Brian Flanagan gets a part-time job as a bartender at night while studying for a business degree by day. Over time, he learns the tricks of the trade, including flairing, from his mentor, Doug Coughlin. His advice usually begins with "Coughlin's Law". Brian has high personal aspirations, but Doug is leery of the two starting their own bar together. Doug intends to call his bar "Cocktails & Dreams." Eventually, Brian and Doug's bartending act becomes popular and they end up working at a trendy nightclub. As their popularity rises, Brian becomes the focus of attention from a brunette named Coral. Doug is alarmed that Coral is coming between their partnership and bets Brian that Coral will leave by week's end. Unbeknownst to Brian, Doug tricks Coral into sleeping with him. He secures his bet by sharing a kiss with Coral in front of Brian. Brian and Doug get into a fight, ending their partnership... Directed by Roger Donaldson Produced by Ted Field Robert W. Cort Screenplay by Heywood Gould Based on Cocktail by Heywood Gould Starring Tom Cruise Bryan Brown Elisabeth Shue Music by J. Peter Robinson Cinematography Dean Semler Edited by Neil Travis