How To Order Drinks Like a Bartender

To get two shots of alcohol in your drink, as opposed to the standard one shot pour, ask the bartender to “make it a double.”

Want a glass of water or a beer with your drink? Request the shot with a “water back” or “beer back.”

When ordering a mixed drink, always name the liquor first, as in, “a scotch and soda, please.”

If you want a specific brand of liquor, say so, as in, “a Kettle One and tonic.” This is known as a “call drink.” If you don’t name a brand, you’ll get a “well drink” made with the bar’s default liquor, most often a cheaper bottle.

If you want just a bit of mixer, ask for a “splash,” as in, “scotch with a splash of soda.” Want more juice or soda in your drink? Put “tall” in front of your drink order; the drink will have the same amount of booze, but will have more mixer because it will be served in a taller glass.

If you’d like a piece of lemon or lime peel in the drink, order it “with a twist.”

Leave a tip. A generous one makes up for any boneheaded ordering.