Tips For Ordering A Cocktail Like A Pro

If you’re the kind of person who usually sticks to beer when you go out to a bar, stepping into the vast and overwhelming world of cocktails can feel quite intimidating. It’s easy to walk up to a bartender and say, “I’ll take a Guinness,” but it takes someone who truly knows their palate to order up some fancy-looking cocktail with colorful garnishes and splashes of three or four different types of spirits and mixers. Everyone wants to feel like James Bond does when he orders up his iconic martini, but too many of us buckle under the fear of looking like an amateur drinker.

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It’s easy to simply stick with the suds and play it safe, but there’s a whole world of flavor profiles out there just waiting for you to take your first sip. We’re here to help you traverse the wonderful world of cocktails so you can leave your old habits behind and step into a new realm of adult beverages. You may just find yourself feeling like James Bond sooner than you ever thought possible.

Cocktail Ordering Etiquette 101

One of the biggest mistakes people who are new to the cocktail world make is simply pretending they’re experienced when they aren’t. When staring at a long, intimidating list of fancy drinks, this isn’t the time to flex your ego. Always ask the bartender exactly what a drink tastes like before assuming you’ll enjoy it. Just because everyone at the table ordered a Negroni doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy it. Do a little research via the bartender to prevent wasting money.

Also, you always want to tell the bartender or mixologist which flavor profiles you personally prefer. If they have no clue what appeals to your palate, they can lead you astray quickly. A skilled bartender will take your preferences into consideration while introducing you to something new and exciting without it feeling like you’re taking a huge risk. 

One of the final tips to give you a solid jumping-off point is to pick a cocktail that has something you know you’ll enjoy. There’s plenty of time to explore the more exotic flavors down the road. For example, if you know you like rum, then chances are much higher you’ll enjoy a cocktail with rum, even if it has splashes of another spirit you’ve never tried before. Beginners should always find something with at least one ingredient they’ve tasted before, if possible. You could very well be throwing your money away if you shoot for the moon right out of the gate.

Embrace Your Inner Bond, James Bond

The deeper you get into the world of cocktails, the more exciting those happy hour trips become. So long as you put your ego aside, ask the right questions, and start with something you’re familiar with, friends and colleagues will start asking you for suggestions. Wielding the knowledge you’ve amassed, you can help everyone in your inner circle become a classier drinker.