Trolley0

Posted on: July 24, 2025

Bartender Quiz: Test Your Bartending Drink Knowledge

bartending drink quiz

Think you know your way around a cocktail shaker? Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or just brushing up on the basics, this bartending test is the perfect way to put your bartender knowledge to the test.

In this blog, you'll find bartender quiz questions and answers designed to test your bartending drink knowledge, from spirits and garnishes to service etiquette and beyond. Ready to find out how well you know your cocktails? Let’s get started.

Bartender Quiz

1. Which of the following is NOT a type of whiskey?
 A) Bourbon
 B) Rye
 C) Cognac
 D) Scotch

2. What is the primary ingredient in a Mojito?
 A) Gin
 B) Tequila
 C) Rum
 D) Whiskey

3. What does the term "neat" mean in bartending?
 A) A drink with no alcohol
 B) A drink served over ice
 C) A drink served straight, without ice or mixers
 D) A drink that is stirred instead of shaken

4. Which tool allows bartenders to provide the perfect pour every time?
 A) Muddler
 B) Strainer
 C) Jigger

5. What is a modifier in bartending?
 A) Syrup
 B) Bitters
 C) Aromatized wine like vermouth
 D) A liqueur such as Cointreau
 E) All of the above

6. How do you estimate the proof of liquor?
 A) The alcohol by volume
 B) Half the alcohol by volume
 C) Double the alcohol by volume

7. Which of the following is NOT typically found in an Aperol Spritz?
 A) Simple Syrup
 B) Prosecco
 C) Soda Water

8. What type of glass should be used to serve brandy?
 A) Shot
 B) Highball
 C) Snifter

9. What tool helps bartenders crush fruit?
 A) Mister
 B) Muddler
 C) Jigger

10. Which ingredient is NOT used to make a classic cosmopolitan?
 A) Vodka
 B) Triple Sec
 C) Absinthe

11. What is the purpose of a dry shake?
 A) To aerate fresh lime juice
 B) To emulsify egg yolks
 C) To emulsify egg whites

12. What fortified wine is typically present in both the martini and Manhattan?
 A) Quinquina
 B) Americano
 C) Vermouth

13. What type of liquor serves as the base for the Manhattan?
 A) Rum
 B) Whiskey
 C) Vodka

14. Most of the beer sold in the U.S. falls into which category?
 A) Ales
 B) Hybrids
 C) Lagers

15. Which liquor serves as the foundation for a margarita?
 A) Vodka
 B) Tequila
 C) Sangria

16. Which liquor is the base for an Old Fashioned?
 A) Tequila
 B) Vodka
 C) Whiskey

17. Why are shooter drinks mixed in metal?
 A) The ingredients mix naturally
 B) The ingredients need to be chilled
 C) It allows for several shots to be prepared at once
 D) All of the above

18. What act played a key role in enacting Prohibition?
 A) Volstead Act
 B) Milstead Act
 C) Hampstead Act

19. What’s the best strategy to serve customers quickly when 10 of them order the same drink?
 A) Make each drink individually, as quickly as possible
 B) Make a few drinks at a time, switching between orders
 C) Make as many drinks as possible in large batches, and then focus on the other drinks that need to be made

20. Which three classic cocktails would you make using a julep strainer?
 A) Manhattan, Martini, Margarita
 B) Martini, Old Fashioned, Mint Julep
 C) Martini, Vieux Carré, Negroni
 D) Manhattan, Last Word, Margarita

Answer Key

  1. C) Cognac
  2. C) Rum
  3. C) A drink served straight, without ice or mixers
  4. C) Jigger
  5. E) All of the above
  6. C) Double the alcohol by volume
  7. A) Simple Syrup
  8. C) Snifter
  9. B) Muddler
  10. C) Absinthe
  11. C) To emulsify egg whites
  12. C) Vermouth
  13. B) Whiskey
  14. C) Lagers
  15. B) Tequila
  16. C) Whiskey
  17. D) All of the above
  18. A) Volstead Act
  19. C) Make as many drinks as possible in large batches, and then focus on the other drinks that need to be made
  20. C) Martini, Vieux Carré, Negroni

Get Trained to Become a Bartender With TIPS

Bartending is more than just mixing drinks; it’s about creating a welcoming experience for guests while maintaining a safe, compliant environment. Establishment owners trust you to boost business, and customers count on you to keep the good times flowing responsibly.

If you enjoyed this bartending drink knowledge test or want to keep challenging yourself with a drink knowledge quiz, it's a good sign you're serious about growing your skills. Curious about how well you know cocktails? This cocktail quiz for bartenders is just the beginning.

The next step is getting certified. TIPS alcohol training gives you the knowledge and confidence to serve responsibly and meet the legal requirements in your state. Enroll in your state's seller-server course and take the TIPS certification exam online at your own pace.
Get started with TIPS Alcohol Training today →