As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the privilege of working with and tasting a wide range of spirits. When it comes to the drinks that all bartenders know, there are a few key categories that are essential to any bar. These include vodka, rum, gin, tequila, liqueurs, brandy/cognac, and whisk(e)y.
Let's start with vodka. This versatile spirit is a staple in almost every bar. It is known for its clean and neutral flavor profile, making it the perfect base for a wide variety of cocktails. Popular vodka brands that bartenders are familiar with include Absolut, Grey Goose, and Ketel One. Premium vodkas are often showcased on a designated “top shelf,” as they are considered to be of higher quality and are typically used for more upscale cocktails.
Next, we have rum. This spirit is made from sugarcane or molasses and comes in a variety of styles, including white, dark, spiced, and aged. Bartenders are familiar with popular rum brands like Bacardi, Captain Morgan, and Mount Gay. Rum is commonly used in tropical and fruity cocktails, as well as classic drinks like the Mojito and Daiquiri.
Moving on to gin, this spirit is known for its distinctive botanical flavors, primarily derived from juniper berries. Bartenders are well-versed in gin brands such as Tanqueray, Hendrick's, and Bombay Sapphire. Gin is a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Martini and Negroni, as well as refreshing drinks like the Gin and Tonic.
Tequila is another spirit that all bartenders should be familiar with. This Mexican spirit is made from the blue agave plant and comes in two main styles: blanco (unaged) and reposado/añejo (aged). Popular tequila brands that bartenders know include Jose Cuervo, Patrón, and Don Julio. Tequila is the star of cocktails like the Margarita and Paloma, and it is also enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Liqueurs are essential in creating a wide range of cocktails and adding depth and flavor to drinks. Bartenders are familiar with popular liqueur brands like Baileys, Cointreau, and Amaretto Disaronno. These sweet and flavorful spirits are used in cocktails such as the Espresso Martini, White Russian, and Cosmopolitan.
Brandy and Cognac are spirits that are often associated with sophistication and elegance. Bartenders should have a good understanding of popular brandy and cognac brands like Hennessy, Rémy Martin, and Courvoisier. These spirits are commonly enjoyed neat or in classic cocktails like the Sidecar and Brandy Alexander.
Lastly, we have whisk(e)y, which includes both Scotch whisky and American whiskey. Bartenders should be knowledgeable about popular whisky brands like Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniel's, and Jameson. Whisk(e)y is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour.
The drinks that all bartenders should know span across various spirits categories including vodka, rum, gin, tequila, liqueurs, brandy/cognac, and whisk(e)y. Within each category, there are numerous brands and styles that bartenders should be familiar with in order to create a diverse range of cocktails and cater to different customer preferences.