Bartenders’ Favorites: 12 Most Used Spirits Behind the Bar

Craft cocktails may be the stars of the show, but every well-made drink rests on a foundation of essential spirits.

These are the workhorses, the reliable voices in the bartender’s orchestra, always ready to harmonize with bitters, liqueurs, and fresh ingredients. So, what bottles reign supreme on top shelves across the country? We asked the pros and discovered the top 10 spirits fueling their creativity.

This is just a snapshot of the spirits that keep bartenders around the world stocked and inspired. Each bottle offers a unique flavor profile and plays a key role in crafting the delicious and diverse cocktails we all enjoy. So next time you order a drink, take a moment to appreciate the spirit at its core—the foundation for the symphony of flavors in your glass.

Absolut Vodka

Absolut is Swedish vodka brand appreciated for its purity and versatility, making it a great choice for a wide range of cocktails; everything from a Moscow Mule to a Martini. It’s most known for its use in Espresso Martinis and, of course, Absolut Citron in the Cosmopolitan.

Ilegal Mezcal

Forget the smoke monster myths. Ilegal Mezcal is a smooth, approachable spirit with a storied past. Born from clandestine bar escapades in Guatemala, it’s now crafted “Sin Prisa” – without rush – in Oaxaca, using artisanal methods and 100% recycled glass. Enjoy the sweet agave and subtle smoke neat, or let it shine in cocktails like the Oaxaca Old Fashioned or a Spicy Paloma.

Jack Daniel’s Whiskey

This iconic Tennessee whiskey is a staple in bars and is often enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in the classics, such as a Whiskey Sour or Old Fashioned.

Casa Del Sol Blanco

Crisp agave purity with mint whispers and a hint of warming spice. Smooth like aloe vera with a touch of sweetness, finishing clean and refreshing. A bartender’s canvas for vibrant Margaritas, Tequila Sunrise, or other unexpected twists.

BACARDÍ Rum

Known for its versatility and quality, BACARDÍ is popular choice for classic and contemporary rum-based cocktails. It’s best known for its use in a BACARDÍ Daiquiri, Cuba Libre, and a Mojito.

Tanqueray 10

Tanqueray is a classic London dry gin known for its crisp and refreshing flavor profile, making it a popular choice for gin and tonics, Martinis, and other gin-based cocktails.

Cointreau

The orange essence of mixology, Cointreau’s vibrant citrus notes and balanced sweetness are practically synonymous with classic cocktails. From the timeless Margarita to the Cosmopolitan, Cointreau adds a burst of sunshine and complexity to any creation.

Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

Don’t underestimate the power of Luxardo. This Italian liqueur, made with Marasca cherries, offers a delicate sweetness and depth of flavor that elevates both classic cocktails like the Aviation and a modern twist on the Black Manhattan.

Kahlúa

Coffee and cocktails meet their match in Kahlúa. This coffee liqueur brings warmth and creamy richness to classics like the White Russian or the Espresso Martini and adds a playful spin on unexpected creations like the Espresso Negroni.

Captain Morgan Spiced Rum

Spiced rum’s bold personality finds its champion in Captain Morgan. This Jamaican favorite infuses dark rum with warming spices, making it a go-to for tropical-inspired cocktails, like the Piña Colada, and adding a festive kick to winter warmers like the Hot Buttered Rum.

Remy Martin Cognac

Cognac’s elegance takes center stage with Remy Martin. From the smooth, approachable VSOP to the complex, nuanced XO, Remy Martin brings sophistication and depth to classic cocktails like the Sidecar and the French Connection, while adding a touch of luxury to contemporary creations.

Empress 1908 Indigo Gin

More than just a pretty face, this Canadian gin boasts a unique personality. Handcrafted in copper stills, it infuses traditional botanicals with the signature blend of black tea from Victoria’s iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel and butterfly pea blossom, yielding a vibrant indigo hue and a complex, earthy-citrus flavor profile. Empress is an artist’s canvas, perfect for modern twists on classic cocktails like the Negroni or a showstopping Indigo-tinged Martini.

The post Bartenders’ Favorites: 12 Most Used Spirits Behind the Bar appeared first on Chilled Magazine.