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Perfecting Classic Cocktails

Author: Steve Timpson from the Diageo Bar Academy Training Team.

What’s considered a classic cocktail? What are the most popular drinks a bartender should know? Steve Timpson, a certified Diageo Bar Academy trainer, lists some of the most renowned classic cocktail recipes in the world and explains the importance of nailing these loved drinks. 

Classic cocktails have stood the test of time because of their perfect balance of flavors and simple, yet elegant ingredients. And, as a bar professional, understanding the basic formula of the classics provides you with the right foundation to build from and experiment with to create unique serves. But, before you get experimental, it’s essential that you know how to get the classics right.

HOW TO MAKE A CLASSIC COCKTAIL: THE GOLDEN RATIO

From the Margarita to the Martini and Mojito, almost all classic cocktails share the same basic ratio: 2:1:1. This is commonly known as the Golden Ratio. That’s:

This simple formula will ensure your cocktails are balanced in flavor.

Classic Cocktails Recipes

CLASSIC GIN COCKTAILS

CLASSIC VODKA COCKTAILS

CLASSIC WHISKY COCKTAILS

CLASSIC RUM COCKTAILS

CLASSIC TEQUILA COCKTAILS

CREATING THE PERFECT COCKTAIL: 5 SIMPLE STEPS

Here are the key areas to consider every time you make a classic drink recipe:

The Glass

Make sure you use the right glass for your drink. The glass should always be able to hold the right amount of spirit, mixer, ice and garnish and should be held at the bottom. The most important thing is that the glass is clean, cool, dry and damage-free.

Ice

Your ice should always be fresh (not wet), preferably cubes and you should always be looking to fill the glass with ice. Always remember the colder your ice the less dilution that will take place ensuring your customer’s first sip is the same as their last.

Spirit

Pouring accurately ensures you do not waste stock and your customers always get a consistent drink. Always look to upsell to a premium spirit when making a sale and offer both single and double measures to ensure your customer gets exactly what they are looking for.

Mixer

Another opportunity to go premium and help create a new customer experience. Ensure you leave a little room to ensure spillages are kept to a minimum.

Garnish

Garnish enhances the flavor of the drink and makes the drink great. Position the garnish neatly at the top to ensure it is fresh.

Perfectly Served Drinks: watch the video

Classic Cocktail Families – Sours

The Untold History of the Cocktail

The history behind classic cocktails is often shrouded in mystery and the truth of their origins can be difficult to decipher. But, whether they’re fact or fiction, storytelling can entertain your customer and enhance their experience, so it’s worth having a few up your sleeve. Who crafted the first-ever cocktail? The truth is we may never know but in this article David Mayne from Happy Hour History, explores the origins of cocktails and the classic serves that continue to shape the drinks and techniques we use today.

FIND OUT MORE

Want to get access to the latest tips and tricks to help provide perfect service every time? Sign up to Diageo Bar Academy now to get these exclusives and more!