As the sun sets and the lights dim, bartenders spring into action, shaking, stirring, and pouring their way through the night. While they may make it look effortless, there are some drinks that make them roll their eyes and mutter under their breath. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of bartending and explore the drinks that bartenders hate making.
The Psychology of a Bartender’s Hate List
So, why do bartenders hate making certain drinks? Is it the complexity of the recipe, the mess it creates, or something else entirely? To understand the psychology behind a bartender’s hate list, we need to look at the factors that contribute to their frustration.
Time and Efficiency
One of the primary reasons bartenders hate making certain drinks is the time and effort required to prepare them. Drinks with multiple ingredients, complicated recipes, or labor-intensive preparation methods can slow down the bartender’s workflow, causing frustration and delays.
For example, a classic cocktail like the Pimm’s Cup requires a multitude of ingredients, including Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur, lemonade, and garnishes like cucumber and mint. While it may be a refreshing summer drink, the preparation time and effort required to make it can be overwhelming, especially during peak hours.
Ingredient Complexity
Another factor that contributes to a bartender’s hate list is the complexity of ingredients. Drinks that require rare or hard-to-find ingredients can be a nightmare to make, especially if the bartender is not familiar with them.
Take, for instance, the infamous Vieux Carré. This classic New Orleans cocktail requires a combination of rye whiskey, Cynar, and Benedictine, among other ingredients. While it may be a unique and delicious drink, the complexity of ingredients and the difficulty of sourcing them can make it a challenge for bartenders.
Customer Expectations
Customer expectations can also play a significant role in a bartender’s hate list. Drinks that are overly complicated or require a high level of customization can be frustrating to make, especially if the customer is not willing to compromise.
For example, the Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has gained popularity in recent years. However, some customers may request modifications that can be challenging for bartenders, such as using a specific type of bitters or adding a twist of citrus. While bartenders strive to accommodate customer requests, excessive customization can be time-consuming and frustrating.
The Drinks Bartenders Hate Making
Now that we’ve explored the psychology behind a bartender’s hate list, let’s take a look at some of the drinks that bartenders hate making.
Appletinis
The Appletini is a drink that has been on many bartenders’ hate lists for years. This sweet and sour cocktail requires a combination of apple-flavored vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup, among other ingredients. While it may be a popular drink among some patrons, the Appletini is often seen as a nuisance by bartenders due to its sweetness and the mess it creates.
Long Island Iced Teas
The Long Island Iced Tea is another drink that bartenders love to hate. This potent cocktail requires a combination of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec, among other ingredients. While it may be a popular drink among some patrons, the Long Island Iced Tea is often seen as a challenge by bartenders due to its complexity and the risk of over-serving.
Mojitos
The Mojito is a refreshing summer drink that has gained popularity in recent years. However, its popularity has also made it a target for bartenders’ frustration. The Mojito requires a combination of white rum, lime juice, mint leaves, and soda water, among other ingredients. While it may be a delicious drink, the Mojito can be time-consuming to make, especially during peak hours.
Why Bartenders Hate Making These Drinks
So, why do bartenders hate making these drinks? Is it the complexity of the recipe, the mess it creates, or something else entirely? To understand why bartenders hate making these drinks, we need to look at the specific factors that contribute to their frustration.
| Drink | Reason for Frustration |
|---|---|
| Appletini | Sweetness and mess |
| Long Island Iced Tea | Complexity and risk of over-serving |
| Mojito | Time-consuming preparation and mess |
What Can You Do to Make Your Bartender’s Life Easier?
While bartenders may hate making certain drinks, there are things you can do to make their life easier. Here are a few tips:
Be Respectful of Their Time
One of the most important things you can do is be respectful of your bartender’s time. Avoid ordering complicated drinks during peak hours, and be patient when waiting for your drink to be prepared.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Recommendations
If you’re not sure what to order, don’t be afraid to ask your bartender for recommendations. They can suggest drinks that are quick and easy to make, and that fit your taste preferences.
Tip Your Bartender
Finally, don’t forget to tip your bartender. A generous tip can go a long way in making your bartender’s life easier, and can even encourage them to make you a drink that’s not on their hate list.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while bartenders may hate making certain drinks, there are things you can do to make their life easier. By being respectful of their time, asking for recommendations, and tipping generously, you can make your bartender’s life easier and even encourage them to make you a drink that’s not on their hate list. So next time you’re at the bar, remember to be kind to your bartender, and they may just surprise you with a drink that’s not on their hate list.
What are some of the most hated drinks among bartenders?
Some of the most hated drinks among bartenders include the Long Island Iced Tea, the Appletini, and the Sex on the Beach. These drinks are often considered to be overly complicated, requiring multiple ingredients and garnishes, which can slow down service and increase the risk of mistakes. Additionally, these drinks are often associated with rowdy or inexperienced drinkers, which can make them a hassle to serve.
