How to Order Drinks at the Bar Without Embarrassing Yourself

A good bartender will guide you through your choices at their bar, however here are a few tips to save face in front of friends. 

Let's start with some basic drinks terminology. Simply by understanding what you want, or what your bartender is actually asking you, will go a long way.

Straight Up: Served up without any ice. 

On the Rocks: Your cocktail or liquor is served with ice. If you’re drinking a dark spirit on the rocks, you will likely receive three ice cubes so specify if you want more or less ice. 

Neat: Spirit served without ice. 

First Pour/ Basics: Refers to the house spirits [often the cheapest option].

Boilermaker: A traditional combination of a neat whisky paired with a beer. 

What is your bartender really asking you?

🍹How would you like your Martini?

Would you prefer Gin or Vodka?

Did you have a preference on brand of liquor?

Would you like it garnished with olives or with a twist (the zest of citrus)?

Would you like it dirty (the addition of olive brine to the martini)?

Would you prefer a wet or dry martini?

This is referring to the amount of dry vermouth added. Traditionally a dry martini is approximately 5ml of dry vermouth, and a wet martini would have approximately 15ml of dry vermouth.

If you would like a “James Bond Martini” it’s actually called a Vesper and is a mix of Gin, Vodka & Lillet Blanc.

🍸What would you like your Old Fashioned with?

Traditionally made with Bourbon, Old Fashioned can be made with any dark spirit. Be adventurous with The Grove Spiced Rum for example.

🍺How would you like your Margarita?

Margaritas come in many forms. Straight up or on the rocks. Full salt rim/half salt rim/no salt depending on what you like. If you prefer a slightly sweeter style, ask for a Tommy’s Margarita – made with agave nectar and served on the rocks.

🍾Would you like your Manhattan sweet, dry or perfect?

In this case we are referring to the type of vermouth used:

Sweet Vermouth

Dry Vermouth or

Perfect (equal parts of sweet & dry vermouth).

Not sure what you’d like? I’d recommend starting with ‘Sweet’ as vermouth is still bitter sweet.

Let‘s look at some things NOT to say

This isn’t strong enough

If you’ve ordered a cocktail at a good bar, the bar team has taken the time to make sure that your drink is balanced, smooth and full of flavour. Saying it’s not strong enough not only shows a lack of appreciation for the craftsmanship, but can imply that you’re looking for free liquor (never good!).

If you’re after something strong, try having a neat spirit, or asking for a double shot in your drink instead.

What’s good here?

In a good bar this is insulting. You wouldn’t believe the amount of hours that go into creating a bar menu – from wine & beer selection through to cocktail development. Hours and hours of research and development to create a balanced menu that will offer a selection which will please a wide audience.

Instead, speak to your bartender or waiter and let them know what you feel like. They should be more than happy to recommend a drink suitable to your tastes. E.g. If you’re wanting a cocktail, let them know if you’re after something strong or sweet or fruity or sour. They’ll be able to guide you to something you’ll likely enjoy.

Don’t ask the bartender for their favourite cocktail.

Why? As a bartender, I love drinks that are very bitter of sour. Chances are, you may not like it. Each of us like different things and have developed different palates over time and experience. Think about what YOU like and go from there. 

Most importantly:

Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your bartender / waiter. It’s their job to know the menu, the liquor selections on the bar, the styles of drinks. You might feel silly asking questions, but you’ll look far worse when you don’t and get something that you hate/can’t drink.