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Grab a copy of the best bartender cheat sheet with 45 classic co*cktail recipes. This free, printable PDF includes popular co*cktails every bartender needs to learn how to master.
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To grow from being a good bartender to a great bartender, you first have to master the classics.
Lucky for you, that's exactly what I'm going to teach you today with this basic bartending drinks cheat sheet.
Whether you're mixing drinks at a home bar or a restaurant, many people know and love these classic co*cktails. In order to learn how to create your own spin on the classics, you first have to master the basic recipes.
We'll talk through not only how to choose the best bottles of liquor for your bar but also co*cktail mixing techniques and common drink garnishes.
But first, be sure to first grab your co*cktail cheat sheet to get started:
Jump to:
- Bartender Cheat Sheet: 45 co*cktail recipes in one guide
- What's Included in the Bartender Cheat Sheet?
- Popular Bottles To Stock Your Bar
- Basic Bartending Drinks Explained
- co*cktail Mixing Techniques
- Common Classic co*cktail Garnishes
- FAQs
- More co*cktail Recipes
What's Included in the Bartender Cheat Sheet?
This is the ultimate co*cktail list with 45 of the best co*cktail recipes. This 11-page guide is filled with the complete recipes (you can see an example below) for many classic co*cktails.
If you're training to be a bartender, or just want to step up your home bar game, this is the cheat sheet for you.
Once you learn these bartending 101 recipes, you can begin to play around with flavors to create your very own custom co*cktails. Don't worry, you'll learn more about this in our email series.
Popular Bottles To Stock Your Bar
Before you can begin mixing up co*cktails, you have to have the right bottles.
With these recommendations, you can build out your bar based on the co*cktails you most often mix up. There’s no need to purchase a bottle of liquor just because it’s on this list.
Rather, build your own liquor collection based on your personal tastes and likes!
Tequila:Tequila is a spirit made from the blue agave plant. There are various types of tequila (both aged and unaged) that you can purchase.
A blanco tequila offers a very pure taste of agave and is great for a variety of co*cktails. Reposadoand añejo tequila are aged for various amounts of time in oak barrels. These varieties of tequila tend to have a woody, smokey taste.
When purchasing a bottle of tequila, always ensure it says '100% agave' somewhere on the label. The reason this is so important is that all alcohol is made from sugar. We want to ensure our tequila is created solely from the sugar of the blue agave plant and not from additional additives.
Gin:At its core, gin is essentially a flavored neutral spirit. What makes gin so special is the blend of juniper berries and other spices and aromatics that are infused with the spirit during or after the distillation process.
There are various styles of gin including London Dry, Plymouth, Old Tom, and a few others. Each type of gin has a unique style and taste. For most co*cktails, London Dry gin is a great option.
Vodka:Vodka is a great liquor option for co*cktails as it's known for its neutral flavor without distinct color, taste, or aroma. Depending on the brand of vodka you purchase, it may be made from different ingredients.
For example, Ketel One and Grey Goose are made from wheat, while Tito’s and Smithworks are made from corn. If you’re interested, you canlearn more about vodkaand how it’s made.
You can also purchase flavored vodka, which ranges from citrus flavors to vanilla. There are some co*cktails, like a Cosmopolitan, that call for flavored vodka in the recipe.
Whisk(e)y:Whisk(e)y is a very complicated spirit with many, many different regulations. If you’re interested in all the specific details, check out this post aboutwhisk(e)y for beginners.
Generally, whisk(e)y differs depending on where it’s made, what it’s made from, and how it tastes. I’d personally recommend picking up some bourbon as well as a bottle of Irish whiskey.
Bourbon tends to have a sweet/smokey flavor, while Irish whiskey tends to fare on the lighter, smoother side.
Rum:Rum is a unique spirit in that there are so many styles of rum. For your bar, I’d recommend picking up a bottle of white (silver) rum for mixing co*cktails.
Light rums typicallytasteless pronounced than other rums due to the filtering of the spirit. This style of rum is perfect for co*cktails like the mojito, daiquiri, and piña colada.
Vermouth:There are two main styles of vermouth: dry and sweet (red) vermouth.
Dry vermouth is often used in martinis, while sweet vermouth is used in co*cktails like the Manhattan and Negroni.
If you're interested in learning more about the ins and outs of each type of liquor, check out myLiquor 101 series on YouTube.
