Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about iba official cocktails.
What exactly are IBA Official Cocktails?
They are a curated, standardized set of cocktail recipes published and maintained by the International Bartenders Association. Think of it as the global reference list that defines how a classic drink should be built, measured, and served.
Who created and maintains the list?
The International Bartenders Association, a trade body founded in 1919 in Germany, oversees the collection. Member associations from around the world submit, debate, and vote on which recipes earn official status.
How many cocktails are on the official list?
The roster currently numbers just over one hundred recipes. It has grown incrementally over the decades as new entries are proposed and approved.
How are the cocktails organized?
They are grouped into thematic categories such as Contemporary Classics, Unforgettables, New Wave, and Signature Cocktails, helping readers navigate by era and style rather than alphabetically.
What makes a recipe 'official' versus just a bar staple?
An official entry has a locked-in set of ingredients, proportions, glassware, and garnish as defined by the IBA. A bar staple might vary by house, but the official version is the same in Tokyo, Lisbon, or Chicago.
Where should a newcomer start reading?
Begin with the Contemporary Classics section, which covers the foundational drinks like the Daiquiri, Martini, and Margarita. Those recipes form the vocabulary you'll need before tackling the more experimental New Wave entries.
Can a cocktail be removed or changed once it's on the list?
Yes. The IBA periodically reviews entries, and a recipe can be revised or retired if member voting supports the change. The list is a living document rather than a fixed canon.
Do the recipes specify exact measurements?
They do, giving precise millilitre or ounce amounts for every spirit, syrup, and juice, along with the required glass and garnish. This standardization is the whole point of the project.
Why do bartenders and fans care about the list?
It gives the industry a shared baseline for competitions, training, and menu design, and it gives enthusiasts a trusted starting point when they want to build a drink 'the way it's supposed to be made.'
Where can I look up the full recipes?
The complete, up-to-date list with photos and step-by-step instructions is available on the IBA's own website, and the association also publishes printed guides used in bartending schools worldwide.