Taking someone out to a swanky bar can be a bit of a minefield, and nobody likes having to wait too long at the bar while waiting to pay for your shout. That can only get worse if you take a look at the cocktail menu. Between complicated recipes and suggestive names, you can find yourself wishing the ground would open up beneath you – and it’s worse if you’re ordering for two. How do you ensure that your cocktail will be simple and tasty without featuring an overabundance of fruit and people giving you the stinkeye because you’ve monopolised the barman? It’s easy – try any of these orders to smooth your way through the evening.
- Whisky Sour – a good old-fashioned blend of whisky, bitters and a sweet and sour mix – but you may prefer to ask them to skip the cherry if you want to avoid fruit in your drink.
- Malbec Spritzer – most places make white wine spritzers with soda water and some cheap wine that frankly tastes horrible. Insist they make it with a wine that has some flavour to it, like a good strong Cabernet if they haven’t got any Malbec.
- Mexican Screw – made from a mixture of orange juice and Cabo Wabo Reposada Tequila for a simple kick similar to a tequila sunrise.
- Screwdriver – a simple mix of vodka and orange juice that is equally at home in a bar or on a golf course.
- Top Shelf Margarita on The Rocks – Grand Marnier, Patron Silver Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, sweet and sour mix and ice – all made fresh and without having to worry too much about what might be lurking in the frozen margarita machine.
- Captain and Coke – it’s a classic for a reason. Captain Morgan Rum and Coca-Cola are just made for each other.
- A shot of Tuaca – often used as an ingredient in Lemon Drop cocktails, its vanilla-like smooth flavours make for a great shot that can make your knees melt.
- A Bud Light Lime – if you’re tempted by alcopops, try this flavoured beer instead for something with some flavour and self-respect.
- Bombay Sapphire Gin Martini – the only green thing about the martini is the blue-cheese stuffed olive put in there with the mix of vermouth and blue Bombay Sapphire gin.
- Cape Cod – we had to put one pink drink in here, but as it’s only made of vodka and cranberry juice we think it’s marginally more acceptable than something like a Cosmo.
So there you have it; ten drinks you can order in a cocktail bar that are suitable for both men and women. You’ll enjoy the flavours and enjoy not getting embarrassed by your drink even more! Have fun out there.