Raise Your Glass: 18 Effortless Mixed Drinks to Order at the Bar
Going to a bar can be an intimidating experience for those who are new to drinking or unfamiliar with bar culture. Whether it’s your first time out or you just want to try something new, knowing how to order drinks can make all the difference in the world. That’s where this article comes in – we’re going to provide you with a list of easy mixed drinks that you can confidently order at any bar.
When it comes to ordering drinks, there are many factors that come into play. Knowing what you like is important, but it’s also important to understand the terminology used by bartenders and staff.
For example, knowing what “neat,” “on the rocks,” and “straight up” mean can help you communicate your preferences more clearly and effectively. Another factor is confidence – being able to confidently order a drink can make all the difference in how your night goes.
Whether you’re trying to impress someone or simply want a drink that suits your tastes, having a few go-to options under your belt can help alleviate anxiety and make for an enjoyable evening. So without further ado, let’s dive into our list of 18 easy mixed drinks that are sure to impress!
18 Simple Mixed Drinks to Order at a Bar
1. Refreshing Margarita
The Margarita is a classic cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. This refreshing drink is made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. To make it, you need to mix two parts of tequila with one part of lime juice and one part of triple sec. Shake all the ingredients in a shaker with ice and serve the drink in a salt-rimmed glass with ice. Garnish it with a slice of lime.
2. Minty Mojito
The Mojito is a popular cocktail that originated from Cuba. This refreshing drink is made with white rum, mint leaves, sugar syrup, soda water, and lime juice. To make it, first muddle the mint leaves along with sugar syrup and lime juice in a glass.
Add white rum to this mixture and stir well before adding crushed ice. Top off the drink with soda water and garnish it with a sprig of mint leaves.
3. Long Island Iced Tea
Long Island Iced Tea is an easy-to-make cocktail that packs quite the punch! Made by mixing vodka, gin, rum, triple sec and lemon juice in equal proportions then topping up the mixtures with cola; this cocktail will have you feeling tipsy within no time! Garnish it simply or get creative by adding some fruit slices on top!
4. Cosmopolitan
The Cosmo became famous after the hit TV show ‘Sex And The City’. It’s an elegant martini-style cocktail made from vodka infused cranberry juice; shaken together alongside triple sec and fresh lime juice giving you all sorts of flavors!
To prepare this drink; fill your shaker halfway through ice cubes (or crushed ice) then add 1 1/2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of triple sec, 1/2 oz of lime juice and 1/2 oz of cranberry juice. Shake well and strain the mixture into a martini glass then garnish it with an orange peel.
5. Sex on the Beach
This fruity cocktail is not only delicious but also easy to make. It is made with vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice. Add two parts vodka, one part peach schnapps, three parts orange juice and three parts cranberry juice in a shaker over ice; shake well then strain it into a tall glass filled with ice cubes.
6. Mai Tai
Mai Tai is a rum-based tiki cocktail that originated from California. This drink combines rum, almond syrup (orgeat), lime juice over crushed ice and finished off with a sprig of fresh mint and fruit slices!
Making it involves shaking dark rum, orange curaçao or triple sec; alongside orgeat syrup (almond-flavored syrup) then pouring this mixture over shaved ice before topping up using fresh squeezed lime. Don’t forget to garnish your Mai Tai cocktail with fresh mint leaves and juicy citrus fruits!
7. Moscow Mule
Moscow Mule is an easy-to-make drink that’s perfect for those who don’t enjoy overly sweet cocktails! Made using ginger beer combined with lime juice; this drink produces a refreshing taste that won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed by sugar which makes it perfect for people who don’t have a sweet tooth! To make the Moscow Mule simply combine vodka with ginger beer in equal measure adding some freshly squeezed lime before finally garnishing the mixture with slice pieces of cucumber.
8. Bloody Mary
This spicy tomato-based cocktail is the perfect way to start your day after an eventful night! Bloody Mary contains vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to give it that extra kick!
To make this cocktail; add some ice cubes to a glass then mix in the vodka and tomato juice. Add the other ingredients (lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce) according to your preference before garnishing with celery and a slice of lemon.
9. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is an iconic cocktail that has been around for a long time. This drink is made by combining sugar syrup with Angostura bitters then mixing in Bourbon or Rye Whiskey and orange peel before serving over ice. For added flavor and sophistication; you can garnish the drink with a Maraschino cherry!
10. Martini
There are many different variations of Martini but all share some commonalities i.e. gin or vodka mixed with dry vermouth over ice which makes it perfect for people who don’t like sugary drinks. Shake or stir gin/vodka alongside dry vermouth together before straining into a martini glass that’s been chilled beforehand!
11. Manhattan
Manhattan is another classic cocktail made using whiskey (bourbon/rye), sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, and maraschino cherry. Combine these ingredients in your shaker alongside some ice cubes before shaking thoroughly – serve chilled over ice!
12. Daiquiri
Daiquiri is a classic rum-based cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion! Made using rum, lime juice & sugar syrup; this drink delivers an explosion of flavors on your taste buds! To make it properly: combine rum along with fresh squeezed lime juice and simple syrup in your shaker then shake well; strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice before finally garnishing it with fresh mint leaves.
