In a bar, the drinks menu can be intimidating when you walk in. When you know what to order, you go from timidly guessing your way through to happy confident enjoyment. The best drinks to get at a bar will vary, by your taste preferences, the occasion and what sort of beverages your bartender specializes in. Whether you crave something sweet, strong or a bit of something in between, knowing classic options and new favorites lets you choose the best drink to complement your meal every time.
Understanding Timeless Cocktails
Time-honored cocktails are so-called for a reason; they have withstood the test of time, lol. They are classic concoctions that have formed the core of cocktail mixology everywhere. Learning these classics provides you with choices that are always in style.
One of the most popular drinks in bars around the world, Margarita. It’s a mixture of tequila, lime juice and triple sec that is served in the classic salted-rim glass. The sour-sweet balance renders it beginner-friendly but complex enough for seasoned drinkers. You can get it on the rocks, frozen or straight up as you please.
When you’re craving something with less heft, the Mojito is a refreshing alternative. This rum drink is made with fresh mint, fresh lime juice, sugar and soda water. Together, they deliver a refreshing coolness that is the ideal pick-me-up for hot weather or post-dinner. ‘Bartenders love when you order a mojito because it’s an opportunity to show off supreme muddling and balance skills.
The Old Fashioned is sophistication in a glass. This classic drink is whiskey, sugar, bitters and a cherry. And if you like a bit of kick in your drink and fancy showing off, the Old Fashioned is showing good tastes. There’s also the ritual of watching a deft bartender make it.
Popular Spirits and Their Uses
Knowing about the various spirits makes it easier to narrow down what you should order. Each spirit contributes different properties to a cocktail that can impact the taste and strength.
Vodka is the neutral base in many a cocktail, which makes it perfect when you want the other ingredients to play well together. But vodka, or cocktails made using the spirit such as the Cosmopolitan, Moscow Mule and Vodka Martini often show up on menus of all types because they have mass appeal. The Cosmopolitan, for example, mixes vodka with cranberry juice, lime and triple sec (a citrus-flavored liqueur) to create a bright pink drink that is somewhat tart but plenty pretty.
Gin is botanically complex to elevate any cocktail. The hassle-free choice is the Gin and Tonic, though quality counts a great deal. Ordering for a particular type of gin lets bartenders know that you are in-the-know and allows them to make exactly your order. A ROYAL GIN AND TONIC A good Gin and Tonic is comprised of top quality tonic water, fresh lime, and the Gin of your choice.
Rum adds sweetness and complexity, so this is a great fit for tropical cocktails. The Piña Colada, a mix of rum and coconut cream with pineapple juice is virtually transporting you to the beach in your mouth. If you’re ordering rum cocktails, inquiring into the type of rum — light, dark or spiced — shows that you care about quality.
Tequila and mezcal are more widely appreciated than Margaritas now. A Tequila Soda with lime can be the height of simplicity. Top-shelf tequilas, just like fine wines and spirits, should be sipped neat or with ice to taste the nuanced flavor notes.
Choosing Based on Your Preferences
The best drinks to try at a bar suit your own taste. Think about your favorite tastes in Food and drink.
If you are a fan of all things sweet, you prefer the Daiquiri, Piña Colada or Amaretto Sour. These recipes get at dessert-like tired feet without being too much.
For those of a dry, complex palette, martinis and Negronis speak sophistication. A Negroni marries gin, Campari and sweet vermouth for a bitter, complicated profile that skews toward adventurous drinkers. The Martini — gin or vodka version — offers both simplicity and style.
Sour cocktails lie between sweet and strong. All your Whiskey Sours and Margaritas and Daiquiris, in which citrus juice is paired with spirits and sweetener. The two together make light options that are not too heavy to sip.
Strong, spirit-forward drinks are for those who would like to taste the base liquor. Those include Manhattan, Negroni and Old Fashioned. These drinks encourage you to relax and savor them, rather than downing them.
Seasonal and Trending Options
Bars cycle through seasonal cocktails depending on what ingredients are available and what customers take a liking to. Spring and summer call for light, refreshing drinks like mojitos or cocktails made with fruit. Fall and winter lean toward warming, backboned drinks with spices in them, and darker spirits.
Bartenders can express themselves with craft cocktails and house specials. Feel free to ask the bartender what they can make you or what their special specialties are. Several bars have their own special drinks you can’t find anywhere else, and ordering those supports local creativity.