Basic Bartending Drinks Explained
In order to help you better understand the most common bar drinks on this cheat sheet, we need to go over a few of the basic co*cktail categories.
This is a simple way to understand some of the different styles of co*cktails:
Highballs
A highball co*cktail is traditionally made with a base spirit along with ice and a mixer that's often carbonated. A Pimm's Cup is considered a highball co*cktail, along with a Gin and Tonic or Jack and co*ke.
This category can differ from two-ingredient mixed drinks that are generally comprised of a liquor (like vodka) and a liqueur (like Kahlúa). The Black Russian co*cktail would be an example of this.
Champagne
If your co*cktail is made with champagne, prosecco, or another sparkling wine, it's likely classified in this category. A common example of this co*cktail style is the French 75.
Cream
Oftentimes, these cream-based drinks are ordered as an after-dinner treat. Since they are rich and creamy in taste, many people think of these as dessert co*cktails.
These co*cktails will be made with ingredients like heavy cream, half and half, crème de cacao, or crème de menthe. The grasshopper or chocolate martini are great examples of these cream-based co*cktails.
Sours
Sour co*cktails are drinks that use citrus juice as a main ingredient. In many restaurants and bars, citrus juice is substituted for a sweet and sour mix. You'll also see egg white sometimes added to sour co*cktails to create a beautiful foam on top of the drink.
Common sours include margarita, whiskey sour, and daiquiri.
Spirit Forward
This category of drinks includes co*cktails like the martini, negroni, and Manhattan. These types of co*cktails are made with a base spirit along with an additive such as Vermouth or other fortified wines or liqueurs.
Tropical
Also sometimes referred to as "tiki" or "exotic" co*cktails, these drinks are known for their fruit-forward flavors. Oftentimes, this style of co*cktail includes some kind of added simple syrup or liqueur. Many tropical co*cktails are made using rum.
Some examples of this co*cktail include the daiquiri and mai tai.
co*cktail Mixing Techniques
In order to properly use the cheat sheet for bartenders, you'll need to understand the four basic co*cktail mixing techniques.
These techniques will allow you to understand the best and most practical way to mix up each of the co*cktails on the co*cktail recipes PDF.
- Build-up:This is a super easy technique where you simply “build” the co*cktail directly in the serving glass. No additional shaker or mixing glass is required. This technique is often used for co*cktails that require muddling of fruit or herbs, like a mojito, so all the flavors can stay directly in the serving glass.
- Stirring:Most spirit-forward co*cktails, like a martini or negroni, are stirred. This technique allows you to dilute a co*cktail with water (from the ice) while not incorporating too much air. Never use this technique if your co*cktail includes fruit, citrus juice, or granulated sugar. For this technique, you’ll want to pour the ingredients into a mixing glass and stir the drink by pushing abar spoonagainst the side of the mixing glass until the co*cktail is properly chilled.
- Rolling:For this technique, you’ll use aco*cktail shakerand pour the drink back and forth between each shaker cup to mix it. Rolling a co*cktail helps to incorporate air without any bubbles or foam. Oftentimes, this is used for certain types of martinis or a bloody mary.
- Shaking:Probably the most common co*cktail mixing technique is shaking. This is done by shaking the co*cktail ingredients, oftentimes with ice, in aco*cktail shaker. This technique is critical if you’re making a co*cktail that includes citrus juice, sugar, egg whites, or cream.
Common Classic co*cktail Garnishes
To go along with this classic co*cktails cheat sheet, you should also understand which garnish to pair with each drink.
Garnishes not only enhance a co*cktail visually but oftentimes add to the flavor of the co*cktail.
While there's no harm in creating your own unique garnish ideas, you should also understand the basic co*cktail garnishes associated with each popular drink. Here are some of the most popular garnishes associated with common co*cktails on the cheat sheet:
Garnish | co*cktail |
Coffee bean | Espresso martini |
Celery stalk | Bloody Mary |
Green olive | Classic gin/vodka martini |
Lemon twist | Lemon drop martini |
Lemon wedge | Espresso Martini |
Lemon wheel | Cosmopolitan |
Lime wedge | Gin/vodka tonic, Margarita |
FAQs
What are the basic drinks a bartender should know?
There are many co*cktail recipes all bartenders and mixologists should know including drinks like the margarita, bloody mary, old fashioned, martini, and more.
