10 Classic Cocktails Every Bar Should Know
Cocktail trends come and go, but some drinks have earned a permanent place behind the bar. From a refreshing Mojito to an after-dinner Espresso Martini, the classics continue to provide inspiration for modern cocktail menus. For pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants, cocktails can also provide an opportunity to make more of the drinks already stocked behind the bar. Spirits, post-mix soft drinks, mixers, fruit juices and a few fresh ingredients can create an impressive selection. So, rather than trying to rank today’s most fashionable drinks, we’ve chosen ten established cocktails worth knowing. 1. Margarita Fresh, sharp and instantly recognisable, the Margarita combines tequila, lime and orange liqueur. It is traditionally served with a salted rim, although there are now countless variations. Fruit flavours can also put a different spin on the original. As a result, the Margarita remains an adaptable choice for 2. Old Fashioned The Old Fashioned proves that cocktails don’t need a long list of ingredients. Traditionally made with whiskey, sugar and bitters, it is usually finished with orange peel. The result is a strong, spirit-led drink that has remained a cocktail-bar favourite for generations. 3. Mojito Originating in Cuba, the Mojito combines rum, lime, mint, sugar and soda water. It is refreshing, recognisable and particularly popular during warmer weather. Furthermore, fruit can be added to create variations without completely changing the character of the drink. 4. Martini Few cocktails are as instantly recognisable as the Martini. Traditionally combining gin and dry vermouth, it can be garnished with an olive or lemon twist. Vodka Martinis have also become extremely popular. Its simplicity means the quality and balance of the ingredients really matter. 5. Daiquiri The classic Daiquiri is another excellent example of a simple cocktail. At its heart are just three ingredients: rum, fresh lime and sugar. However, the name is now associated with numerous fruit and frozen variations too. Strawberry Daiquiris, in particular, have become a familiar sight on cocktail menus. 6. Negroni The Negroni is traditionally made using equal measures of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. Its bittersweet flavour makes it very different from many sweeter cocktails. Usually finished with orange peel, it has become a modern bar staple despite having more than a century of history behind it. 7. Whiskey Sour Whiskey, lemon juice and sugar provide the foundations of a Whiskey Sour. Egg white is also traditionally used in many versions to create its distinctive foamy top. However, venues can adapt the recipe depending on their preferred serving style. The combination of sweetness, citrus and whiskey gives this classic its distinctive balance. 8. Cosmopolitan The Cosmopolitan combines vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry and lime. Although its history stretches further back, its appearance in Sex and the City helped turn the bright pink cocktail into a cultural icon. It remains an attractive choice for bars looking for a familiar fruit-led cocktail. 9. Piña Colada Rum, pineapple and coconut give the Piña Colada its unmistakably tropical character. Closely associated with Puerto Rico, it has become one of the world’s best-known tropical cocktails. Furthermore, its distinctive appearance makes it instantly recognisable when served. 10. Espresso Martini The Espresso Martini may be younger than many drinks on this list, but it has firmly established itself as a modern classic. Vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso create its distinctive combination of coffee, sweetness and alcohol. Consequently, it works particularly well as an after-dinner drink or later-evening serve. Making Cocktails Work Behind a Busy Bar A successful cocktail menu isn’t necessarily the one with the most choices. Instead, a carefully selected range can make ordering easier for customers and preparation simpler for staff. There is also plenty of scope to use ingredients across several drinks. Post-mix cola, lemonade, tonic, soda and fruit flavours can serve multiple purposes behind the bar. They can accompany spirits, feature in cocktails and provide the foundations for alcohol-free alternatives. Therefore, a good post-mix system can help reduce preparation time while keeping drinks consistent. Post-Mix Drinks and Cocktail Mixers from CS Drinks At CS Drinks, we’ve worked with the hospitality trade for over 35 years. We supply post-mix soft drinks alongside the dispensing equipment needed to serve them. Our systems are suitable for pubs, clubs, bars, bistros, cafés, restaurants and other hospitality venues. Moreover, installation, servicing and maintenance are handled by our own team. Whether you’re creating cocktails, serving spirits and mixers or simply pouring a refreshing soft drink, a dependable dispensing system helps keep the bar moving. Speak to Steve, Dianne or Matthew on 01539 559033 to find out more about post-mix drinks and dispensing equipment for your venue.
