What if you don't know?

[DM Nathan]

Hey bartenders, I been wondering for a bit now what do you do when a customer asks for a drink that you don't know? How do you handle it? I'm sure it's different for each person, but what do you do?

[BarManStan]

If it's a drink I should know and I flake on what goes into it (not often, but it has happened) I'm not afraid to hit up the little drink Rolodex I keep under the bar. Odds are they won't even notice and everything keeps rolling right along. If it's something that's clearly someone else's specialty drink or something regional (could be a drink you know with a different name) you're not familiar with, just ask. They should understand that it's not your job to know EVERY drink in existence, it's not possible. If they get upset and make a big deal about you not knowing what goes into the "Maui Wowi Twister" they get "everywhere", they're really not worth your time and will probably be tipping you like a sloppy sorrority girl anyway. Anyone who knows their stuff and is worth their salt won't test you with obscure drinks, that's just shitty ettiquite that makes a bartender want to slap a sucka.

[DM Nathan]

A very interesting, that's about what I figured would happen. I have seen bartender's simply ask around here.

[505nation.com]

If it is something new or wacky (like the latest college shot or another bartender's own creation), most clients don't mind if the bartender looks it up or asks. Honesty is generally the best policy over arrogance.

But, as a customer? If the bartender doen't know what is in something that is a pretty common drink, say a White Russian or something... revise your order to beer or 2-part cocktails like a Beam & Coke, Vodka & Tonic, etc. or you might end up with something horrible. They could be new, or clueless, or both. Self preservation is the key.

[donuts222]

interesting, i was wondering the same things....that actually is one thing that is intimidating about going to a bar, i would feel stupid if i asked for something they don't know...but yah thats also what i figured what would happen

[YtJ2]

Yeah, I was wondering about this too. I went to a bar and asked for a Tequila Sunrise, and the guy was totally clueless and got kinda upset. A couple of days later I asked for an Alabama Slammer shot and he didn't know what that was either. I mean, I wasn't intentionally trying to order stuff I know he couldn't make (although I could have), but aren't these two things pretty standard at most bars? I mean, I'm kinda trying to get a job as a bartender this summer and figured there's like a base knowledge that you must know before being on the job at least.

[BarManStan]

Those are pretty standard drinks. Bartenders should know those, 505 is right, if you order something like that and the bartender doesn't know it's best to just go to a blank & blank or beer/wine.

On the other hand if it's you in the situation, look it up, ask another bartender, or just ask the client. Most people won't get upset and won't care, for many people bartending is like osmosis. Good drinks are sort of mystery things that happen by magic.

[debandmike]

I would often drink Stingers. I decided to try an Amaretto Stinger, which I guess I kinda made up, by substituting Amaretto for the Brandy. Many time the bartender will just ask how it's made. No big deal.

Mike

[MrsRobinson0741]

I am starting at a bar/restaurant tomorrow bartending....never bartended in my life...which they are aware of, asked for "experienced preferred"....but is something that has always interested me...and I am not dumb...I've had a few drinks in my lifetime...and I'm well aware of your basic drinks, beer, etc....it's the more elaborate ones that have me concerned...but I think being, it is small town living...small bar atmosphere...I should be ok....I guess if I don't re-post in a week with complaints or "help me" questions, you'll know how it went...lol....wish me luck!!!!...ciao'

[MixyFlairStyle]

I am starting at a bar/restaurant tomorrow bartending....never bartended in my life...which they are aware of, asked for "experienced preferred"....but is something that has always interested me...and I am not dumb...I've had a few drinks in my lifetime...and I'm well aware of your basic drinks, beer, etc....it's the more elaborate ones that have me concerned...but I think being, it is small town living...small bar atmosphere...I should be ok....I guess if I don't re-post in a week with complaints or "help me" questions, you'll know how it went...lol....wish me luck!!!!...ciao'

.....good luck! :eek:

[Sellyra]

I am starting at a bar/restaurant tomorrow bartending....never bartended in my life...which they are aware of, asked for "experienced preferred"....but is something that has always interested me...and I am not dumb...I've had a few drinks in my lifetime...and I'm well aware of your basic drinks, beer, etc....it's the more elaborate ones that have me concerned...but I think being, it is small town living...small bar atmosphere...I should be ok....I guess if I don't re-post in a week with complaints or "help me" questions, you'll know how it went...lol....wish me luck!!!!...ciao'


I got thrown into bartending too. I was maily waitstaff and came in on Thanksgiving because I didn't have any family to go to. The bartender got unexpectedly overwhelmed. I didn't know what I was doing, but he'd already taught me how to pour an ounce and told me that if I didn't know what was in what they ordered, to just ask them. If they didn't know, see if there's something else they want. There are endless combinations and if they expect you to know what a Pussy Liquer (which are pretty damn good by the way) is and they dont' know what's in it, it probably wont' kill them to try something new.

[Alpha Wookie]

I downloaded an app for my phone that has hundreds of drink recipes. If that fails I just hit the net on my phone for those really off the wall drinks. Some of you might be lucky enough to have drink recipes on you POS system.

[OceasseNats]

red or green or white

hm... how old is john?

btw stop the stupid questions look at topic title

Ask What You Dont Know Thread

[OceasseNats]

red or green or white

hm... how old is john?

btw stop the stupid questions look at topic title

Ask What You Dont Know Thread