How to Get Free Drinks at a Bar

Cocktails

Of all of the arts involved in "going out" to the bar, none is quite so intricate as that of getting free drinks. It can be unusually difficult to get free drinks at the bar, especially if you've never done it before. It's important to remember, however, that it is in fact possible if you just go about things in the proper way. Here is a list of some of the best ways to get yourself free drinks at the bar of your choice:

Things You'll Need

• Time
• Patience
• A Good Stomach

Instructions

Getting Free Drinks at the Bar

1. Get to know the staff. Nothing will get you free drinks at a bar quicker than becoming friends with the bartenders, bouncers, waitstaff, or owner of the establishment. These are the people who control the flow of the drinks throughout the evening and getting on their good side can lead you to free drinking faster and more efficiently than any other method.

2. Tip well. Although this may seem contrary to the whole concept of drinking for free, lining the palms of your bartender with $5 or $10, may get you $30 to $40 worth of drinks. The key is to combine the good tips with friendly discussion. Soon enough you'll notice that your bartender has begun to forget to charge you for some of your drinks.

3. Dress well. The truth of the matter is you're much less likely to have someone give you a free drink at the bar if you look as if you need someone to buy your drink for you. So, dress well and you'll be much more likely to get a few free cocktails.

4. Lay the charm on thick. Whether you're male or female, getting free drinks from the opposite sex as a gesture of good will is a definite possibility. Try to be as charming as possible and flirt the night away. If you charm someone enough you might get an entire night of drinks at the bar free of charge.

5. Become a regular. It's much easier for regulars to receive free drinks because the staff and customers are all potential buyers. Focus your efforts on place and you'll be more likely to reap quick rewards.

6. Find the money drinker. Most bars have a regular who is sort of annoying, comes in all of the time, and has a decent amount of money to spend on drinks. Cozy up to this person, if you can find one at the bar, and put up with their lame conversation safe in the knowledge that doing so will get you tons of free drinks.

7. Travel with girls. Whether you're male or female you have to realize that women are much more likely to be given free drinks. So, if you're a man, escort some women on their girls night out and then hang around and watch the guys try to get into your good graces by buying you free drinks. If you're a woman, just plan a girl's night out and watch the guys at the bar all stumble over themselves to buy you and your friends free drinks.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, there's no such thing as a free lunch. The truth is, you'll probably have to spend quite a bit of money at the bar yourself before you'll really start to profit in the free drink area.

• Beggars can't be choosers. If someone gives you a free drink, drink it, whether you like it or not. If you don't, that person won't be likely to buy you another one in the future.

• Always drink in moderation and drink responsibly.

• Never drink and drive.