77 Questions to Ask a Bartender

Bartenders are a valuable resource when it comes to trying new drinks and learning about alcohol in general. Asking them questions is a great way to get more information about the drinks you are interested in and get recommendations for things you may like.

This blog post will give you some insight into the world of bartending and some questions you can ask a bartender. So the next time you find yourself at a bar, whether it’s your local dive or a fancy cocktail spot, take a moment to chat with your bartender and get to know them—you’ll be surprised at how much they have to say.

77 Questions you can ask a bartender:

What do you like most about bartending?
What do you like least about bartending?
What is the most challenging part of bartending?
What type of personality do you think succeeds as a bartender?
What skills do you think are necessary to be a successful bartender?
What do you think sets apart good bartenders from great bartenders?
What are some of your favorite cocktails to make?
Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about becoming a bartender?
What’s your favorite drink to make?
What’s your favorite drink to drink?
What’s been your most memorable shift?
How did you get into bartending?
What’s the most ridiculous request you’ve ever gotten?
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen happen in a bar?
What’s your favorite bar game to play?
What’s the most popular cocktail at the bar?
What are some of your favorite mixers?
What’s your favorite beer?
What’s the most popular beer at the bar?
What’s your favorite wine?
What’s the most popular wine at the bar?
What are some of your bartending techniques?
How do you make a perfect martini?
How do you make a perfect Margarita?
How do you make a perfect Manhattan?
How do you make a perfect Mojito?
What are some of your favorite shots?
What are some of your favorite cocktails to make at home?
What are some of your bartending tips for making cocktails at home?
What are some of the most common mistakes people make when bartending at home?
What are some of your favorite bar tricks?
Do you have any tips on how to get free drinks at the bar?
How long have you been bartending?
What’s your take on mixology/the craft cocktail movement?
Do you have any recommendations for a good wine/beer/cocktail to pair with my meal?
I’m not really sure what I want, can you make me something based on my preferences?
Can you make me a mocktail/non-alcoholic cocktail?
Can you make me a non-alcoholic cocktail that looks and tastes like the real thing?
Do you have any house specials?
Do you have any seasonal cocktails?
What’s your favorite shot to make?
What’s your favorite mixed drink?
What’s the difference between a martini and a Manhattan?
What’s the difference between a Margarita and a Daiquiri?
What is your opinion on shaken vs stirred cocktails?
What is your opinion on muddled drinks?
How do you feel about making drinks with fruit in them?
I’m trying to be healthy, do you have any lighter options?
Do you have any non-alcoholic options?
What’s the strongest drink you can make?
How do you deal with unruly customers?
Do you have any funny stories about customers?
What do you think is the best way to learn about mixology?
Do you know any tricks for opening bottles of wine without a corkscrew?
Do you have any tips for avoiding a hangover?
Do you have any suggestions for new, interesting cocktails to try?
Do you think there are any drinks that are overrated or underrated?
If someone is new to cocktails, what would you recommend they try first?
Do you have any insider tips for someone who wants to become a bartender?
What’s the best way to avoid getting too drunk too fast?
Can you recommend any hangover cures?
How do you make a perfect Old Fashioned?
How do you make a perfect Cosmopolitan?
How do you make a perfect Daiquiri?
What’s the difference between bourbon and whiskey?
What’s the difference between vodka and gin?
What’s the difference between ale and lager?
Do you have any gluten-free beers?
What’s the difference between red wine and white wine?
How do you make a perfect Negroni?
How do you make a perfect Boulevardier?
How do you make a perfect Mai Tai?
What’s the most common mistake people make when ordering a drink?
What are some of your favorite garnishes?
Are there any drinks you refuse to make?
What do you do when someone orders a drink you’ve never heard of before?
Can you make me a drink that’s not on the menu?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three styles of bartenders?

There are three main styles of bartenders: the showman, the technician, and the mixologist.

The showman style of a bartender is all about putting on a performance. They love to entertain their guests and make them feel welcome. They might do things like shake cocktails in a flashy way or come up with creative garnishes.

The technician style of a bartender is all about precision. They focus on preparing drinks perfectly and making sure every drink tastes the same. To achieve this level of consistency, they may use special tools or techniques.

The mixologist style of a bartender is all about flavor. They want their drinks to be as delicious as possible, so they experiment with different ingredients and combinations. They may also be interested in cocktail history and culture.

What do you usually talk about with a bartender?

Some people talk to bartenders about their daily lives, while others ask them for drink or food recommendations. Bartenders can also give helpful advice on how to deal with difficult customers or how to make cocktails.

In addition, many people use bartenders as a listening ear and confide in them about personal problems. Overall, there’s is no wrong thing to talk to a bartender as long as it’s respectful and polite.

What shouldn’t you say to a bartender?

There are a few things you should avoid saying to a bartender, no matter how friendly or familiar you may be with them. First, don’t ask them to make you a drink that they don’t carry. Even if you know how to make it yourself, it’s considered rude to put the bartender in that position.

Similarly, don’t ask them to make a complicated drink or one with multiple ingredients. Stick to simple cocktails or beer and wine if you aren’t sure what the bartender can make.

Another thing you shouldn’t say is anything negative about the bar, the drinks served, or the other customers. Bartenders are often very proud of their work and take criticism very personally.

Lastly, don’t ask for free drinks or try to get a discount. Not only is it rude, but it can get you banned from the bar.

What are the five P’s of a professional bartender?

The five P’s of a professional bartender are patience, precision, presentation, personality, and professionalism.

Patience: Having patience allows you to take your time with each drink and make it perfect.

Precision: Precision means that you prepare each drink the same way every time so that the customer has the same experience every time.

Presentation: Presentation means that you make the drink look good and give it a creative flair.

Personality: Personality is key because you want to be personable to your customers and make them feel comfortable.

Professionalism: This is important because it shows that you take your job seriously and care about providing a good experience for your customers.

Conclusion

Bartenders are a wealth of knowledge and can make your experience at a bar so much better. Next time you’re in a bar, try asking some of these questions to get to know your bartender better. Not only will it help break the ice, but it’ll also give you the opportunity to learn more about them, the drinks they make, and the story behind them all. And who knows, you might make a new friend in the process!