Mobile bartenders are becoming increasingly popular as people seek to bring the bar experience to their homes or events. While there are countless drink recipes out there, there are some essential drinks that every mobile bartender should know. These drinks are classics that have stood the test of time and are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
One of the most important drinks a mobile bartender service in Toronto should know is the Old Fashioned. This classic cocktail is made by muddling sugar with bitters, adding ice, and pouring in whiskey and a twist of orange. Another essential drink is the Margarita, which is made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Other must-know drinks include the Martini, the Manhattan, and the Mojito. With these drinks in their repertoire, mobile bartenders will be able to satisfy a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Essential Cocktail Categories
When it comes to being a mobile bartender, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the essential cocktail categories. These categories represent the foundation of the cocktail world and will help you create a wide variety of drinks for your clients.
Classic Cocktails
Classic cocktails are the tried-and-true drinks that have been around for decades. These drinks are often made with just a few simple ingredients, but their popularity has stood the test of time. Some popular classic cocktails include the Martini, Manhattan, and Old Fashioned.
Contemporary Classics
Contemporary classics are drinks that have gained popularity in recent years and are now considered modern-day classics. These drinks often put a unique twist on traditional recipes and are a great way to showcase your creativity as a bartender. Some popular contemporary classics include the Cosmopolitan, Margarita, and Mojito.
Popular Highballs
Highballs are drinks that are made with a base spirit and a non-alcoholic mixer. These drinks are often served in a tall glass over ice and are perfect for sipping on a hot day. Some popular highballs include the Gin and Tonic, Rum and Coke, and Vodka Soda.
By mastering these essential cocktail categories, you’ll be able to create a wide variety of drinks for your clients. Whether you’re catering a wedding or hosting a private event, having a solid understanding of these classic and contemporary drinks will help you stand out as a skilled and knowledgeable bartender.
Read 11 Bartending Drinks You Should Know
Techniques and Tools
Mixing Methods
A skilled mobile bartender should be familiar with various mixing methods, including:
- Stirring: This method is used for clear drinks that should not be cloudy or diluted. A long-handled bar spoon is used to gently stir the drink.
- Shaking: This method is used for drinks that contain fruit juice, cream, or egg whites. The bartender adds ice to the shaker, pours in the ingredients, and shakes vigorously to mix and chill the drink.
- Muddling: This method is used to extract flavors from herbs, fruits, and spices. The bartender uses a muddler to crush the ingredients in the bottom of the glass before adding the other ingredients.
Bartending Equipment
A mobile bartender should also be equipped with the following tools:
- Shaker: A shaker is used to mix and chill drinks that require shaking. It consists of two parts: a metal or glass tumbler and a metal cap with a built-in strainer.
- Jigger: A jigger is a measuring tool used to ensure precise measurements of ingredients.
- Strainer: A strainer is used to remove ice and other solid ingredients from a drink before serving.
- Bar Spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring drinks.
- Muddler: A muddler is used for muddling herbs, fruits, and spices.
- Ice Bucket and Tongs: An ice bucket and tongs are used to keep ice cold and accessible throughout the event.
By mastering these techniques and having the right tools on hand, a mobile bartender can confidently mix up a variety of delicious drinks for any occasion.
Alcohol Basics
Spirits Overview
Spirits are the backbone of any bar. They are distilled alcoholic beverages made from a variety of ingredients. The most common spirits include vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, and brandy. Each spirit has its own unique flavor profile and can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for cocktails.
Vodka is a clear and neutral spirit that is made from grains or potatoes. It is a popular choice for cocktails because it mixes well with other ingredients and doesn’t have a strong flavor.
Gin is a spirit that is flavored with juniper berries and other botanicals. It has a distinct herbal flavor and is commonly used in classic cocktails like the martini and the gin and tonic.
Rum is a sweet spirit that is made from sugarcane. It can be light or dark in color and is a popular choice for tropical cocktails like the daiquiri and the piña colada.
Tequila is a spirit that is made from the blue agave plant. It has a distinct earthy flavor and is commonly used in cocktails like the margarita and the tequila sunrise.
Whiskey is a spirit that is made from grains like barley, corn, and rye. It can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for cocktails like the old fashioned and the whiskey sour.
Brandy is a spirit that is made by distilling wine. It has a sweet and fruity flavor and is commonly used in cocktails like the sidecar and the brandy alexander.
Liqueurs and Mixers
Liqueurs and mixers are essential components of any cocktail. Liqueurs are sweet and flavored spirits that are used to add depth and complexity to cocktails. Mixers are non-alcoholic liquids that are used to dilute and balance the flavors of cocktails.
Some popular liqueurs include triple sec, which is a sweet and citrusy liqueur that is used in cocktails like the margarita and the cosmopolitan. Another popular liqueur is amaretto, which is a sweet almond-flavored liqueur that is used in cocktails like the amaretto sour and the godfather.
Common mixers include soda water, which is used to add fizz to cocktails, and fruit juices like orange juice and cranberry juice, which are used to add sweetness and flavor. Other mixers include tonic water, which is used in the gin and tonic, and vermouth, which is used in the martini.
Recipes to Master
If you’re looking to impress your guests with your bartending skills, mastering these classic cocktail recipes is a must. Here are 11 drinks that your mobile bartender should know:
Martini
The martini is a classic cocktail that is known for its simplicity and elegance. To make a perfect martini, you will need gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and ice. Combine the gin or vodka and dry vermouth in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist or olive.
Margarita
The margarita is a refreshing and tangy cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. To make a margarita, you will need tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Combine the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a salt-rimmed glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
Old Fashioned
The old fashioned is a classic cocktail that is perfect for whiskey lovers. To make an old fashioned, you will need whiskey, sugar, bitters, and ice. Muddle the sugar and bitters in a glass, add ice and whiskey, and stir until chilled. Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry.
Manhattan
The Manhattan is a sophisticated cocktail that is perfect for special occasions. To make a Manhattan, you will need whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Combine the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass and garnish with a cherry.
Mojito
The mojito is a refreshing and minty cocktail that is perfect for hot summer days. To make a mojito, you will need rum, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and soda water. Muddle the mint leaves and sugar in a glass, add ice, rum, lime juice, and soda water, and stir until chilled. Garnish with mint leaves and a lime wedge.
Pina Colada
The pina colada is a creamy and tropical cocktail that is perfect for beach parties. To make a pina colada, you will need rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice. Combine the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a chilled glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.
Cosmopolitan
The cosmopolitan is a fruity and sweet cocktail that is perfect for girls’ night out. To make a cosmopolitan, you will need vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Combine the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
Negroni
The negroni is a bitter and complex cocktail that is perfect for adventurous drinkers. To make a negroni, you will need gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Combine the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass and garnish with an orange twist.
Whiskey Sour
The whiskey sour is a simple and tangy cocktail that is perfect for whiskey lovers. To make a whiskey sour, you will need whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. Combine the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass and garnish with a cherry.
Daiquiri
The daiquiri is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is perfect for warm weather. To make a daiquiri, you will need rum, lime juice, and sugar. Combine the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
Bloody Mary
The bloody Mary is a savory and spicy cocktail that is perfect for brunch. To make a bloody Mary, you will need vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and lemon juice. Combine the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a salt-rimmed glass and garnish with a celery stalk and lemon wedge.