Making Your Order Clear
Make sure to let me know what you’d like when ordering so everyone’s happy. Identify themselves to the bartender, expressing their spirit preference and whether they like sweet or strong drinks, with any particular restrictions.
| Base Spirit | Flavor Profile | Best Time | Classic Cocktails |
|---|
| Whiskey, Gin, Vodka | Balanced | Evening |
| Rum | Sweet, Fruity | Daytime |
| Gin, Rum, Vodka | Citrus, Fresh | Summer |
| Whiskey, Brandy | Strong, Bold | Night |
Cool, Bold Drinks With or Without Alcohol for All Palates
When you enter a bar, your thoughts may turn immediately to cocktails and beer. But today’s bartenders and bars are crafting beautiful non-alcoholic drinks that stand right up there to their boozy counterparts in taste, creativity, chic appeal. So, whether you are the designated driver, maintaining your liver health or you just don’t generally drink alcohol, knowing what to order at a Bar has never been more fun or easier!
The best drinks to order at a bar now go way beyond just boring soda or juice. The mocktail movement has made its way to this century’s bars, with a variety of sophisticated and refreshing drinks to satisfy any craving. These are drinks in which fresh ingredients, artisanal skills and artful presentation make your bar experience something to remember.
Understanding the Modern Mocktail Scene
A mocktail is a cocktail sans the alcohol. These are beautiful drinks, using real juices and syrups, herbs, bitters and other things to create interesting flavor profiles. The good news is that, when you order a mocktail at a bar worth its booze, you’re getting a carefully concocted drink that requires-about as much as its boozy cousins.
The increasing prevalence of the mocktail culture has resulted in bars stocking quality ingredients expressly for their nonalcoholic offerings. This incorporates craft sodas, flavoured syrups, high-quality juices and fresh herbs as well as bitters. Your bartender will craft something the most special specifically for your taste.
Popular Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Order
But when it comes to deciding what to order at the bar itself, these are some popular non-alcoholic beverages that have become staples in bars all over the world:
The Virgin Mojito is still one delightfully refreshing option. This cocktail consists of fresh mint leaves, lime juice, simple syrup, and soda water. The bartender muddles the mint, releasing its essence and oil for a refreshing drink on a warm night.
Shirley Temple is a timeless classic. It’s an easy thing to do, but a good Shirley Temple is made with good grenadine and fresh citrus juices in the right proportions. This cocktail is evidence of that fact – simplicity done right can be absolutely delicious.
Virgin Daiquiri has the Tropical flavor without the rum. Using fresh lime juice, simple syrup and ice, this drink is tart, sweet and so refreshing. Some bars mix in fruit purees to make variations on the product, such as strawberry or passion-fruit flavored forms.
Cucumber cooler drinks are an elegant, spa-like treat. They often contain fresh cucumber juice or muddled cucumber, as well as lime and mint, with a dash of syrup. The result is a drink as elegant as it is luxurious and hydrating.
Looking into the World of Craft Sodas and Mixers
Some of today’s best drinks to order at a bar even contain fancy mixers. Handmade sodas provide complexity and nuance to basic beverages that the mass-market brands can’t match. Once you’ve ordered your drink, inquire as to their non-alcoholic mix selection. Many places supply brands that use actual fruit juices and botanicals.
Ginger beer, egg cream sodas and craft tonics lend unique flavors that elevate simple beverages to something special. They do cost a little more than standard mixers, but it’s worth it for the improved flavor and better ingredients.
Fresh Juice-Based Beverages
Bars that are serious about their nonalcoholic program may also have fresh juice programs. Get your juices fresh from the bar to maximize their nutrition and flavor. Drinks with true complexity: Freshly squeezed citrus juices, vegetable-based juices, and cold-pressed blends.
Ask your bartender about juice blends. By infusing fresh juices with herbs, spices and more, a talented bartender can craft unique juice based beverages. And with this personalized approach, you’ll have it just as you want.
Herbal and Tea-Based Options
High-end gourmet virgin beverages are created with herbal tea infusions. And cold-brewed herbal teas combined with juices, syrups and fresh garnishes make complex drinks that please grown-up tastes.
When you order a mocktail based on tea, though, there is actually good taste in it, not to mention some antioxidants. Chamomile, hibiscus, lavender and other botanical teas lend complexities of taste that help make these drinks memorable. These days, many bars brew custom tea blends for their mocktail menu.
Sparkling and Effervescent Drinks
There is an invigorating freshness that comes from drinking bubbles, which makes it possibly one of the best things to order at a bar. Even plain sparkling water, dressed up with fresh juices, syrups and garnishes can make for drinks that feel festive and occasion-worthy.