13. Screwdriver
Screwdriver is one drink that’s easy to make and perfect for early mornings or lazy afternoons! This cocktail combines vodka with freshly squeezed orange juice and ice cubes. Mix 2 ounces of vodka with 6-8 ounces of orange juice in a glass and add ice cubes before stirring well.
14. Lemon Drop Martini
Lemon Drop Martini is the perfect cocktail for anyone who loves sour drinks! Made by combining vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sugar; this drink creates an amazing balance between sweetness and sourness. To make it: combine vodka along with fresh squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup and sugar in your shaker then shake well; strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice before finally garnishing it with lemon wedges.
15. Blue Hawaiian
Blue Hawaiian is a tropical cocktail that’s made using white rum, pineapple juice, blue curaçao & cream of coconut! To create this gorgeous looking drink: combine all ingredients (except cherry) over ice cubes in your shaker – shake well before straining into a glass filled with crushed ice; add cherry on top!
16. Pina Colada
Pina Colada is another tropical drink that has become famous worldwide. It consists of rum, pineapple juice & cream of coconut making it sweet yet refreshing! Combine all ingredients (rum included) in your blender along with some crushed ice then blend until smooth before pouring the mixture into glasses.
17. White Russian
White Russian combines coffee liqueur (Kahlua), Vodka & Cream giving you a creamy yet delicious taste. To make this cocktail: fill a glass halfway through fresh milk along then pour over Kahlua followed by vodka before stirring well – do not mix too much as the milk will foam!
18. Irish Coffee
The Basics: What You Need to Know Before Ordering
Understanding the Difference Between Cocktails and Mixed Drinks
When it comes to ordering drinks at a bar, it’s important to know the difference between cocktails and mixed drinks. Cocktails are more complex and typically made with multiple ingredients. They often require a specific recipe and technique to prepare properly.
On the other hand, mixed drinks are simpler in nature and usually only consist of two or three ingredients. These can be prepared quickly by a bartender with little fuss.
Examples of cocktails include Irish coffee, margarita, mai tai, Manhattan, martini, and many more. Examples of mixed drinks include screwdriver (vodka and orange juice), gin and tonic (gin, tonic water, lime), rum and Coke (rum, cola), etc.
Common Types of Alcohol Used in Mixed Drinks
While any type of alcohol can be used in a mixed drink, some are more common than others. Vodka is perhaps the most popular for use in mixed drinks due to its versatility in both flavor profile as well as pairing options with other mixers like fruit juices or carbonated beverages.
Gin is another popular choice that gives off a slightly herbaceous vibe due to juniper berries used in its production process. Rum has become increasingly popular for use in tropical drinks such as Mai Tais or Pina Coladas that usually come garnished with umbrellas or pineapples on top!
Tequila is also an essential component in many famous cocktails like Margaritas. Whiskey/Bourbon take center stage when it comes to classic whiskey cocktails like Old Fashioned or Manhattan which have stood the test of time over decades.
Important Terminology Used at Bars
There’s some jargon you should know before ordering from your friendly bartender. Here are some terms you may hear and what they mean:
– Neat: A drink served without any ice or mixers. Usually, straight whiskey is served this way.
– On the rocks: A drink served over ice cubes.
– Straight up: A drink shaken or stirred with ice and then strained into a glass without any ice.
– Double: A drink that’s twice the standard size.
– Back: A small glass of a non-alcoholic beverage, meant to be consumed alongside a shot of liquor.
Knowing these terms will help you to communicate with your bartender and order your drinks just the way you want them. With this knowledge in your back pocket, you’re now ready to confidently order any one of our 18 easy mixed drinks at your favorite bar!
Irish Coffee is the perfect drink to warm up on a chilly evening! This drink combines coffee, Irish whiskey, and cream.
Simply pour hot coffee into your mug then add whiskey and sugar to taste before finally topping off with a generous amount of whipped cream. Sit back and enjoy!
Tips
1. Know Your Limits. Before ordering drinks, it’s important to know your limits and drink responsibly. It’s easy to get carried away with the fun atmosphere and delicious drinks, but make sure you’re not overdoing it. Keep track of how many drinks you’ve had and know when to stop.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions. If you’re unfamiliar with a particular drink or term, don’t be afraid to ask the bartender for clarification. Bartenders are there to help you enjoy your experience, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or clarification on anything you’re unsure about.
3. Tip Your Bartender. It’s important to tip your bartender for their hard work and expertise in crafting your drinks. A standard tip is 15-20% of your total bill, but feel free to tip more if the service was exceptional. Tipping also helps build a relationship with your bartender which can result in better service in the future.
Conclusion
Ordering a mixed drink at a bar can be daunting, especially if you’re new to drinking or unfamiliar with bar culture. However, by understanding the basics of mixed drinks and knowing what easy options are available, anyone can confidently order a delicious beverage at their next night out.
Remember that drinking responsibly and knowing your limits is key when enjoying alcoholic beverages at a bar. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear – bartenders are there to help you have an enjoyable experience.
Don’t forget to show appreciation for your bartender’s hard work by tipping generously. By following these tips and tricks, anyone can become an expert at ordering mixed drinks at a bar – cheers!