Bartenders also tend to dislike drinks that are overly sweet or require a lot of prep work, such as frozen drinks or those that require a lot of muddling or juicing. Drinks that are popular among tourists or college students, such as the Jägerbomb or the Four Loko, are also often met with eye-rolls from bartenders. These drinks are often seen as low-brow or unrefined, and can be a pain to serve to large groups of rowdy patrons.
Why do bartenders dislike certain drinks?
Bartenders dislike certain drinks for a variety of reasons, including the complexity of the recipe, the quality of the ingredients, and the type of customer who typically orders them. For example, a drink that requires a lot of expensive or hard-to-find ingredients may be seen as a hassle to make, especially if it’s not a high-margin drink. On the other hand, a drink that is popular among rowdy or inexperienced drinkers may be seen as a pain to serve, especially if it’s likely to lead to problems or complaints later in the night.
Additionally, bartenders may dislike certain drinks because they are seen as unrefined or uncool. For example, a drink that is popular among tourists or college students may be seen as beneath a bartender who takes pride in their craft. Similarly, a drink that is overly sweet or relies on artificial flavors may be seen as a cop-out or a lack of creativity. Ultimately, the reasons why bartenders dislike certain drinks are complex and varied, and often depend on the individual bartender and their personal preferences.
How do bartenders feel about making complicated drinks?
Bartenders tend to have mixed feelings about making complicated drinks. On the one hand, many bartenders enjoy the challenge of crafting a complex cocktail, and take pride in their ability to balance multiple ingredients and flavors. On the other hand, complicated drinks can be a hassle to make, especially during busy shifts or when dealing with large groups of customers.
Some bartenders may feel that complicated drinks are a waste of time, and that they would rather focus on serving simple, well-made classics. Others may enjoy the creativity and experimentation that comes with making complicated drinks, but may feel frustrated by the lack of appreciation from customers who don’t understand the effort that goes into crafting a complex cocktail. Ultimately, the way that bartenders feel about making complicated drinks depends on their individual personality and approach to their craft.
What is the most annoying thing about serving certain drinks?
One of the most annoying things about serving certain drinks is the attitude of the customers who order them. For example, customers who order complicated drinks may be overly demanding or critical, and may send their drinks back multiple times if they’re not made to their exact specifications. Similarly, customers who order drinks that are popular among rowdy or inexperienced drinkers may be more likely to cause problems or complaints later in the night.
Another annoying thing about serving certain drinks is the lack of appreciation from customers who don’t understand the effort that goes into crafting a complex cocktail. For example, a customer who orders a complicated drink may not realize that it requires multiple ingredients and garnishes, and may be surprised or annoyed when they’re charged a premium price for it. This lack of appreciation can be frustrating for bartenders, who take pride in their craft and want to be recognized for their expertise.
Do bartenders ever get tired of making the same drinks over and over?
Yes, bartenders often get tired of making the same drinks over and over. While many bartenders enjoy the routine and repetition of making classic cocktails, others may find it boring or unfulfilling. This is especially true for bartenders who work in high-volume bars or clubs, where they may be required to make the same drinks hundreds of times per shift.
To combat this boredom, some bartenders may try to mix things up by experimenting with new ingredients or techniques, or by offering special deals or promotions to encourage customers to try new drinks. Others may focus on providing excellent customer service, and try to make each drink a unique and personalized experience for the customer. Ultimately, the key to avoiding boredom behind the bar is to find ways to stay engaged and creative, even when making the same drinks over and over.
How do bartenders deal with difficult customers?
Bartenders deal with difficult customers in a variety of ways, depending on the individual customer and the situation. Some bartenders may try to diffuse the situation by being friendly and accommodating, while others may take a more firm or assertive approach. In general, the key to dealing with difficult customers is to stay calm and professional, and to focus on providing excellent customer service even in challenging situations.
One strategy that bartenders use to deal with difficult customers is to try to understand their perspective and address their concerns. For example, if a customer is complaining about the price of a drink, the bartender may explain the ingredients and craftsmanship that go into making it, and offer to make a different drink that fits their budget. By listening to the customer and addressing their concerns, the bartender can often turn a negative experience into a positive one.
What can customers do to make their bartender’s job easier?
There are several things that customers can do to make their bartender’s job easier. One of the most important things is to be respectful and considerate of the bartender’s time and expertise. This means being patient and not rushing the bartender, and being open to their recommendations and suggestions.
Another thing that customers can do is to be clear and specific about their orders, and to ask questions if they’re not sure about something. This can help to avoid misunderstandings and mistakes, and can make the bartender’s job much easier. Additionally, customers can show their appreciation for their bartender’s hard work by tipping well and providing positive feedback. By being a considerate and respectful customer, you can make your bartender’s job easier and more enjoyable.