How to Order at a Cocktail Bar (Without Feeling Lost)

The easiest way to order a great cocktail is to tell the bartender three things: a spirit you like, a flavor you want, and how strong you want it. For example: "Something with gin, bright and citrusy, not too strong." A good bartender can work with that every time.

Cocktail menus can still be confusing, though. Here's how to read one and order with confidence.

Most bar menus list the drink's name and then its ingredients. The first ingredient is usually the base spirit, the main thing you'll taste. After that come the modifiers: citrus, sweeteners, liqueurs and bitters.

Look for these clues:

Citrus (lemon, lime, grapefruit): fresh, tart, usually shaken. Easy to like.
Vermouth, amaro or bitters with no citrus: stronger, deeper, stirred. For slow sipping.
Soda, tonic or sparkling wine: tall, light and refreshing.
Cream, egg white or coffee: rich and smooth.
Smoke, mezcal or Islay whisky: bold and smoky.

Many menus also sort drinks into sections like "light and refreshing", "spirit-forward" or "classics". Use these as your map.

Bar Words, Explained

Word	What it means
Neat	A spirit poured straight into a glass, no ice, no mixer.
On the rocks	Served over ice.
Up	Chilled with ice, then strained into a stemmed glass with no ice.
Straight up	Usually means "up". Some people use it to mean neat, so check if unsure.
Twist	A strip of citrus peel, usually lemon or orange.
Dry	In a martini: less vermouth. In wine: not sweet.
Dirty	With olive brine added.
Spirit-forward	Mostly alcohol, little or no juice. Strong.
Sour	A drink with spirit, citrus and sugar.
Highball	A spirit plus a mixer in a tall glass.
Back	A small side glass, like "whiskey with a water back".
Call drink	A drink where you name the brand of spirit.

For martini-specific words, see how to order a martini.

5 Easy Ways to Order

1. Start from what you already like

Love margaritas? Ask for "something like a margarita, but different". Love an Old Fashioned? Ask for "a stirred whiskey drink". The bartender gets a clear starting point.

2. Name a flavor

Words like citrusy, bitter, fruity, herbal, smoky, creamy or not too sweet are very helpful.

3. Say how strong

"Light", "medium" or "boozy" sets expectations on both sides.

4. Ask what the bar is known for

Most bars have a house special they're proud of. Asking also shows respect for their work.

5. Order a classic

When in doubt, order a well-known classic. Every good bar can make a Daiquiri, Negroni, Whiskey Sour or Old Fashioned. It's also a great way to judge the bar.

Good First Orders by Taste

Fresh and fruity: Daiquiri, Paloma, Clover Club
Light and bubbly: Aperol Spritz, French 75
Bitter and bold: Negroni, Boulevardier
Strong and smooth: Old Fashioned, Manhattan
Sweet and creamy: Espresso Martini, Grasshopper

Bar Etiquette Tips

Wait for eye contact. Don't wave money or snap your fingers.
Know your order when you get to the front. Especially when the bar is busy.
Order complicated drinks when it's quiet. Fancy custom requests are welcome at 7 pm on a Tuesday, less so at midnight on a Saturday.
Tip if it's the custom where you are. In the US, about $1 to $2 per drink or 15 to 20% is normal.
It's okay to say you don't like it. Most bartenders would rather fix it than have you sit with a drink you don't enjoy.

Cocktail Bar FAQ

What should I order if I don't like the taste of alcohol? Try something citrusy and lightly sweet, like a Daiquiri or a Clover Club, or something tall and bubbly like a spritz.

Is it rude to ask for a drink that's not on the menu? No. Most bars are happy to make classics. Just keep it simple when it's busy.

What does "up" mean? Chilled and strained into a stemmed glass with no ice.

Still not sure? Mixlio does the hard part for you. Take a photo of any cocktail menu, and Mixlio reads it and ranks every drink against your personal taste profile, so you know your best pick before the bartender comes over.