Bar 209's Cocktail Guide | Make Your Favorites at Home

Psst…do you wanna make cocktails that people don't secretly toss down the sink when you're not watching? Do you wanna make classic drinks that are easy to sip, beautiful to look at, and won't have your whole party blacked out after the first round?

We've got you.

As the proud creators of the best drinks in Minnesota and the entire galactic universe, we know a thing or two. And we're about to drop some major knowledge bombs on what you need to create classic cocktails that exude elegance and get your guests more lit than a Christmas tree.

Getting the Right Tools

If you want to make really good cocktails, you'll need more than a glass and ice cubes. Cocktails are like an art form. Only the artist is typically a bartender with the listening skills of a therapist.

There are many easy cocktails for beginners that are further simplified with the right tools. Here are some key pieces of equipment to invest in if you want to make cocktails your guests will love:

- Shaker: Shaking vodka in a shaker bottle is not hot. Do you want that Magic Mike bartending experience that'll have your guest drooling (for the drinks — and maybe you)? Get a shaker. A Boston shaker is ideal for making a variety of cocktails, but a

Cobbler shaker works just fine for a few decent cocktails at home.

- Pairing knives: Pairing knives are useful for slicing fruits, herbs, and other garnishes. They give your drinks that sleek and fancy appearance.

- Bar spoon: Shakers are much deeper than your typical cup, so a bar spoon is long enough to reach the bottom and give the drink a stir. It's useful for mixing thick syrups and fruit-based mixtures into the drinks.

- Muddler: If you're making fruity cocktails, a muddler is crucial. You can mash ingredients like herbs, fruits, and sugar to release the natural flavors and enhance the aroma of the drink.

- Ice molds: Ice is a critical part of almost every cocktail. There is nothing better than sipping on an ice-cold cocktail. You can get ice molds in fancy shapes, like large cubes and balls, for that extra special touch.

- Garnishes: To create classic cocktail recipes, you'll need a few garnishes, like citrus twists, cherries, and edible flowers. Of course, you'll also need salt and sugar for dressed rims and skewers to hold your garnishes up.

- Cocktail glasses: Is it fun to drink brandy out of a Minnie Mouse mug? Yes. But your guests may not share that sentiment. Invest in some cocktail classes for the drinks you plan on serving. For example, martini glasses, highball glasses, and tiki mugs can take your cocktails to the next level.

Creating the Classics

Whether you're having your friends over for dinner or you support the Green Bay Packers, a classic cocktail is perfect for livening things up or drowning your sorrows. If you're playing bartender for the night, it's a good idea to  order food online to go  with your drinks so you can relax with your guests. Here are the top classic drinks to try.

Martini

Martinis are one of those easy cocktail recipes that people think are complicated, and James Bond is completely to blame — “shaken, not stirred.” So, before we get into the recipe, let's talk about why Bond preferred his martini shaken, not stirred.

A shaken martini is quick to make, keeps things arctic cold, and aerates the drink. This would've allowed Bond to drink his martini on the go and enjoy a colder drink in a fraction of the time. Stirred martinis are also a tasty option because they allow the flavors of the alcohol to bloom. But if you're in a rush to defeat Dr. Guntram Shatterhand, then you should go for a shaken martini and snack on the skewered olives on the way out.

To make a martini, all you have to do is combine gin or vodka and dry vermouth and either shake it with ice or stir it in a chilled glass. Top with speared olives for that classic martini look.

Old-Fashioned

It doesn't get any more classic than an old-fashioned. The voluptuous bourbon balanced perfectly with the refreshing orange scent and a touch of sweetness make this drink perfect for a luxurious evening or a dinner party. It's one of those fun cocktails to make that's nearly impossible to mess up.

To make an old-fashioned, stir demerara sugar, water, and angostura bitters in a glass until the sugar is dissolved. Add ice and bourbon and keep stirring until the drink is chilled. Strain it into a glass and garnish with an orange peel or 1 to 2 maraschino cherries, which perfectly soak up the bourbon and make for a delicious bite at the end of the cocktail.

Manhattan

Manhattans are one of the best cocktails for beginners who want to add creative flair to their drinks. Start by chilling your cocktail glass so the drink stays cold and looks appetizing. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and toss in these ingredients:

- Bourbon or rye whiskey

- Sweet vermouth

- Aromatic bitters for a classic Manhattan or cherry syrup for a cherry Manhattan

Stir the ingredients with the ice and strain into a glass. Top with a skewered cherry for that classic Manhattan look. If you want to get creative, you can swap out the aromatic bitters for any other fruity syrup.

Margarita

Margaritas are one of the best cocktails for beginners to make. They're easy to throw together, and they're a  popular happy hour drink  that will surely put a smile on your guests' faces.

All you gotta do is mix tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice in a shaker with a good amount of ice, and the next thing you know, you'll be Jimmy Buffett. If you wanna get extra fancy, run a juicy lime wedge along the rim of the glass and dip it in salt. If you prefer your margaritas on the sweeter side, drizzle some agave or add simple syrup to the mix.

Bloody Mary

What happens if you say "bloody mary" three times in front of the mirror? Nothing. But if you order three bloody mary cocktails, you'll definitely summon your inner party animal. Bloody marys are savory, delicious, and perfect for the morning after a hangover. They're also surprisingly easy to put together.

Bloody mary is quite a fun cocktail recipe. Combine vodka, fresh lemon juice, horseradish, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato juice in a mixing glass. Gently toss it back and forth with ice to cool it down. You don't want to shake a bloody mary because the tomato juice will foam up. Once the drink is cooled, strain it into a glass and serve with a slice of lime.

Gin and Tonic

Undoubtedly, one of the best cocktails for beginners is a gin and tonic. Anyone who messes this drink up should grab two slices of bread, hold them on either side of their face, and call Gordon Ramsey immediately.

All you have to do is combine gin and tonic water in a glass, stir, and garnish with a lime wedge.

Enjoy Bar 209 Favorites — Zero Effort, High Spirits

Do you want to taste the best cocktails in Minnesota (and probably the world)? Come over to Bar 209 to taste our delicious spins on classic cocktails. You can  enjoy our craft cocktails  made from scratch with customer favorites like the Toasted Old Fashioned, Maple White Russian, Livin' on a Pear, and our famous 209 Espresso Martini. We also offer 25-ounce Magnum-size beers and happy hour specials where you quench your thirst with our drinks and fill up on our half-priced apps.

Since 2011, we've been  one of Bemidji's top restaurants , and we're now a multi-award-winning establishment. Sip on our cocktails while you enjoy good company and scratch-made food and mingle with the community.

If you really want to enjoy a flippin' good cocktail, drop everything and come to Bar 209. We'll promise to welcome you with open arms and a margarita.