Anyone who has ever worked behind a bar knows that some drinks are more challenging to prepare than others.
While this isn’t an issue during quieter times or in a more upscale cocktail bar with a relaxed atmosphere, it can be quite troublesome on a busy Saturday night.
It’s important to order a drink that matches the bar you’re visiting.
If you go to a dive bar and order a Manhattan or Whisky Sour, don’t be surprised if the bartender isn’t pleased.
On the other hand, visiting a fancy cocktail bar and sticking to boilermakers would waste the bartenders’ skills.
Before diving into the list, a special mention must go to the Old Fashioned. No bartender wants to spend five minutes stirring one drink during a rush.
And if you’re ordering a Guinness, make it your first choice, not your last.
Alright, let’s get started.
This should be obvious. Asking for a small modification due to preference or allergy is fine, but making up your own drink is not. Most bartenders will say no to that.
For example: An Amaretto Sour without egg white or a Manhattan with rum instead of whisky is fine; listing a full ingredients list is not.
Let’s be honest, you’re only ordering a Long Island Iced Tea for one reason – to have a good time.
These drinks have a ton of ingredients and involve dumping multiple spirits into a glass with some Coke.
Jamie Robinson, assistant food and beverage manager at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, noted: “You’re likely only going to order one or two unless you plan on ending up on the floor at some point during the evening.”
This also applies to all Tiki cocktails.
They might help keep your energy levels up on a big night out, but they are a bartender’s nightmare.
Vinny Spatafore, bartender and beverage operations manager at Blue Bridge Hospitality, explained: “The strong, lingering espresso smell means bartenders have to wash the shaker extra carefully, which can be time-consuming.”
They look cool, but they’re difficult to pour correctly, especially when the bar is busy.
Sunshine Foss, founder and CEO of boutique liquor store Happy Cork, said: “Bartenders are already under pressure to serve drinks quickly, ordering layered shots just doesn’t make sense for anyone.”
Plus, for something that’s gone in a moment, some might say they’re a bit obnoxious, though that’s just an opinion.
Bloody Marys are meant for the morning after, not the night before. That’s all that needs to be said.
Egg whites are used in cocktails like a Whisky Sour or Clover Club to create foam and a silky smooth texture.
However, getting that foam takes time. These drinks often require a ‘dry shake’ without ice to create the foam before adding ice.
This makes them time-consuming.
This one might seem odd, as margaritas aren’t too hard to make quickly.
But if you want something Instagram-worthy, executive bartender at Taste My Aruba Zulay Duran advises against it.
She said: “This is a specialised drink that takes careful execution, which isn’t feasible for most bartenders on a busy night.”
If you’re not on a beach in the sunshine, why are you drinking a Piña Colada?
The main issue with this drink is its ingredients, which include rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, all requiring blending.
Beverage expert at Ten Rooms Zach Pace said: “Please don’t make the bartender fire up a blender in the middle of a crazy service.”
The primary reason for not ordering it is its main ingredient, heavy cream, which many bars don’t stock.
WE’RE OUT OF MINT.
So there you have it, drinks to avoid ordering in a busy bar.
Of course, always be courteous and polite to the bartenders.
They’re there to help you have a good time.
And always drink responsibly.