This is a theory I hold about cocktails as well. At the end of the day, most cocktails are very simple and it boils down to a matter of ingredient ratios. The

This is a theory I hold about cocktails as well. At the end of the day, most cocktails are very simple and it boils down to a matter of ingredient ratios. The fact most bars make crappy cocktails likely is due to the lack of such a feedback loop as you say. Anecdotally, almost every bar I have been to where the bartenders sample the drink have top notch cocktails.