Ask a Bartender: What Should I Order?
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
What should you order? Well, truthfully, I believe you should order what you want. I think it’s definitely safe to say that none of us like to hear “Just make me something good…” I am all about helping out the indecisive, but you’ve got to give us some sort of guidance. In other words, “something sweet” is not enough; do you know how many “sweet” drinks are out there? Tons! So, if you need help deciding on something to drink, let us help out, but at least point us in the right direction in terms of what kind of liquor you like in your drinks.
For the most part, no bartender will have any issue helping you find the right beverage to toss to you when you are unsure (unless we are swamped), but at least know what the main type of liquor you want in the drink is. Aside from that, it really depends on what kind of food you are eating. Some foods go really well with wine, some with beer. Currently, I work in a faster-paced BBQ restaurant, so it is more common for us to pair different beers with the ‘cue of your liking.
If you ask me, I find that most drinks go well with almost anything… Maybe I’m just less picky than most, but I seem to find a way to make drinks of all sorts go with whatever it may be that I am eating. I do, however, find that what you order does tell a lot about you. So, in other words, it may be easier to tell you what not to order. If you are ordering a long island iced tea, you either just turned 21, or you are trying to get a buzz as quick as possible; either way, it’s a turn off, so don’t order that.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAlthough there are several other drinks that just rub bartenders the wrong way, the one that takes the cake for me would definitely be “I want less ice.” I think that people get confused and believe that when they request there to be less ice in a drink, it means they will receive more booze… sorry, but it doesn’t work that way! In all seriousness, though, we are here to help. We really do enjoy almost all of the people that we come in contact with, so don’t hesitate to ask for our help. We don’t bite!
Drinks You Should Order:
Lynchburg Lemonade: Love this drink! To be honest, I am not the biggest fan of Jack Daniels, but I love this drink. It is definitely a southern-inspired cocktail, it’s simple, and it’s absolutely delicious! The drink consists of Jack Daniels, Triple Sec, Sour Mix and Sprite (Seven up- really any kind of lemon-lime soda)
Makers Mark Manhattan (or Old-Fashioned): Although the old-fashioned can sometimes be a pain to make, it’s a phenomenal drink (and I make them very well) manhattans are my drink-of-choice when in an airport, but I love when customers order them at the bar. The Manhattan consists of sweet vermouth, Makers Mark Bourbon (or another bourbon/whisky of choice) and the occasional dash of bitters, depending on the drinker. The old-fashioned consists of muddled orange slice and cherries, sugar, bitters, bourbon, and soda water. Just the perfect mix of sweet with a kick!
Pistachio (to be served as a shot, on rocks, or martini): Felt as though I should throw one dessert drink in there. A good friend of mine, Danielle, taught me this one a few years ago and it’s a hit with everyone who is looking for a good after-dinner drink. The drink consists of Bailey’s, Amaretto, Frangelico, Blue Curacao, and I always throw a small splash of Malibu in there, too. It looks (and tastes) just like a pistachio! Try it out!
AJ Bruce works at Smokestack Urban BBQ at 139 Green Street in Worcester. He works Thursday Nights, Friday Afternoons, Saturday Nights and Monday Nights.
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