The Proper Way to Order a Mixed Drink

I can’t begin to explain how crazy people sound when they order their drink wrong.  So I decided to educate those who order improperly and provide some insight as well.  The first thing I should mention is to know what you would like before you approach the bar.  If the bartender is busy it slows them down waiting for you to decide.  To expedite the process and to receive your beverage in a timely manner you should decide what you want before you order.  This allows the bartender to provide you with fast service and prevents others behind you from waiting longer.  The second thing I would like to mention is order all of your beverages at once.  I understand that you may think we are incapable of memorizing multiple drinks (some people are) but most of us are able to.  If we are able to remember hundreds of recipes and recall them within seconds I think we can handle a multiple drink order.  It’s so aggravating and slows us down when people order one drink, we make it, order another drink, we make it, and so on.

Ok, so now that we have the ground rules set lets discuss the proper way to order after step one is complete.  The proper way to order a mixed beverage is you state the alcohol then the mixer.  For example, vodka cranberry (for those more experienced vodka cran).  When you order the opposite way, cranberry vodka, we are still listening for the mixer, this sounds like you want cranberry flavored vodka.  I can’t begin to explain how many times people order pineapple vodka, and I say “We don’t have pineapple vodka, we have orange, raspberry, blueberry, etc.” and they give me a funny look as if I ordered the drink wrong.  So let’s recap, step one is to know what you would like to order before approaching the bartender, step two is order your drinks with the liquor first and then the mixer, step three is to order all your drinks at once, and step four is pay for your beverages and be sure to tip the bartender.

This is the correct way to order your mixed beverages and following these steps will make everyone happy including yourself, the bartender, as well as other guest waiting to order.  On a side note just because a local bartender makes up a shot doesn’t mean every bar you attend is going to know the recipe.

Starting Monday (10/4/2010) I will be posting weekly recipes.  In addition, new stories will be posted every Friday and Saturday.  Stay tuned next week for a story called “Buttery Nipples.”  Feel free to leave comments or ask questions.

These stories are real accounts, so if you plan to drink and have a good time do so responsibly. Remember to call a cab or a friend because the cost of a DWI is way more than a $20 cab ride home.  Also, if you plan or happen to take someone home use protection.  For two reasons, one there are many STD’s floating out there and it only takes one to ruin your life or that of others.  The second reason is because a $3 condom is less expensive then 18 years of raising a child.