11 of the Most Popular Drinks Ordered at Bars
September 1, 2020
When you’re a bartender, you learn how to make the mainstays pretty quickly. After all, some co*cktails and drinks top the “ordered all the time” list.
If you’re curious about which beverages regularly get their moment in the sun, your search is over. We’ve compiled a list of 11 of the most popular bar drink orders your favorite bartender will hear tonight.
11 Popular Drinks to Order at the Bar
1. Shots
Tequila shots. B-52s. Melon balls. There are shots for just about any situation, patron or taste. Of course, some patrons prefer to do straight shots of whiskey just like in Western movies. Whatever makes you happy, Cowboy.
2. Martinis
Although the martini might sound like a “Mad Men” throwback, it’s never really gone out of style. The bright, fresh flavor of a well-mixed martini makes it a must-try, especially if you’ve always assumed it was a stodgy, old-fashioned drink.
3. Bloody Marys
The Bloody Mary remains a true classic in terms of bar drink requests. Nothing quite matches tomato juice, seasonings and vodka. Stir your Bloody Mary with aBenny’s Original Meat Strawand you’re in business!
4. Whiskey Sours
Fancy yourself a bit of sourness and tang along with the sweetness of some smooth bourbon? Whiskey sours will leave your taste buds happier than ever. If you’re a sour-sweet gummy candy fanatic, you’ll probably enjoy a whiskey sour.
5. Manhattans
When whiskey met vermouth, a magical marriage occurred —the Manhattan. You’ll need to enjoy bitterness in your drink to think of the Manhattan as “your” drink, but if botanicals and dryness are your bag, you’ll appreciate this drink’s complex overtones.
6. Screwdrivers
What could get more straightforward than mixing a tried-and-true breakfast drink with some spirits? Screwdrivers, concocted of nothing more than orange juice and vodka, offer sunny dispositions that can make you forget that you’re downing a mixed drink. Beware —the screwdriver has gotten the best of many bar newbies who weren’t yet accustomed to a vodka-laden drink.
7. Gin and Tonics
It’s a little bittersweet, a little sassy and a lot bright. It’s a gin and tonic, served over ice and brimming with all sorts of lively goodness. Take your time and sip this drink that never goes out of style. Bonus points if you can isolate the flavor of juniper berry hidden beneath the citrus.
8. Rum and co*kes
Okay, so this one isn’t exactly rocket science. However, pouring the right balance of rum and co*ke into a glass does take a professional’s touch. Too much rum and you lose the co*ke’s crispness. Too much co*ke and you spend all the time hunting for the rum. But when rum meets co*ke in the right ratio, the result is a drink you can order all evening — in moderation, of course.
9. Long Island Iced Teas
Sorry, tea lovers. The “tea” part of this popular bar drink isn’t quite accurate. You’ll find nary a tea leaf in a Long Island Iced Tea. However, a few crushed mint leaves at the bottom of the glass never go amiss. This fun highball brings together lemon juice, soda, Triple Sec, vodka, white tequila, gin and white rum.
10. Mojitos
People love their sweet drinks, particularly ones starring rum. Mojitos aren’t just perfect for Cinco de Mayo feasts or summertime picnics. They’re for year-round indulgence, with their pop of mint against a sugary backdrop.
11. Anything “On the Rocks”
From Kahlua to cognac, customers frequently order their favorite liquors, liqueurs and spirits on the rocks. The ice brings out different nuances in the drinks and helps to cleanse the palate.
Getting some ideas for drinks to make at your private home bar? Start at the top of these bar favorites and work your way down!
