Never Say These Things When Ordering Drinks At A Bar

Asking for a stronger drink is rude for two reasons. Bartenders use recipes for a reason, and asking for a stronger version is akin to questioning their skills.

This also drives bartenders crazy because it’s basically a request for free booze. Lisa Mirza Grotts says, "If you want it stronger, order a double and pay accordingly."

In decades past, neighborhood bars had a charming custom of buybacks, but this has mostly died out. Free drinks are not financially sustainable, so don’t ask for them.

Bartenders aim to please, but know nothing about what you like or dislike. As Louise Ball says, "I don't want to surprise you, I want to give you something you like."

If you happen to visit your regular bar on a day when your favorite is on vacation, don't expect whoever is on duty to be able to make it like them.

If you have specific preferences, spell them out for the bartender on duty. "If possible, describe how she makes it, but politely," Lisa Mirza Grotts says.

Bartenders have no idea how you define good, so instead of asking what’s good, tell them your favorite cocktails or flavors and ask what menu options match them.