You can learn about these co*cktails by downloading my free printable co*cktail recipe guide.
Should I measure every ingredient in the co*cktail?
Yes, always be sure to measure every ingredient in your co*cktail to make sure the flavors are balanced. Measuring ingredients ensures your co*cktail is perfect every single time.
How can I create a signature co*cktail?
To create a signature co*cktail, simply recreate a classic co*cktail on this bartender cheat sheet with your own spin. Here are a few examples:
- Switch out the classic lemon or lime juice for another type of freshly squeezed citrus like orange or grapefruit.
- Use an infused vodka rather than plain vodka.
- Add some simple syrup (or a flavored simple syrup) to sweeten up the co*cktail.
- Shake in some marmalade to amp up the flavor in a fruity martini.
- Use a different type of liquor than what's called for in the recipe.
More co*cktail Recipes
Don't forget to download your master co*cktail list with 45 co*cktail recipes. Plus, enjoy some of my other favorite co*cktails or two ingredient mixed drinks list.
- Godiva Chocolate Martini (5 Ingredients)
- Lavender Lemon Pisco Sour co*cktail
Love this guide? Please leave a comment below. Don't forget to follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest for more recipes.
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- Italian Campari Spritz (3 Ingredients)
Reader Interactions
Comments
Lauren Cowherd
hello! I have been trying to download this. I put in my email and info and have not received it! Please let me know.
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Jessica Mode
Hey Lauren! Not quite sure what happened there. It says a copy but delivered, but we all know how fussy email can be! I just sent you a copy of the cheat sheet to the email linked with this comment. If you don't get it for some reason, please send me an email at homebodyeats@gmail.com and I will re-send it! Thanks for reaching out 🙂
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Lex
I’m also having the same problem. I’ve put my email in multiple times but still haven’t gotten it 🙁
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Jessica Mode
I'll forward you a copy from my personal email! 🙂
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Ashley
I as well did not receive the cheat sheet and have tried several times but it is just not happening. I enjoy reading your articles they are very informative and easy to understand without a bunch of extra unnecessary explaining .
Thank you , Ashley
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Jessica Mode
Hey Ashley! I just sent you a copy of it. Let me know if you still don't receive it. Thanks for the sweet message 🙂
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Erica
I never received my copy can you please send it to me
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Jessica Mode
Hey Erica! I just sent a copy your way!
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Deanna
I put in my email 5 times but still haven’t received the cheat sheet. Is there anyway you can send it directly?
Thank you!
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Jessica Mode
Hi Deanna! I sent you the cheat sheet! Let me know if you didn't receive it 🙂
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KJ
Hey! Is it still possible to get a copy of this cheat sheet? I am a young new bartender and would love to use it as a reference/study guide.
Thank you!
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Jessica Mode
Hey KJ! Of course, I'd love for you to grab the cheat sheet! You can sign up for it here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/600e26bb238f58ae914c14ba
Let me know if anything goes wrong and it doesn't send correctly 🙂
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Elisabeth
I have also tried signing up for this a couple times. Can you email it to me as well? Thanks
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Jessica Mode
Hey Elisabeth - I just sent it your way 🙂
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Libby
Hi, are you able to email me this cheat sheet as well?
I figured I would just ask since everyone else has 🙂
Thanks!
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Jessica Mode
The email sign-up should work 🙂 I've had thousands of people use it! If you don't get it after that, I'm happy to send it individually!
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Rebecca Pellici
I tried to get this and it sent it sent but haven’t gotten it. Tried 5 times
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Jessica Mode
I just sent it your way 🙂 Enjoy!
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Jessica
I didn’t get an email either, can you please send to me?
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Jessica Mode
Just sent it your way 🙂
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Terra Chafins
Pretty! This has been an incredibly wonderful post. Thanks for supplying these details.
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I have not received this either.
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Jessica Mode
Be sure to check your spam! I resent it just in case 🙂
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nikita
I have tried to sign up for this several times but have never received it.
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Jessica Mode
Hi Nikita - Be sure to check your spam. I went ahead and sent it again just in case too 🙂
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Sharon Bossler
Hello Jessica
I also have tried several times to download the cheat sheet and it will not download. could you please send a copy my way?
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Jessica Mode
Hi Sharon! Be sure to check your spam, just in case it was sent there. I'll forward you another copy just in case it's not there 🙂
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