Objective: Master the essential cocktails requested at Bartend Long Island events.

At Bartend Long Island, we’ve streamlined our event menu into 10 Core Cocktails. These drinks are simple, crowd-pleasing, and can be built quickly under event conditions. Each is based on a 1.5 oz standard spirit pour (to keep drinks balanced in smaller event glassware).

New bartenders are expected to memorize these recipes and their garnishes. Mastering these will prepare you for 90% of private event requests.

🍸 Core Cocktails

1. Margarita

• Base Spirit: 1.5 oz Tequila
• Other Ingredients: 1 oz Lime Juice, 0.75 oz Triple Sec (or Cointreau), optional splash of Agave
• Glass: Rocks or Margarita Glass
• Garnish: Lime Wheel, Salt Rim

2. Spicy Margarita

• Base Spirit: 1.5 oz Tequila
• Other Ingredients: 1 oz Lime Juice, 0.75 oz Triple Sec, splash Agave, muddled or infused Jalapeño
• Glass: Rocks Glass
• Garnish: Tajín Rim, Lime Wheel, Chili Pepper

3. Paloma

• Base Spirit: 1.5 oz Tequila
• Other Ingredients: 2 oz Grapefruit Soda (Jarritos, Fresca, or Squirt), 0.5 oz Lime Juice
• Glass: Collins or Rocks
• Garnish: Grapefruit Wedge, Salt Rim (optional)

4. Aperol Spritz

• Base Spirit: 1.5 oz Aperol
• Other Ingredients: 2 oz Prosecco, splash of Club Soda
• Glass: Wine Glass
• Garnish: Orange Slice

5. Hugo Spritz

• Base Spirit: 1.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur (St-Germain)
• Other Ingredients: 2 oz Prosecco, splash of Soda Water
• Glass: Wine Glass
• Garnish: Mint Sprig, Lime Wheel

6. Mojito

• Base Spirit: 1.5 oz White Rum
• Other Ingredients: 1 oz Lime Juice, 0.5 oz Simple Syrup, 5–6 Mint Leaves, splash of Soda
• Glass: Collins Glass
• Garnish: Mint Sprig, Lime Wedge

7. Watermelon Breeze

• Base Spirit: 1.5 oz Vodka
• Other Ingredients: 2 oz Watermelon Juice, splash of Lemonade, top with Club Soda
• Glass: Highball
• Garnish: Watermelon Slice, Mint

8. Espresso Martini

• Base Spirit: 1.5 oz Vodka
• Other Ingredients: 1 oz Coffee Liqueur, 1 oz Espresso (fresh if possible)
• Glass: Martini Glass
• Garnish: 3 Coffee Beans

9. Old Fashioned

• Base Spirit: 1.5 oz Bourbon or Rye
• Other Ingredients: 1 Sugar Cube (or 0.5 oz Simple Syrup), 2–3 Dashes Angostura Bitters, splash of Water
• Glass: Rocks Glass
• Garnish: Orange Peel, Cherry

10. Negroni

• Base Spirit: 1.5 oz Gin
• Other Ingredients: 1 oz Campari, 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• Glass: Rocks Glass
• Garnish: Orange Slice or Peel

📌 Key Notes for Bartenders

• Consistency: Always use the 1.5 oz base spirit pour for events.
• Balance: Use fresh citrus whenever possible; We never use any premade mixers for our events
• Presentation: Garnishes make the drink, even simple touches show professionalism.

👉 Next: Use the downloadable Cocktail Cheat Sheet (PDF) in your training resources for visual references of these 10 drinks.