Behind the Bar: What Drinks do Bartenders Order?

Whether you're a seasoned customer lounging at a high-end bar or a newbie looking to explore the exciting world of cocktails, understanding the preferences of bartenders can enhance your experience. In this article, we delve into the kinds of drinks that bartenders often order and the dynamics of the bartender community.

Types of Drinks Preferred by Bartenders

Beyond the classic customer choices, bartenders themselves have a penchant for certain types of drinks, often for reasons that align with their expertise and creativity. If you observe and build trust in a bartender's skills, they are likely to reach for classic cocktails. Here are some of the go-to drinks for a skilled bartender:

Cocktails from Judgment and Trust

Negroni: A sophisticated blend of gin, campari, and sweet vermouth, perfect for experienced drinkers. Boulevardier: Similar to a Negroni but with bourbon instead of gin, it's a favorite among those who appreciate complexity. Side Car: This combination of cognac, orange Cointreau, and lemon juice is a delightful enhancement for a sweet and smooth taste. Vieux Carre: A classic bourbon-based cocktail with vermouth and bitters, it's a must-have for traditionalists. Princess Cocktail: A sweet, fruity variation on a vintage cocktail that includes a mix of herbs and spirits.

For those with a sweeter tooth, a Blood and Sand or an Aviation can offer a luscious experience. These drinks are more about indulgence and less about complexity, making them perfect complements to a meal or a need for a sweet escape.

Whisky and Beyond: Bartender Preferences and Knowledge

When it comes to whisky, the choice falls heavily on the type and quality. Bartenders who frequent your bar may have a soft spot for specific whiskies, particularly those that cater to their expertise in mixology. A popular choice among bartenders is Scotch, but this preference is more about the quality of the spirit and its ability to complement other flavors. On the other hand, for pub settings, a decent porter or pilsner aligns well with the atmosphere, offering a refreshing choice in different seasons.

Complexity and Flavor Profiles in Bartender-Designed Cocktails

Bartenders are known for their love of complex cocktails, often aiming to create drinks that offer a unique and memorable experience. These drinks typically feature a bitter or pungent center, around which familiar flavors are built. Common ingredients include:

Cynar: A bitter Italian drink made from artichokes, offering a delightful bitter and sweet taste over ice or in a shot with mezcal. Fernet Branca: An herbal bitters that bartenders rely on for its intensity and health benefits, making it a go-to for evening sipping or mixing. Benedictine: A complex liqueur that includes herbs and spices, often used in sophisticated cocktails. Chartreuse: Another highly complex and flavorful liqueur with a unique taste profile. Aperol: A bitter Italian liqueur that adds a touch of brightness and sweetness to cocktails.

The choice of the actual spirit is secondary to the components and flavors, explaining why a seemingly rigid customer preference can be defied by a well-crafted cocktail. For instance, a customer who claims to dislike gin cocktails may love a Martinez, which is gin-based but often masking its true components, leading to a delightful surprise.

The Bartender Community: Knowledge and Experience

Much like any profession, bartenders form a close-knit community. When a bartender steps into another bar’s territory, they often share knowledge and experiences, especially regarding bitter drinks or amari cocktails. These shared moments of camaraderie often involve a “Bartender’s handshake,” which includes a bitter drink or a combination featuring an amaro. Some popular choices for such moments include:

Fernet Branca: Known for its intense taste, Fernet is a classic choice for bartenders seeking to ground their cocktails. Cynar: The artichoke-based amaro offers a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness, making it a go-to for many bartenders. Braulio: An Italian herbal liqueur that is commonly used in a 50/50 shot with Fernet or Cynar. Fernet and Campari: These two bitters combined in a "Ferrari" shot can be both intense and enjoyable.

The preference for bitter drinks among bartenders is evident, as they understand that these flavors can enhance the complexity and depth of cocktails. Drinks like Cynar, Fernet, and Riga Black Balsam offer a unique experience that bartenders often appreciate for their medicinal properties and ability to elevate cocktail profiles.

Conclusion

Bartenders have a unique set of preferences when it comes to the drinks they choose, driven by their expertise, creativity, and community bonds. Whether it's a classic cocktail, a complex blend, or a bitter shot, each choice tells a story of the bartender's experience and knowledge. Understanding these preferences can help you enjoy a drink more fully, both as a customer and as a part of the growing appreciation for the craft of mixology.