Rum and the Caribbean
Rum and the Caribbean have been connected for centuries. From the sugarcane plantations of the 17th century to today’s bars and cocktail menus, the spirit has a complex and fascinating history. Usually produced from sugarcane products such as molasses or sugarcane juice, rum developed alongside the Caribbean sugar industry. Over time, different islands created their own distinctive approaches to its production. Today, rum is enjoyed around the world. However, its Caribbean heritage remains an important part of its identity. The Origins of Caribbean Rum The development of Caribbean rum can be traced to the 17th century. During this period, European colonial powers expanded sugarcane production throughout the region. Molasses was produced as a by-product of refining sugar. It was discovered that this could be fermented and distilled to create a strong alcoholic spirit. Consequently, rum production became closely connected with the rapidly growing sugar industry. However, this history also has a much darker side. The Caribbean plantation economy relied heavily upon the forced labour of enslaved Africans. Sugar, molasses and rum subsequently became commodities within Atlantic trading systems connected to slavery. Therefore, the history of Caribbean rum cannot be separated from the experiences of the people whose forced labour supported the sugar industry. Rum Develops Across the Caribbean As rum production developed, individual islands established their own traditions and methods. Jamaica became particularly well known for full-flavoured rums. Traditional production methods can create distinctive and powerful characteristics. Barbados also has a long association with rum production. Its distilling history stretches back centuries, and the island remains home to internationally recognised producers. Elsewhere across the Caribbean, different approaches to fermentation, distillation and ageing have resulted in an enormous variety of rums. As a result, rum can range from light and delicate to dark, rich and intensely flavoured. Rum and Caribbean Cocktail Culture Rum has also played an important role in the development of some of the world’s best-known cocktails. The Daiquiri developed in Cuba and traditionally combines rum, lime and sugar. Likewise, the Mojito became closely associated with Cuba through its combination of rum, lime, mint, sugar and soda water. Puerto Rico, meanwhile, is strongly associated with the Piña Colada, combining rum with pineapple and coconut. However, rum doesn’t need an elaborate recipe to work well behind the bar. Some of the most familiar serves are also the simplest. Rum and cola remains a firm favourite. Meanwhile, lemonade, ginger and fruit mixers provide plenty of opportunities for different serves. Rum and Post-Mix Drinks For pubs, clubs and bars, rum is particularly versatile because it pairs with such a broad selection of soft drinks. Cola is the obvious classic. Nevertheless, different styles of rum can also work well with lemonade, ginger flavours and tropical fruit drinks. Post-mix soft drinks can make these popular combinations quick and straightforward to serve. Importantly, they also help provide consistency when a bar becomes busy. A measured spirit combined with a consistent mixer helps staff reproduce the same serve for every customer. Furthermore, dispensing mixers at the bar can reduce the need to handle individual bottles. That can be especially useful for busy pubs, clubs and hospitality venues. More Than a Drink Rum remains an important product for many Caribbean economies. Distilleries attract visitors, support employment and export their products around the world. The spirit also has a place in Caribbean food and culture. Rum can be found in marinades, sauces, cakes and desserts, as well as celebrations and festivals. However, its history remains complex. The development of Caribbean rum includes ingenuity and centuries of distilling expertise. At the same time, it is inseparable from colonialism and slavery. Understanding both sides gives us a much fuller picture of how rum developed into the internationally recognised spirit it is today. Rum Mixers for Pubs and Bars Centuries after the first Caribbean rums were produced, rum remains a staple behind bars throughout Britain. At CS Drinks, we supply post-mix soft drinks, mixers and dispensing equipment to pubs, clubs, bars, bistros, cafés and other hospitality venues. Our range provides plenty of options for serving spirits and mixers, as well as cocktails and alcohol-free drinks. In addition, our dispensing systems help make bar service quick and consistent. So, whether you’re serving a classic rum and cola or creating something more adventurous, the right mixer remains an important part of the finished drink.