Cocktail Etiquette: How to Order Like a Pro at High-End Bars
Stepping into a high-end bar, especially one as sophisticated as The Roof at Park South, can feel like an event in itself. From expertly crafted cocktails to refined service, the experience is designed to be memorable. But navigating a cocktail menu and interacting with bartenders can sometimes feel a bit daunting. Knowing how to order, what to look for, and how to sip in style can enhance your experience and ensure you get the most out of your visit.
Here’s your guide to cocktail etiquette, with tips for ordering like a pro, understanding cocktail terminology, and interacting with bartenders for the best experience.
1. Take Your Time with the Menu
When you’re handed a cocktail menu at a high-end bar, don’t rush. Take a few minutes to read through the options carefully. High-end bars often feature a thoughtfully curated selection of cocktails, each with unique ingredients, flavors, and backstories. Notice the base spirit (vodka, gin, whiskey, etc.) as well as additional flavors like citrus, herbal, or smoky notes.
If you’re unsure about an ingredient or flavor profile, don’t hesitate to ask your bartender for guidance—they’re happy to help steer you toward a drink you’ll love.
2. Know Some Basic Cocktail Terminology
A little knowledge of cocktail terms goes a long way, especially when it comes to making confident choices. Here are a few commonly used terms to help you understand cocktail descriptions like a pro:
Neat: A spirit served plain, with no ice. Perfect for savoring the true flavor of the spirit.
On the Rocks: A drink served over ice, often to dilute stronger spirits slightly and enhance their flavors.
Up: A cocktail shaken or stirred with ice, then strained and served without ice. Pronounced as it looks: up.
Shaken vs. Stirred: Shaking a drink mixes and chills it quickly, adding a slight froth (common for fruity or creamy cocktails). Stirring is gentler, preserving the drink’s clarity and texture, used for spirit-forward drinks like martinis.
Muddle: To press ingredients (usually herbs or fruit) against the glass or shaker to release their flavors. Common in cocktails like a mojito or a whisky smash.
Bitters: Concentrated extracts made from botanicals, used in small amounts to add depth and complexity. Pronounced bih-ters.
Garnish: Decorative and flavorful items (like citrus twists or herbs) added to the drink as a finishing touch.
Boulevardier: A whisky-based cocktail that’s a twist on a Negroni. Pronounced boo-leh-var-dee-ay.
Amaro: Italian herbal liqueur known for its bittersweet flavor, often used as a cocktail ingredient. Pronounced uh-mah-ro.
Understanding these terms will help you make choices with ease and communicate exactly what you want, adding an extra level of confidence to your ordering style.
3. Engage with the Bartender
One of the highlights of visiting a high-end bar is the chance to interact with skilled bartenders who know the menu inside and out. Don’t be shy about asking questions, especially if you’re unsure about certain ingredients or want a recommendation. Here are a few ways to ask like a pro:
Describe Your Preferences: Rather than asking what’s “good,” let your bartender know your preferred flavors or spirits. You could say, “I enjoy gin-based cocktails with herbal notes,” or “I’m in the mood for something smoky.” This gives the bartender a starting point to recommend something tailored to your taste.
Be Open to Suggestions: High-end bars often have house specialties or seasonal cocktails that may not be on the menu. Bartenders are happy to share off-menu recommendations if you express interest.
Order Clearly: When you’re ready, keep your order simple and confident. Say, “I’ll have a Boulevardier, please,” or “I’d love an old fashioned, with bourbon if possible.” Clarity and confidence go a long way in helping bartenders craft your perfect drink.
4. Sip with Style
High-end cocktails are designed to be savored, not rushed. Each drink is crafted with balance and precision, so taking your time to enjoy each sip is key to fully experiencing the flavors.
Take in the Aroma: Before you take a sip, bring the glass to your nose and breathe in the drink’s aroma. Many flavors are experienced through scent, so this enhances your tasting experience.
Pace Yourself: Take small sips and let the flavors unfold. Many cocktails have complex layers that evolve as they warm or as the ice slightly dilutes the drink. Savoring each sip will also give you more time to appreciate the ambiance and conversation.
Mind Your Glassware: Different cocktails are served in specific glassware for a reason. Hold stemmed glasses by the stem to avoid warming the drink, while a rocks glass can be held in the palm. This subtle detail not only helps maintain the drink’s temperature but also shows respect for the cocktail’s presentation.
5. Navigating the Check with Grace
When you’re ready to settle up, remember that high-end bars often pride themselves on exceptional service, which includes seamless check handling. You can ask your bartender or server for the check when you’re ready. If you’re with a group, let them know if you’d like the check split to avoid any last-minute confusion.
Tipping generously is always appreciated, especially if the bartender has taken the time to engage, recommend, or craft a special drink for you. A general rule of thumb is to tip around 20% or more if you’ve received especially attentive service.
Closing Tips for Ordering Like a Pro
Trust the House Recommendations: High-end bars often feature house specialties that highlight unique ingredients or signature spirits. Don’t miss out on trying these expertly crafted options—they’re often the stars of the menu.
Pronounce with Confidence: Even if you’re unsure, pronounce cocktail names with confidence. Bartenders appreciate the effort, and it can spark friendly conversation if you’re curious about the name or history of the drink.
Stay Present and Enjoy: A high-end bar is an experience in itself, so take the time to enjoy the atmosphere, the creativity of the cocktails, and the skill of the bartenders. Each visit can be as memorable as the drink itself.
So next time you’re at The Roof at Park South, or any upscale cocktail bar, you’ll be ready to order like a seasoned pro. With these tips, not only will you enhance your enjoyment of the experience, but you’ll also gain an appreciation for the art of mixology and the culture of high-end cocktails.
Cheers to sipping in style.
