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Today we step into the world of bartending education with Simone Gaudio, founder of Barbrothers Academy in Cosenza. Together, we’ll revisit three timeless cocktails that continue to showcase vodka at its finest.
Vodka has evolved enormously over the years. Yet some cocktails continue to define its place behind the bar. Which three classics would you consider essential today?
Without a doubt, one of the most enduring favourites is the Cosmopolitan—or simply the “Cosmo,” as it’s affectionately known throughout the bar world. It’s one of those cocktails where every ingredient has a clear purpose: vodka, triple sec, fresh lime juice and cranberry juice, brought together in perfect balance. The Cosmopolitan rose to international fame during the 1990s thanks to its close association with Sex and the City, but its story stretches back much further. Its origins remain the subject of debate. Some believe it evolved as a softer, fruit-forward interpretation of the classic Martini, while others link its creation to the arrival of citrus-flavoured vodkas. As with many iconic cocktails, the historical accounts often contradict one another. What is certain, however, is that the Cosmopolitan has earned its place among the modern classics. Its success depends on a few essential elements: its distinctive pink colour, impeccable balance and, above all, a quality vodka that supports the other ingredients without ever overpowering them.
If you were choosing a vodka for the perfect Cosmopolitan, what would you be looking for?
For a cocktail like the Cosmopolitan, neutrality and smoothness are essential. A good vodka should provide structure and purity while allowing the citrus and cranberry to express themselves naturally. Rather than dominating the drink, it should bring the ingredients together, creating a balanced and elegant cocktail. That’s precisely where Russian Standard Vodka stands out. Its clean profile and remarkable smoothness provide the balance and clarity that define a well-made Cosmopolitan.
Let’s move on to your second choice. Which cocktail comes next?
I’d choose a cocktail that’s older in origin but more relevant than ever: the Moscow Mule. Created in 1941, the drink is widely believed to have been born from a chance encounter between the producer of a well-known vodka brand and the owner of a Los Angeles bar. It’s one of cocktail history’s most fascinating success stories—driven as much by entrepreneurial instinct as by creativity. One side wanted to introduce vodka to the American market; the other needed to find a use for a large stock of ginger beer. The result was a cocktail that would go on to become one of the world’s most recognisable vodka serves.
The Moscow Mule is inseparable from its iconic copper mug. Was that, too, a stroke of marketing genius?
Absolutely. Legend has it that the now-famous copper mug was introduced simply to make use of a large stock that had been left sitting in a warehouse. Whether entirely true or not, it’s a story that perfectly illustrates how clever marketing has always been part of the drinks industry. What’s particularly fascinating is the way the cocktail was promoted. Armed with a Polaroid camera, its creators travelled from bar to bar photographing bartenders holding a Moscow Mule in its distinctive copper mug. Those photographs were then used to spread the drink’s popularity across the United States. In many ways, it was the social media strategy of its time—long before social media even existed.
Why was it called the “Mule”?
The name tells the story of the cocktail itself. “Moscow” pays tribute to vodka, while “Mule” refers to the unmistakable spicy kick of ginger beer—a lively, invigorating character that’s as memorable as the drink itself.
Today, the recipe remains one of the great IBA classics:
- 45 ml vodka
- 120 ml ginger beer
- 10 ml fresh lime juice
Simple ingredients, perfectly balanced. And while serving the cocktail in a copper mug has become part of its identity, choosing the right vodka remains the element that truly defines the quality of the final drink. A clean, smooth and well-balanced vodka allows the freshness of the lime and the vibrant spice of the ginger beer to shine without overwhelming the palate.
What would you recommend to someone discovering vodka for the first time—perhaps looking for a cocktail that’s balanced, approachable and easy to enjoy?
I’d recommend a Vodka Sour. It’s the modern interpretation of the classic Whiskey Sour, offering a beautifully balanced combination of sweetness, acidity and texture. Personally, I enjoy serving it on the rocks, where its freshness and structure can be fully appreciated. It’s a cocktail that’s refreshing, beautifully balanced and surprisingly persistent on the palate, making it an excellent introduction to vodka-based cocktails.
Technique has evolved too—particularly when it comes to achieving the cocktail’s signature silky texture, wouldn’t you agree?
Absolutely. The classic recipe consist of:
- 50 ml vodka
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 20 ml sugar syrup
Adding egg white is optional, but it’s traditionally used to create the cocktail’s smooth, velvety texture and its characteristic foam. Today, however, bartenders have access to modern alternatives that deliver the same visual appeal and mouthfeel without the challenges sometimes associated with fresh egg white, such as allergen concerns or inconsistencies in service. It’s a practical evolution that reflects how contemporary bartending continues to embrace innovation while respecting the character of the original recipe.
Simone, thank you for sharing your insights. Is there one final message you’d like to leave our readers?
Drink responsibly—but above all, drink well. Choose bars where you’ll find knowledgeable professionals working with quality ingredients and well-crafted spirits. After all, even a Ferrari is only as good as the person behind the wheel. And to bartenders everywhere: keep learning, stay curious and never stop refining your craft. Ours is a profession built on passion, creativity and a lifelong pursuit of excellence. Finally, my thanks go to everyone at Casa Gancia for giving me the opportunity to share my experience.
About BARBROTHERS ACADEMY
Based in Cosenza, Calabria, Barbrothers Academy has been delivering professional bartending education for more than sixteen years. Alongside its training programmes, the Academy organises events, collaborates with hospitality professionals and supports initiatives that promote cocktail culture and excellence behind the bar. Its founder, Simone Gaudio, brings more than thirty-five years of industry experience, combining education with hands-on work in the hospitality sector. Alongside his role as an educator, he also created his own YouTube channel and is the founder of Amareria – Amaro & Friends, a cocktail bar dedicated to contemporary drinking culture.
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