Cocktail Structure: Why Classics Are the Foundation

There is a massive number of classic cocktails. The IBA (International Bartenders Association) list alone features 90, and that doesn't even include all of them, only the most culturally influential ones.

Cocktails have been actively created for over two centuries. But, just like in other fields, bartending reaches a stage where nothing fundamentally new will emerge. This doesn't mean modern cocktails are crap and you should only drink proven classics. It is about the structure of the drink.

Today, bartenders and bars are moving in different directions. They experiment with flavors, aromas, textures, presentations, the overall experience, and so on. But almost always, a new signature cocktail is built on a structure we've known for years. For example: 2 parts strong, 1 part sweet, 1 part sour. This is normal and correct: you don't need to reinvent the wheel every time you set out to create a new drink.

How do I view the classics? I see them as the collective experience of entire generations of bartenders, available in the open. It is simply foolish not to use this knowledge.

I also believe every bartender needs to master the cocktail foundation. What do I mean by that? Until you learn at least the basic principles and mechanics, you shouldn't tackle anything new or avant-garde. Chances are high you will screw it up.

From Scattered Recipes to Clear Templates

To beginners, the world of cocktails can seem complex and confusing. There are so many, and they all appear completely different. I understand this perfectly because I was in the same exact situation. It is hard to navigate behind the bar when cocktails are just dozens of disconnected recipes to you, rather than a few clear templates.

I highlight 8 main templates:

• Old Fashioned
• Whiskey Highball
• Negroni
• Whiskey Sour
• Sidecar
• Last Word
• Martini
• Flip

It might seem like three completely different drinks. They do taste very different, but the template - Sidecar - does not change.

With this knowledge, it becomes significantly easier to understand cocktails, specifically their structure.

Guide to the Classics

I wrote a separate Guide to the Classics about this, where I explain the 8 main templates in detail. For each one, I provide 8 cocktails built on its logic, analyzing what changed and what that led to.

Besides templates and examples, the guide covers the basics of spirits and their categories, and breaks down preparation techniques. There are also sections on ice, citrus, glassware, various stories from behind the bar, and practical tips for the job.

I wrote this guide for myself. Not for the me of today, but for that guy who just stepped behind the bar with hands shaking from fear. Back then, I would have given a lot to have the chance to dive into the profession through this material.

It has only essentials, no AI materials, just 65 pages of our team's work. But after reading them, you will feel noticeably more confident working behind the bar. I am not saying my guide is everything a bartender needs. No, you need much more. But as an entry point into the profession, it is excellent to understand how cocktails work instead of memorising the recipes.