Bartending requires a certain set of skills, just as cooking food requires a knowledgeable chef. When preparing mixed drinks, a bartender must know the quantities of alcohol that comprise each libation. Classic drinks, which only consist of one or two liquors, such a martini, might draw more attention to the technique of the person preparing the beverage. If a customer orders a shot of alcohol, the person behind the bar should know the difference between top shelf and well selections in order to give the best service.

Besides shots of straight alcohol, there are mixed drink shots varieties as well. One such popular shot is called a Red Headed Slut and consists of cranberry juice, Jagermeister, and Peach Schapps. Chocolate Cake Shots are made with vanilla vodka and hazelnut liquor such as Frangeico.

After a person takes the drink, it is important that a lemon wedge chaser is available. Surprisingly, biting into the lemon after downing the vanilla vodka and hazelnut liquor combination leaves a chocolate cake flavor in the mouth. This drink can also be served as an elegant martini with a sugar frosted rim. If complex, trendy drinks are less your style, shots of tequila are a popular choice, served with salt and lime, otherwise known as training wheels.

Making great mixed drinks is also essential to good bartending skills. Mixed drinks are cocktails that have more than one ingredient. Bartending might be as complex as preparing a Surfer on Acid, which is made from cranberry juice, pineapple juice, Jagermeister and coconut rum, to making a simple vodka cranberry juice cocktails. Mixed drinks are commonly enjoyed alongside food, or in social settings such as parties or celebrations. Shakers are a necessary tool for any bartender to possess, and can also serve for special tricks, like tossing multiple shakers through the air, or juggling. The most common function of a cocktail shaker is to combine the contents of mixed drinks to make the perfect refresher.

Martinis are considered classic cocktails. There are many variations of this drink, such as whether it is served straight up or on the rocks, or made with gin or vodka as the main alcohol. The straight up version is prepared in a cocktail shaker with ice, then strained into a martini glass. One might order their drink dirty, which means olives and their juices are desired. A dry version has more vermouth in it. Common garnishes include a twist, or lemon rind, green olives, even pearl onions.

The popular cable show Sex and The City popularized the Cosmopolitan, often referred to simply as the Cosmo, which is a specialty martini consisting of vodka with a splash of cranberry juice and a decorative, curly twist of lemon usually located at the bottom of the glass.