Restaurants are also known to employ a high-end sparkling water brand or a carbonation system to craft delightfully fizzed-up drinks. The fizz imparts an elegance that elevates a handful of basic ingredients into something special-occasion worthy.
How to Order Great Non-Alcoholic Drinks
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Ask the bartender for recommendations | Bartenders know their stock well and can recommend drinks tailored to your tastes. |
| Be specific about flavor preferences | Let the bartender know if you prefer citrus, herbal, fruity, or spicy profiles to help them create the perfect drink for you. |
| Request fresh ingredients | Request fresh lime, real fruit, and juice, as many bars offer these on demand. |
| Avoid settling for basic options | Explore premium-priced, sophisticated drinks instead of opting for basic, standard choices. |
| Tip appropriately | Crafting a good mocktail or cocktail is a skill, so make sure to tip accordingly for the bartender’s expertise. |
Pairing Non-Alcoholic Drinks With Food
The drinks that are best to order at a bar should pair with your food options. Like wine for food, carefully designed non-alcoholic beverages cuisine elevate dining. Light snacks go best with herbal beverages, which compliment heavier food items when accompanied by fruity mocktails.
Or query your server or bartender for pairing advice. A growing number of outfits are being extremely thoughtful about what to pair with your food and beverages, overall improving the quality of our meals.
Drinks for Now, on the Seasonal and Trending Roster
It can be overwhelming — and you haven’t even been handed a menu. There are so many options and drinks are constantly springing up. Bars are always inventing new drinks to try — whether it’s summer, winter or anywhere in between. Knowing what’s trending and what works best for each season allows you to order with confidence and uncover your next favorite drink.
The world of cocktails and bar drinks is always in flux. What’s hot this spring could evaporate by the fall. Mixologists innovate with new ingredients, in-season fruits and wildcraft techniques. Some drinks are classically classic and will be gone forever, others briefly. Clearly, being aware of seasonal and trendy drinks allows you to take advantage of the best options before they disappear.
Spring and Summer Refreshers
For when the weather heats up, you’ll need drinks that cool you down and taste easy-breezy. Spring and summer are ideal seasons for fruity, refreshing cocktails. Bartenders concentrate on fresh citrus, berries and tropical flavors this time of year. These drinks generally make use of lighter spirits and fun mixers that feel cool on your tongue.
The traditional mojito is, and likely always will be, a popular choice during the hotter months. This Cuban cocktail gets its flavor from white rum, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar and soda water. The mint is cool, and the citrus has a sharp kick to it. Mojitos are ubiquitous, and most every bar has its own special version with different rums or with added fruits like strawberry or mango.
Aperol Spritz is also immensely fashionable these days. This Italian aperitif cocktail combines Aperol with prosecco and soda water. It’s light, bubbly and not too strong, which makes it an ideal drink for warm evenings. The pretty orange hue and bittersweet taste attract a lot of drinkers who enjoy something sophisticated, but easy to sip.
For casual drinks, you can never go wrong with a Piña Colada. This creamy concoction of rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice tastes like a vacation in a glass. Bars move tons of these drinks in the warmer months. A few contemporary variations include spiced rum or coconut vodka for more flavor.
The Paloma is another summer go-to that seems to be surging. This traditional Mexican cocktail is made with tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and a little agave syrup. The bitter grapefruit and the bright lime make a perfectly balanced, refreshing drink that cools you off on a hot day.
Fall and Winter Warming Options
As the weather cools, bar menus turn to warmer, richer flavors. You’ll see more drinks involving spices (and perhaps pomegranate juice), dark liqueurs, and warming flavors. And in the fall there are drinks that conjure the season, with whispers of cinnamon, nutmeg and apple. Cocktails in the winter are usually made with warming spirits — whiskey and brandy come to mind.
The Old Fashioned is more popular in the fall and winter. This quintessential whiskey cocktail calls for bourbon or rye, a sugar cube, angostura bitters and a splash of water. It’s simple, forceful and tastes like comfort in a glass. And because the alcohol’s warmth comes through like the aroma of good whiskey, it somehow tastes perfect on a winter night.
Apple drinks are everywhere (in so many forms) in the fall. Some bars develop special apple cider cocktails, blending hard cider with whiskey or vodka. Others create apple-flavored martinis or add fresh apple juice to their fall-themed cocktails. These drinks evoke fall and all that is harvest season.
If you want something served hot, go with a hot toddy. This classic beverage has whiskey, honey, lemon juice and hot water. Bartenders may also garnish with cinnamon sticks or cloves for additional warmth and spice. It’s soothing and almost medicinal in the best way possible.
