A bartender sparked an online debate after suggesting that customers who request no ice in their drinks are trying to get more alcohol. Anyone who has ever manned a bar on a bustling Friday night understands the stress involved, and it seems this bartender was no exception. The tipping point came when a customer ordered a tequila with cranberry juice sans ice, perhaps hoping for a more potent concoction.
In a TikTok clip, bartender Jemima June, captured her workday experience including this particular customer interaction. After the customer’s request for no ice, Jemima took a brief moment to make it clear that omitting ice wouldn’t equate to more alcohol in the drink.
“Just because you say ‘no ice’ doesn’t mean you’re going to get more alcohol,” she clarified in the video.
Jemima further explained that there’s only one surefire way to ensure a stronger drink. “Double,” she stated. “That means you’re going to get more alcohol.”
The video caused quite a stir on TikTok, revealing how divisive such interactions can be. Accurately measured alcohol portions mean that ice doesn’t affect the amount of alcohol, potentially leading to a drink with more mixer.
@jemimajune_ Not all hero wear capes 🥹
The video, which has amassed over a million likes since its posting in February 2023, elicited mixed reactions. One TikTok user criticized: “My coworker said he asked for less ice, knowing he wasn’t going to get more alcohol, and the bartender was so rude. He just wanted no proxy.”
“I just hate super cold drinks,” commented another viewer, while another suggested, “What if his throat hurts and that’s why he’s asking for no ice.”
Some observers believe that drinks with less ice simply appear less substantial. “As a bartender, I just make their drink,” another user shared. “If they want more alcohol, I just let them know it’ll be charged as a double. No lecture needed.”
Yet, not everyone was critical. “The people pressed in the comments about this would NEVER survive as a bartender. This is so accurate,” one person supported.
“Bro thought he was pulling a fast one,” speculated another, while another bartender empathized: “As a bartender, I feel this.”
What are your thoughts on this barroom controversy?