National Bartender Day – 6 cocktails to celebrate in style

Tending a bar is no easy matter. It’s not only about preparing a drink but also about cheering you up when you’re having a not-so-great day. So, the least we could do is take a moment to celebrate this great profession (and difficult art)! 

National Bartender Day occurs on the first Friday of December each year, and was founded by Sailor Jerry Rum in 2011. Wondering how to celebrate it? Head to your favourite bar and raise a glass to the bartenders while sipping one of these tasty cocktails!

By Giulia Daniele,

@sleeponthesofaa

1. Margarita

A classic that will never get old. Margarita is the Spanish term for ‘Daisy’, and is thought to be derived from the brandy daisy, a 19th-century bar classic made with brandy instead of tequila. To make a state-of-the-art margarita, you’ll need:

• Ice
• 50ml tequila reposado
• 25ml lime juice
• 20ml triple sec
• Salt and 2 lime wedges for the garnish

First, run a lime wedge around the outer rims of two rocks glasses and dip the edges in salt. Set aside.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the tequila, lime juice and triple sec. Shake until the shaker feels cold. Pour the mix into the glass and serve it with a wedge of lime. 

2. Manhattan

The history of this cocktail is still unknown, but rumour has it, it originated at the Manhattan Club in the 1870s. The Manhattan has stood the test of time and is a firm favourite around the world. You’ll need:

• Ice
• 75ml bourbon
• 15ml sweet vermouth
• 15ml extra dry vermouth
• 2 dashes of bitter
• 5ml cherry eau de vie
• 1 strip of orange zest for the garnish

Mix all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir. Strain the mix into a martini coupe once you reach the desired consistency and garnish with orange zest. 

3. Old-Fashioned

Arguably the most famous whiskey cocktail in the world, the old-fashioned became famous in the 1700s. It originated from an early mixed drink – the Whiskey Cocktail – as whiskey and commercial bitters became popular. To create the perfect old-fashioned, you’ll need:

• Ice
• 10ml sugar syrup (or 5ml granulated sugar)
• 1-2 dashes bitter
• 60 ml Scotch whiskey or bourbon
• Water 
• Orange slice

Add the sugar, water and bitters in a small tumbler and mix until sugar is dissolved (if you’re using granulated). Fill your glass with ice, stir in the whiskey, and garnish with an orange slice.

4. Daiquiri

A pioneer of the sour category of drinks, the daiquiri was invented around 1898 in a mining village in southeastern Cuba. This cocktail has evolved over 100 years and is a staple in any bar’s menu today. You’ll need:

• Ice
• 50ml white rum
• 25ml lime juice
• 10ml sugar syrup 

Shake all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and strain into a cocktail glass. Voilà!

5. Espresso Martini

This cocktail has many twists, but the original recipe only includes vodka, espresso and coffee liqueur. It’s thought to have been invented in 1983 by London-based bartender Dick Bradsell at Fred’s Club. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ice
• 100ml vodka
• 50ml freshly brewed espresso 
• 50ml coffee liqueur
• 100g golden caster sugar (for the sugar syrup)

First, you need to prepare the sugar syrup. Heat the caster sugar and 50ml water over medium in a small pan. Stir until it boils. Turn off the heat and let it cool down. 

Once the sugar syrup is cold, pour 5ml into a cocktail shaker with ice, vodka, espresso and coffee liqueur. Shake until the shaker feels cold. Pour the mix into a martini glass and garnish with coffee beans. 

6. Cosmopolitan

The brainchild behind the cosmopolitan is Cheryl Cook, who invented it in 1985 while working at the Strand bar in Miami’s South Beach neighbourhood. To prepare the perfect cosmo, you’ll need:

• Ice
• 45ml lemon vodka
• 15ml triple sec
• 30ml cranberry juice
• 10ml lime juice
• Orange zest for the garnish

Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and pour the mix into a glass. Hold a round piece of orange zest (ideally about 3cm) above your cosmo to prepare the garnish and wave it over a flame. Drop the zest into the drink. 

As Sailor Jerry said, “Here’s to the men and women who give up their late nights out so that we can have ours…We honor their hard work and their unwavering patience.” Cheers!

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About Me:

Hi, I am Giulia – a writer, proofreader and aspiring author. I am originally from Italy but have lived in the UK for five years. I specialise in content ideation and creation on a wide range of topics, including travel, interior design and fashion. My hobbies are travelling, reading, playing volleyball and baking!

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