The drink itself makes a comeback each winter and with it, flashbacks of holiday revelry. Private School Bartenders put rum, brandy or bourbon in regular eggnog recipes. These drinks taste creamy, indulgent and seasonal. They’re nostalgia-triggering and fill a bar with that warm holiday feeling.
Year-Round Trending Drinks
There are some drinks that are forever, regardless of the season. These are the trending drinks, which often embody new principles of mixology or make old standbys feel new — and modern once again.
The craft cocktail movement remains in full swing as bars emphasize high-quality ingredients and adventurous recipes. You will see drinks crafted from small-batch spirits, house-made syrups and fresh herbs. Bartenders consider cocktails as art projects that they put real care and thought into with every drink they mix.
Zero-proof or non-alcoholic cocktails have taken off. While these drinks are just as complex and flavorful as regular cocktails, they happen to not contain any alcohol. They frequently contain intriguing juices, spices and vegetal additives. If you don’t want to drink this New Year’s but are looking for something a little more special than water, one of these choices will make the evening feel festive.
For those who love heat, spicy cocktails are still a trend too. Modern drink recipes call for jalapeños, habaneros and spicy syrups. It’s its pairing of heat with sweet or sour that makes the taste experience so distinctive, and so addictive.
And smoky drinks have been trending hard at craft bars. Bartenders opt for smoked spirits, smoke guns or smoky bitters to add layers of depth. These drinks are for people who like bold, distinctive flavors that refuse to blend in among ordinary cocktails.
Natural and Sustainable Beverage Choices
Today’s bars are being mindful of where the ingredients they use come from. Now many bartenders are employing organic spirits, locally-grown fruits and natural sweeteners. These alternatives attract people concerned about the environment and interested in patronising responsible businesses.
More of our drinks are crafted with cold brew coffee, kombucha and tea infusions. These elements bring incredible taste with the health-conscious decisions. Bars that pride themselves on natural ingredients will generally offer a special menu of “modern” classics, which feature whatever’s in season locally.
Botanical drinks with the actual herbs like basil, rosemary and thyme are also very trendy. And they add a touch of elegance and interest to drinks. They’re pretty, as well — the visible herbage leades some visual interest to your glass.
International and Exotic Beverages
Bars are still discovering drinks from around the world. Caipirinhas, Brazilian cocktails made from cachaça, lime and sugar are a break from the normal drinks at this place. Mexican
How to Order Like You Know How to Drink
Approaching a bar with swagger changes everything. No matter if you’re a seasoned drinker or experiencing middle schoolers in a bar for the first time, your order (and how you ask for it) can really make or break that next drink. The best drinks to order at a bar are those you actually enjoy, but being aware of the classic cocktails means you’ll be able to make heads or tails from any drink menu.
When you’re waiting at the bar, bartenders appreciate customers who have their orders ready to go. That doesn’t mean you need to memorize every cocktail in existence. But that doesn’t mean reading books and blogs for hours, dissecting the latest cocktail — it means having a sense of basic drink categories and knowing how to express your likes bravely enough. Let’s take a look at how to order drinks that you enjoy while still gaining some respect from behind the counter.
Standby Cocktails That Always Work
There’s a reason the timeless cocktails here have never gone out of style. When you ask for a margarita, you’re requesting a cocktail blending tequila, lime juice and triple sec. It’s refreshing, it’s balanced and it’s within the skill level of nearly every bartender. And there’s the martinire, an expression of sophistication with gin or vodka, vermouth and a twist. The daiquiri provides some simplicity: rum, lime juice and sugar. These traditional best drinks to order at a bar prove you know the basics of being behind bars.
Old fashioneds say a lot about your taste. This is a drink of whiskey, sugar, bitters and ice — nothing fancy to gussy it up, everything placed exactly where it ought to go. Bartenders love it when someone orders an old fashioned; it reveals that you give a damn about the cocktail’s actual ingredients rather than its suaveness. The mojito provides jolt and a fresh botanical blast with rum, mint, lime, sugar and soda. With each of these old-school selections, you’re not just showing that you know what the heck you are ordering.
Understanding Your Flavor Preferences
Before you even go up to the bar, consider what you actually like drinking. Do you like something sweet or strong and bold? Feeling fruity or herbal today? It is this consciousness that helps you engage in more meaningful conversations with your bartender. Instead of aimlessly pointing at the menu, you can assert: “I like things citrusy” or “Give me something smooth with whiskey.”
