There are literally thousands of recipes for cocktails and mixed drinks, but there are a select few that are universal to the entire drinking public. You can find these classic cocktails being made in almost any bar or lounge anywhere in the world. If you're an aspiring bartender (professional or at home), this is also a good list to begin memorizing because they include many of the most asked for martinis, highballs, lowballs, shooters and tropical drinks. Also keep in mind that there are often many variations of the same drink, so you may not get the same drink everywhere you go, but hopefully it's relatively close.

Every establishment is different. As a bartender you may work in a pub slinging beer and mixing maybe one or two drinks a night, or in a high-class cocktail lounge where the cocktail shakers never stop. No matter where you begin or end up, there is a basic list of drinks that every bartender should know.

Memorizing a good list of common mixed drinks and cocktails will also help you get your foot in the door when applying for your first bartending position. Granted, you are not going to know every drink in the world, but there are some that you will be expected to be familiar with by both the bar manager and patrons. Many establishments also have specialties or local favorites that you'll get the hang of in no time and there are always new drinks hitting the scene. As a professional bartender you will always be learning new drinks, this list is very general but a good start to what could be a rewarding career behind the bar.