How to Order a Great Cocktail

Cocktail bars can be intimidating places for anyone not firmly ensconced in the mixology scene. But with a few simple rules of thumb, you can order something interesting that you’ll also enjoy.

First, it’s important to know what spirits you like and which you don’t. Don’t just walk into a bar and ask a bartender to make you something, only to then say you don’t drink whatever he or she is mixing. Second, order with the name of the spirit listed first – say “vodka and cranberry,” for example, rather than the other way around.

Third, be flexible and willing to branch out a little. Great bartenders are masters of their trade, with encyclopedic knowledge of spirits and flavors. Don’t be afraid to order a unique cocktail, even if you don’t recognize everything in it. A friendly, knowledgeable bartender will happily walk you through the ingredients and can even suggest something (or invent a drink on the spot) if you’re able to give them a few parameters, such as whether you’re after a spicy drink with tequila or a gin-based drink heavy with herbs.

It doesn’t hurt to know a few cocktail terms, either; The Daily Meal has a great guide for learning basic terms. A little reading — and some practice — will make you more confident in your ordering and more knowledgeable about your own preferences.