How to Order a Drink at a Bar

It's a Friday or Saturday night, and you're out with your friends at a bar having some drinks. But you may be wondering if there's a proper way to order a drink to help ensure the bartender actually gives you what you want.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Know what you want when the bartender asks you, especially if it's a busy night. The bartender doesn't have time to help you choose what you want. Look at the drinks behind the bar, read the board or look at the beer taps.

2. Have the orders from the other people in your party ready if you're getting more than one drink. Yelling at people in the crowd or stopping your order to get the attention of the person next to you just delays you from getting your drinks.

3. Bring your ID and have it ready if you're not carded at the door. It is the law to card anyone less than 30 years old, and the bartender can get into lots of trouble if they serve a minor.

4. Ask for a specific type of liquor in your drink if you want a specific type of liquor. While your drink will be more expensive, it'll also taste better. If you don't specify a liquor, you'll get the house liquor, which is cheap.

5. Be prepared to pay for your drinks immediately if it's a busy night. If it's a slow night, your bartender may start a tab. It depends on the bar and how busy it is.

6. Tip your bartenders. They're working hard, and if you tip them well, they'll remember you and make you good drinks. Also, be polite. Just like everyone else, they deserve "please's" and "thank-you's" too.

7. Remember that you can only hold two drinks in your hands. If you're ordering more, send other people to the bar to help carry the drinks back to your table.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid teaching bartenders how to make a specific drink if it's a busy night. They don't have the time or inclination to learn a drink when lots of people want drinks.