For any aspiring bartender, the thought of memorizing a vast array of drinks, each with its unique combination of ingredients, can seem overwhelming. Once you get some practice, though, things get easier. If you’re looking for some practice before you apply for a liquor license in Dallas, TX, here are a couple of universal drinks that are easy enough to make that will get you started.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is one of the most popular cocktails in America. You’ll need 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey, 2 dashes Angostura bitters and a sugar cube. Place the sugar in a glass, cover with the bitters and stir in the whiskey until the sugar has dissolved.
Manhattan
One of the stronger drinks on this list, the Manhattan cocktail features 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth and a dash of Angostura bitters. It’s a staple at any serious bar, so this is a good one to focus on.
Mimosa
A brunch favorite, mimosas are simple enough to make. All they require are 2.5 oz champagne and 2.5 oz chilled orange juice.
Martini
Despite what you’ve heard from James Bond, a martini should not be shaken. Stir 3 oz gin or vodka, .5 oz dry vermouth and ice in a mixing glass before straining into a martini glass. Add an olive for the iconic look.
Margarita
A fixture of the Southwestern bar scene, a margarita calls for 2 oz silver tequila, 1 oz Cointreau and 1 oz lime juice. Finish by placing salt around the rim and garnish with sliced lime.
Sidecar
First recorded after World War I, the sidecar is formed by shaking 2 oz Cognac, 1 oz Cointreau and .75 oz lemon juice with ice. The sidecar is served straight up.
As with learning any other new job, bartending requires a lot of practice before reaching a level of expertise. As you learn some of the drinks above, hopefully you can add extra, more unique cocktails to your arsenal.
