred and served in a cocktail glass, garnished with a maraschino cherry.

History: The Manhattan is believed to have been invented in the 1870s at the Manhattan Club in New York City. The cocktail was supposedly created for a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome (Winston Churchill's mother) in honor of Samuel J. Tilden, a presidential candidate. Its rich, complex flavors have made it a timeless classic.

Link to Manhattan recipe

Cosmopolitan

Description: A vibrant cocktail made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice. It's served in a martini glass and garnished with a lime wheel or twist.

History: The Cosmopolitan gained fame in the 1990s, thanks to its association with the television show "Sex and the City." However, its origins can be traced back to the 1970s and 1980s, when various bartenders experimented with creating a pink, vodka-based cocktail that was both stylish and refreshing. The most widely recognized version was popularized by bartender Toby Cecchini in New York City in the late 1980s.

Link to Cosmopolitan recipe

Daiquiri

Description: A simple yet classic cocktail made with white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. It's shaken and served straight up in a cocktail glass.

History: The Daiquiri was invented in the early 20th century in Cuba, named after a beach and an iron mine near Santiago de Cuba. American mining engineer Jennings Cox is often credited with creating the drink as a way to make local rum more palatable. The Daiquiri became a favorite of writers like Ernest Hemingway, who enjoyed it at Havana’s famous El Floridita bar.

Link to Daiquiri recipe

Whiskey Sour

Description: A tart and slightly sweet cocktail made with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup, often garnished with a cherry and an orange slice. Some variations include an egg white for a frothy texture.

History: The Whiskey Sour dates back to the mid-19th century and is believed to have been created as a way for sailors to prevent scurvy during long voyages. The citrus provided essential vitamins, while the whiskey acted as a preservative. Its simplicity and balance have kept it a favorite ever since.

Link to Whiskey Sour recipe

Bloody Mary

Description: A savory cocktail made with vodka, tomato juice, and various spices and flavorings, including Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It's typically garnished with a celery stalk, olives, or a lemon wedge.

History: The Bloody Mary is thought to have been invented in the 1920s at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. Bartender Fernand "Pete" Petiot is often credited with creating the drink, originally called the "Bucket of Blood." It gained popularity in the United States in the 1930s, where it was refined and renamed. The Bloody Mary has since become a staple brunch cocktail, known for its versatility and ability to cure hangovers.

Link to Bloody Mary recipe

With these ten drinks in your repertoire, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of bartending. Whether you’re serving up a classic Martini or shaking things up with a Margarita, knowing these cocktails will help you impress behind any bar.