When it comes to hiring the perfect cocktail bartender, or the woman! – it can be tricky to think about how to see if your tastes match. You could ask them to brew your favorite drink as a measure of how their skill suits your particular palate, but when it comes to parties and gatherings, you’ll want to know that they have a real twist to entertain while still being able to make exquisite drinks. . If your cocktail experts tick all the boxes, then everyone will be congratulating your host for years to come.
Here are four top drinks to put your bartender to the test:
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Old fashioned
This most classic drink is surprisingly difficult to master perfectly. While almost everyone will know how to make one, just as the French test their chefs with making an omelette, the test of a true bartender is to see if they can make a classic correctly with skill, knowledge, and passion. When it comes to an Old Fashioned, you’ll want to be careful about using sparkling water or ginger ale; This is a sign of a mixologist who may not have questioned the way he was taught to make the drink and lacks the passion to create truly spectacular drinks for his guests.
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Martini
Similarly, the Martini is another great test, as it is one of the simplest drinks, made with just two ingredients, gin and vermouth, and it will also show if the bartender exudes the passion needed to mix this drink to perfection. While it is easy to do, it is just as easy to be wrong; if they have the experience and drive for the job, they will have struck the perfect balance and can create a spectacular drink that you will not be able to leave out.
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Manhattan
Finally, the Manhattan. This drink is a great test not only for the bartenders themselves, but also for the spirits they use. If they’ve picked the right vermouth, not too sweet, and they’ve got a good rye whiskey, then they’ll know what they’re doing behind the bar, all topped off with the most perfect of maraschino cherries, of course.
While these drinks are great tests for a skilled and passionate bartender, it’s also important to consider their attitude, background, and style when hiring. You will want to make sure that they are experienced in serving drinks to a large group of people, that they are unlikely to get nervous or stressed behind the bar, and that they can take action when preparing each drink, as that is the essence of cocktails. : an entertaining performance.