Bartenders are essentially flavor experts. They know how various spirits play against mixers and balance sweetness with acidity. When you let them know your preferences, they are able to provide the best drinks to order at a bar that closely align with exactly what you’re in the mood for. You’ll even find that when you do go out to eat, you might stumble on a new something-or-other that quickly becomes your signature choice.
The Power of Simple Requests
Confidence comes from simplicity. The easiest method would be to order drinks that require less years of working experience. A gin and tonic is made from only three ingredients: gin, tonic water and a lime wedge. Whiskey soda This is whiskey mix with a soda water and ice. These simple orders allow bartenders to move quickly and keep you from getting something other than what you asked for.
Speak confidently when you order, and use very clear language. Instead of mumbling or being unsure, you should use “I’d like a gin and tonic with Hendrick’s gin.” Make eye contact. Smile. Speak clearly. These things show confidence, and display respect for the bartender’s craft. Customers who treat them well and order with purpose.
Reading the Menu Like a Pro
Saloon Most bars post their cocktail menus out front. Skip the overwhelm and think in types. On a menu, drinks are generally listed by spirit — there’s a section for vodka drinks, gin drinks and rum drinks. Locate the section that fits your alcohol of choice and read the ingredients. You’ll know right away which best drinks to order at a bar you prefer.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. A good bartender will also anticipate the wish for more information from the customer. Inquire about what a drink has special in it or how sweet it is. Ask for referrals that you like. This exchange also gives you confidence, and helps guarantee that you order something you will actually dig.
Impressing Your Bartender
The bartender has a few more tricks up their sleeve than just your order. For one, they’ll respect the time limit — don’t expect them to make your drink again if you complained while it was still hot. They also value honesty. If a drink doesn’t taste good, politely say so. Second, recognize that patience is crucial during busier hours. Wait your turn, don’t snap your fingers or yell across the entire bar.
They are for sign of respect for the work they do. A common tip is 15 to 20 percent. If a bartender makes you the perfect drink (in spite of my thoughts about bespoke cocktails) then, yes, that’s a bit special. You could impress them also by recalling their names, or inquiring about something they recommended, the next time you frequent.
The best drinks to order at a bar come down to your own personality and they style of drink that you prefer. By employing classics, transparent communication and a respect for the bartenders skills; THEN will you traverse any bar with true confidence. Begin with things you know, layer on from there, and see how your bar experience snowballs.
| Drink Name | Main Ingredients | Taste Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Margarita | Tequila, lime juice, triple sec | Citrusy and refreshing |
| Mojito | Rum, mint, lime, sugar, fizz water | Fresh and minty |
| Old Fashioned | Whiskey, sugar, bitters | Strong and bold |
| Daiquiri | Rum, lime juice, sugar | Sweet and tangy |
Liquor. com provides comprehensive cocktail guides. For more cocktail inspiration, Difford’s Guide has a huge variety of cocktail recipes and to try.
Developing Your Own Drink Selection System
Creating a game plan of sorts for what to drink at the bar will ensure that every trip is even more enjoyable. Keep a mental
Conclusion
Whether you walk in for the first time or you have been a regular, knowing what to order can make your day. The beverage world goes way beyond simple thirst-quenchers: There’s a little something for everyone who ventures through those doors.
You’re ready to order from any bar menu with ease. From iconic classics such as the martini and old fashioned to experiments you have never heard of, these drinks are classic for a reason. They’re made with accuracy, they’re ridden tenderly, and you stop to take it in.
Ordering at a bar allows for one great pleasure of life: You are never constrained to just one category. For those of you who, for one reason or another, want to skip the alcohol, there are just as many delicious options that are non-alcoholic. Seasonal drinks and creations always keep things fresh, providing return guests ample reason to return and find something new. Trending drinks allow you to keep up with, and attend the most recent fads, as your mixologist presents new creative blends they’ve mastered.
And your best drink to order is the one that best represents who you are, and who you want to be when you’re drinking it. What works for your taste buds and the situation at hand? Stuff like mood or time of day factors into it, as well. A lively mojito is just right for a summer celebration, while you might opt for a comforting hot toddy on a wintery evening at home. Your bartender is your travel companion—they like it when people ask questions and are actually interested.
Ordering with authority doesn’t mean faking it till you make it. It’s about being honest about what you like and keeping an open mind. When you approach the bar with an open mind and a teachers-are-everywhere kind of reverence for the craft, a whole new appreciation becomes possible from what’s in that glass.
Your new favorite drink is waiting. Pull up to the bar, order something brash and enjoy every beautiful sip.
