Why You Should Avoid Ordering Complicated Drinks In A Crowded Bar
We understand that if you've never worked in the hospitality industry or have never found yourself behind a bar with guests asking you to make drinks for them, certain social norms might go unrecognized. To help you have a great night out and save not only you but also your dates and friends potential embarrassment and hassle, we are here to tell you that when it comes to drinks, there are certain recipes your bartender won't be thrilled to make for you when the bar is packed. And since your bartender can very well make or break your evening, it's best to keep them on your good side.
As with most social situations, be aware of your surroundings. If you're in a busy bar during happy hour, this is not the time to show off your knowledge of obscure drinks like the Commonwealth. Unless your bar specifically advertises many-ingredient-recipes for you to choose from, save your complicated drink order for a quieter night out (or a different establishment altogether).
Bartenders will appreciate you helping them keep drinks flowing, and any complicated ingredient list can cause a backlog of orders to form. Plus, if you're eager to have a drink in hand to get your night going, your servers will appreciate straightforward requests.
Consideration goes a long way
Frozen drinks, as fun and delicious as they might be, take time to blend and make. You're essentially asking your bartender to make you a smoothie, and revving up the blender on a hectic weekend evening can keep other guests waiting. Blenders typically have to be cleaned in between drink orders, and nailing the perfect drink consistency can be tricky when a bartender has been focused on measuring spirits all night long.
Granted, we know: It's your hard-earned money, and you're ready to cut loose. But labor-heavy drinks like a Ramos gin fizz, a frothy egg-white cocktail that requires a lot of shaking, can annoy not only the bartender but everyone else around you as they wait for your drink to be made.
And please, if you ask a stressed-out bartender to "surprise" you with a cocktail, you're doing no one any favors, and the bartender will have to engage in a short interview to learn more about what kinds of drinks you like and what you're expecting from your order. Keep your orders simple in crowded bar settings, and your evening will be much better off.