Look at the bar menu for cocktail or wine choices. Order a simple well drink, such as a rum and Coke. [1] X Research source Look at the beer taps on the wall and choose one that looks interesting.
Never whistle, snap, yell, or wave money at the bartender. [2] X Research source
“I would like a rum and Coke, please. ” “Two Bacardi and sodas, please. ” “I need 1 margarita on the rocks and 2 pints of Guinness. Thank you!” “May I have a glass of your house Chardonnay?”
If you want to keep ordering drinks, use your credit card to open a tab. Your bartender will add drinks to this tab and charge your card at the end of the night. If you pay with cash, you may not be able to open a tab.
In the US, you should leave 10%-20% of the bill total as a tip. In the UK, it’s not as common to tip at the bar, but it is common to tip at a restaurant. In France, the service charge is included in the bill. In Australia, it’s uncommon to tip the bartender. In Brazil, tips are not expected but they are appreciated. Consider tipping 10% of the bill total. [4] X Research source
Tex-Mex and Mexican restaurants usually specialize in margaritas. Seafood restaurants that call the bar area the “Tiki Bar” usually serve tropical cocktails. [5] X Research source Upscale restaurant bars usually serve wine and expensive cocktails.
Lagers are the most common beers. They are generally a golden color. Wheat beers are lighter colored beers with a crisp yeast flavor. Ales range in color from light brown to black. These beers have a deep, mellow flavor. IPAs (India Pale Ales) are golden beers with a hoppy, floral flavor. Porters are dark, foamy beers with a roasted malty flavor. [6] X Research source
Riesling is a light, often slightly sweet, white wine with floral and crisp apple or pear notes. Sauvignon Blanc is a mid-bodied white wine, often with tart citrus notes. Chardonnay is a somewhat denser white wine with apple, light citrus, often creamy/buttery notes. Pinot Noir is a red wine with complex red fruit flavors and often an earthy undertone. Merlot is a red wine with jammy fruit and baking spice notes. Cabernet Sauvignon is a denser, often tannic, red wine with dark fruit notes.
Martinis are a classic choice. These strongly flavored drinks can be ordered with or without olives, shaken over ice, or stirred. A Jack Rose is a mellow, pink drink made with sweet apple brandy. Order a Bourbon Sweet Tea for a refreshing, boozy drink. If you want a sweet drink, order a velvety Chocolate Martini. [9] X Research source
A goblet is usually used to serve dark ales. A sturdy glass mug can be used to serve American ales and porters. A standard pint glass has straight sides and can be used to serve any kind of beer. A snifter is used to serve Scottish and Belgian ales. [11] X Research source
Rum Vodka Gin Tequila Whiskey
Soda, or soda water Cola, such as Coca Cola or Dr. Pepper Cranberry juice, also called “cran” Tonic, or tonic water Lighter colored sodas, such as Sprite, ginger ale, or ginger beer
“I would like a tall rum and Coke, please. ” “Can I have a short gin and tonic?” “I’d like a tall vodka cranberry. ”
“Give me a double vodka cranberry, please. ” “Can I have a tequila soda, double?” “I’d like a double gin and tonic, please. ”
“Can I have a neat double whisky, please?” “I’d like a margarita on the rocks, please. ” “Can I have 2 neat Glenlivets?”
