Cocktails used to be something only ordered by 1960′s housewives and businessmen.  Thankfully that is no longer the case today.  A nice cocktail can not only have an amazing taste, but also give you a suave, cool look.  Of course you should never order a drink that you don’t enjoy to purposefully try to look refined.  That will most likely have the opposite effect when others see you aren’t enjoying it.

If you’re new to drinking, or you don’t have any knowledge of good liquor then its time to take a trip to the liquor store.  There’s no way a bartender will be able to make you a cocktail you’ll really enjoy if you don’t know what liquors you like the best.  Head out to a liquor store and pick up a small variety of bourbons, tequila, and scotch depending on what you enjoy the most.  You can easily do this with a bunch of friends during a poker night.

Always Trust Your Tastes

It’s all well and great to know what you like, but if you don’t know how to order your cocktail then you may look a little foolish, or over pay for a cocktail you may not enjoy very much.  When it comes to ordering a cocktail with style, always trust your tastes.  If you know what you like then order with confidence.  You may like your drinks to be more sour than sweet make sure you order it that way.  When you order confidently, they’ll have no problem making it sweeter or more sour for you, but that doesn’t mean you should add any ridiculous ingredients.  Adding orange soda to a classic cocktail will not be seen as cool.  Any quality bartender will be able to add in extra syrups or change up the amount of liquor to get the taste you want.

Ask The Bartender

You may know what types of liquors you like, but that doesn’t mean you may know every type of cocktail that contains them. If you’re at a nice bar or lounge you may have the opportunity to speak with the bartender.  Most bartenders will be more than happy to offer you some recommendations if you tell them some of the liquors you like.  This is an excellent opportunity to try out new cocktails, and it won’t look bad if you get a cocktail you aren’t crazy for.  Don’t always settle for the usual drink you always get.  A lot of bars will have signature cocktails that are great.  There’s nothing wrong with trying out new things that others recommend.

Know What You’re Getting

Depending on what you get it may come in different glasses, so don’t expect a certain glass with your order.  Only martinis will come in a martini glass.  On another note know the amount of alcohol in your drinks.  You may get more alcohol at certain places so its easy to go past your limit rather quickly.  The best way to avoid this is to order water in between each of your drinks.  You’ll stay hydrated this way and you’ll keep a good pace on your drinks.

Drinks to Avoid

If you’re in a bar or lounge don’t order a drink frozen.  The only time this is acceptable is at a pool, or a mexican restaurant.  A lot of cocktails do come on the rocks, which is fine though.  Make sure you don’t order any drinks with suggestive names.  You won’t be taken seriously as a drinker by the bartender or your friends.  A good cocktail doesn’t need a suggestive name.