Help! First time at a bar...?

Question

I just had my 21st birthday last week. Tonight I am going out for the first time with a very trustworthy friend to celebrate at a bar. I don't know a lot about alcohol, and I like wine and champagne, but I want to try something a little more fun -- any tips? Also, it's customary to tip at the bar, right? Just making sure!

Answer 1

Just stick to what you know to prevent embarassment. But there is nothing wrong to ask the bartender for suggestions. Any good bartender will come up with something they think you will like. It is appropriate to tip, if you receive good service. We don't get paid much, and really appreciate the extra dollar. I wouldn't tip more or less than a dollar unless the service was exceptionally good or bad. I would not be afraid, however, to walk away without tipping if I didn't get good service.
If you aren't big on mixed drinks, try some different beers. Or something like coconut rum and pineapple. Fruity and tasty.

Answer 2

Again, Happy Birthday!! Second - DO NOT LISTEN to half of these knuckleheads in this area. If you like wine or champagne, stick with those. Try a Kier Royale - it can be made with either wine or champagne and it has a raspberry liqueur in it which makes it a little sweeter. Most bars will have a decent wine list (if not, then maybe it's not the place for you). Hard liquor is very sneaky on young people; it's something that the body has to get used to & you really don't want to start all that goofy stuff now!! Go slow, don't drink just to drink and be careful!! Alcohol does stupid things to people. Please don't drink and drive.

Answer 3

Well first let me say, Happy Birthday to you. Now let me give you some good drinks that will hit the spot for a first timer. I have always liked Long Island Ice Tea it is strong but you can hardly taste the alcohol in it so drink with care with this drink. You might like a drink called a Wet Pussy it is sweet and also needs to be drank with care. Yes it is customary to tip the bartender, but not everyone does. They are after all paid to be there so a dollar or two will suffice. However if you feel that you are being treated well by the bartender then feel free to tip as you want. Remember that the word tip stands for "to insure promptness", it isn't required it is a courtesy.

Answer 4

Fuzzy Navel is absolutely correct. It's simple, not overdone on alcohol, tasty, not too sweet (too sweet will make you sick) and there's Vitamin C in the orange juice which will help to make up for the damage you're doing to your immune system by drinking when you're not used to it.

My tips? Don't have more than two. Period. Sip slowly and don't wait to feel the effects before you stop drinking. Have a glass of ice water (with lemon is best) there with you too so if you're dancing you'll stay hydrated and water down the alcohol rather than drink too much alcohol because you're thirsty (which will only dehydrate you more!)

Make sure you're not doing this on an empty stomach too :)

Happy birthday and salut!

Answer 5

ask the bartender... no one knows what drinks the bar specializes in better than them. also as far as tipping goes usually one dollar per drink... unless it's an elaborate drink in a hollow pineapple with fire coming out of it or something... then maybe 2 dollars. You will soon find that at most bars there will always be some guys willing to take over the ordering, paying of and tipping for drink responsibilities for you. Which means free drinks... but dont let them decide what you want to drink... or you will be in for a bad night.

Answer 6

cute, have a good time! Ok, first off, yes, it is customary to tip, drop a buck on the bar after the bartender brings you your drink.

Now, as for some fun drinks...

Rum and Coke
Long Island Ice Tea
Long Beach (like a long island, but with cranberry juice)
Lemon Drop (shot of vodka with some sugar and a lemon)
Disaronno on the rocks with lime

Have a good time, and don't drink and drive

Answer 7

Yes, you should tip at the bar the same way you would tip for a meal - a minimum of 15% for acceptable service.

I like a good gin and tonic with lime. It's refreshing when the weather is hot and muggy.

When it's cold out, an Irish coffee is nice.

If you want something that tastes like dessert, ask for Bushmills and Bailey's over ice - yummy.

Have fun, don't leave your drink unattended and designate a driver!

Answer 8

As a bartender I'm asked to decide for a clueless customer all the time. It's a dangerous game. I always ask you three questions. How much do you have to spend? What allergies do you have? And what's your favorite colour? Money and allergies are important because you don't want to blow your budget on one drink and I don't want you to die on me. Favorite colour because there are countless drinks out there of every colour. You should have yours. Just keep those three questions in mind and have a responsible but fun time. It's good that you're going with a dependable friend. Good thinking.

Cheers.

Answer 9

Ther are all KINDS of martinis you can have, Sour Apple is a yummy one, I like Malibu and coke, its a coconut rum..yummy! Also raspberry vodka and sprite is simple and yummy too. Dont mix a lotta stuff or you will puke for sure and stay away from Tequila! peoples wrst drinking memories were made with a bottle of that stuff, its the DEVIL :)

Answer 10

If you are as brave as you are curious ask for a cement mixer. Normally you should tip just like at a restaurant. However, if you like good and fast service it pays not to be frugal. Have fun and take a cab home.