Many like to go to bars and clubs to have fun and socialize, but not everyone knows the proper way to order their drink.
Steps
Step 1. When you approach the bar counter, you should already know what you want
If not, stop a few steps away and look at the liquors. If you just want to order a beer or a shot you can omit this step.
Step 2. Would you like to drink Rum, Gin, Vodka, Tequila, Whiskey, Amaretto, or some other variety of liquor?
Order the alcoholic ingredient first, and only then the soft drink. If the bartender hears you say the word juice or the name of a fizzy drink, he'll think your order is over there.
Step 3. Lean to the counter and prepare the money (or the payment card), thanks to these signals the bartender will know that you are ready to order
Step 4. In most bars and clubs the volume is very high, so you will have to pronounce your order in loud and clear words, but what to say?
"Whiskey and Coke?" No! You would only provide an eternal source of frustration to the bartender, who may decide to give you a poor variety of "whiskey and coke", risking not getting a good tip, or stopping and asking the following questions (which shouldn't have happened because the information should already have been contained in your order):
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"What Kind of Whiskey?" (Beam, Jack, Crown, Makers Mark, Johnny Walker?)
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"Single or double malt?"
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"Tall or low glass". (If you have any preferences you should communicate them to the bartender, otherwise he will hand you the glass that was indicated to him during the training phase.)
Step 5. The correct way to order a drink includes all of the information listed above
Here are some examples of a complete order:
- "Jack and Coke, tall tumbler."
- "Absolut and Blueberry Juice, shot glass."
- "Tanqueray and Tonica, Single-Tall medium tumbler."
Step 6. Your drink may not be prepared immediately after ordering, the bartender is doing his job
You will receive your drink as soon as possible, if the bartender asks you any questions try to answer concisely.
- Bartender: You said Stoli and Blueberry Juice right?
- Customer: "No. OJ"
Step 7. There is no need to repeat the entire order unless the bartender asks for it
Step 8. A good bartender will remember your preferences even when he is very busy
But not everyone has a perfect memory, so go to his rescue, and don't torment him by simply asking him what you took last time. And don't be offended if he hasn't memorized it. His is a demanding job that requires a lot of different skills so just be happy he took your order.
Advice
- Pay in cash! The whole transaction will be faster allowing for a smoother workflow for the bartender.
- Recognize that the bartender is working hard to earn your money, and be generous with the tip. If he decides to offer you a drink, show him your gratitude by increasing the amount of the tip.
- If you have to pay for your drink by credit card, make sure your order is high enough and tip more.