Discover the underrated cocktails bartenders wish you'd order more often, from the Ti' Punch to the Sherry Cobbler.
The Art of the Hidden Gem Cocktail
As a bartender, there's nothing quite like the thrill of introducing a customer to a new favorite drink. But with so many classic cocktails dominating menus and conversations, it's easy for some real gems to get lost in the shuffle. We asked 13 bartenders to share their hidden gem cocktails – the ones they wish people would order more often.
A Proper Martini, Please
For Julian Flores Torres, bar manager at Kalbi Social Club and Robata Wasa in Irvine, California, it's all about the classic Martini. "I would love to see more people ask for a proper Martini," he says. "More often than not, I get an order for a Martini 'but no vermouth,' and that just breaks my heart a little." Torres emphasizes the importance of vermouth in a classic Martini, and encourages customers to give it a try.
A Ti' Punch, Anyone?
Tammy Bouma, bar manager at Lady Jane in Denver, is a fan of the Ti' Punch, a drink that's "like a grassy, funky Old Fashioned." She loves the versatility of the Ti' Punch, which can be tailored to the season or the customer's preferences. "It's a drink that says you know things and expect a certain quality out of the bartender," she says.
Caipirinhas and Corpse Revivers
Izzy Lewis, head bartender at Kanopi in White Plains, New York, is passionate about the Caipirinha, a cocktail that's "not only delicious, but unique with its use of cachaça as a base liquor." Meanwhile, Robert Martinez, president of USBG SoCal in Los Angeles, wishes more people would order the Corpse Reviver No. 2, a "fantastic Hemingway-era cocktail" that's been unfairly forgotten.
The Sazerac and Beyond
Stephen Robbins, general manager at Half Step and King Bee in Austin, is a fan of the Sazerac, a classic cocktail that's "damn near perfect" when done right. Other bartenders chimed in with their own hidden gems, from the Sherry Cobbler to the Adonis, the Old Cuban to the Gimlet.
What This Means for Bartenders
So what can bartenders take away from this list? For one, it's clear that there's a wealth of amazing cocktails out there beyond the usual suspects. By introducing customers to these hidden gems, bartenders can elevate the drinking experience and build a loyal following. Here are a few actionable insights:
- Experiment with new ingredients: Many of the cocktails on this list feature unique ingredients like cachaça, agricole rum, and sherry. Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works.
- Pay attention to flavor profiles: From the bright, grassy notes of the Ti' Punch to the rich, herbal flavors of the Sazerac, each of these cocktails offers a distinct flavor profile. Take the time to understand what makes each drink tick.
- Educate your customers: Don't be afraid to introduce customers to new cocktails and explain what makes them special. This can be a great way to build trust and create a loyal following.
Ready to Shake Things Up?
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About this article: This bartender-focused analysis was curated from industry news sources by ABC Bartending College using AI assistance. We synthesize and translate hospitality industry reporting for bartenders and aspiring professionals. See sources below for original reporting.
Original Reporting
This article is based on reporting from the following source:
