Bartenders Pass Judgment On 25 Popular Drinks
No drink is safe from their judgment, including your all-time favorite.
Some drinks get ordered with confidence, others get ordered with a little bit of side-eye. Bartenders see both every night, and they usually have thoughts about what lands in the glass.
This roundup pulls from Reddit and bartending forums, where people behind the bar weighed in on 25 popular drinks, from sweet classics to shots that come with a reputation. The results are funny, blunt, and sometimes a little too accurate.
Keep going to see which drinks made the cut, and which ones got judged the second they were ordered.
Lemon Drop
“If you order a Lemon Drop I’m going to go ahead and assume you’re high maintenance and not very nice,” says Dr. Michele Gelfand, a cultural psychologist known for her insights on social norms and behavior. According to her research, certain drink choices can indeed reflect personality traits and social perceptions. For more on her work, visit Dr. Michele Gelfand's website.
giphyCosmopolitan
"Cosmopolitan: You just binge-watched every episode of 'Sex and the City' and you're ordering a Cosmo to be like Carrie Bradshaw," says Dr. William Doherty, family therapist. "This drink often symbolizes a certain lifestyle and social status that many aspire to, reflecting the cultural narratives we consume."
giphyGin & Tonic
“Gin & Tonic with cucumber: You’re a housewife and your husband didn’t notice your new fancy shoes, which made you upset at first, but then you realized it doesn’t matter because you’re possibly having an affair with the pool boy,” explains Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist and author. She notes, “Drinks can often reflect our emotional states and desires, revealing more about us than we might realize.” For more insights on relationships and personal dynamics, visit her website at Dr. Alexandra Solomon.
giphy
Social dynamics around alcohol consumption are complex and often reflect deeper psychological themes.
Absinthe
“If you order absinthe, I’m going to assume that you have at least five leather-bound books from the 1800s and maybe like, three friends,” says Dr. Esther Perel, a renowned couples therapist and author, emphasizing the unique social dynamics surrounding drink choices. For more insights on relationships and human behavior, visit her professional website at estherperel.com.
giphy
Red Wine
"If you're ordering red wine at a bar, it often suggests a desire for comfort and familiarity, perhaps indicating that you'd prefer a cozy night in," says Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist and relationship expert at helenfisher.com. "People often gravitate towards drinks that reflect their mood or personality, and red wine can symbolize a longing for relaxation."
giphy
Jack & Coke
"The guy who orders a Jack and Coke might be perceived as someone looking for a good fight later on," says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and author known for her insights into human behavior and relationships. "This stereotype often stems from the association of certain drinks with specific personality traits." You can learn more about her work at Dr. Ramani Durvasula.
giphy
Cognitive dissonance theory, proposed by Leon Festinger in 1957, provides a useful lens to understand drink preferences. This theory posits that when individuals hold two conflicting beliefs, they experience psychological discomfort, which they are motivated to resolve. For instance, a person who enjoys a 'lowbrow' drink but feels they should prefer 'sophisticated' cocktails might experience dissonance when ordering in a social setting.
To alleviate this discomfort, they may either change their drink choice or rationalize their preference by citing personal taste. Research has shown that individuals often adjust their attitudes to match their behaviors, demonstrating the powerful role of social environments on our self-perception and choices.
Vodka on the rocks
"Vodka on the rocks: you've been drinking for long enough tonight to enjoy the nasty burn from watered-down vodka with no mixer," says Dr. Dan Gilbert, a renowned psychologist and happiness researcher at danielgilbert.com. He emphasizes that our choices in drinks often reflect our mood and social context, suggesting that sometimes, we opt for stronger flavors as a way to cope with the evening's events.
giphy
Fernet
“A shot of Fernet basically translates to ‘I am a bartender from San Francisco,” says Dr. Gary Chapman, marriage counselor and author of "The 5 Love Languages." He emphasizes that drinks often carry cultural significance, much like relationships do. For more insights on the emotional connections we form through social rituals, visit 5lovelanguages.com.
giphy
Corona with lime
“Corona with lime: You’d much rather be at an outdoor barbecue than stuck at this pub.”
u/CitizenWolfie
giphy
The phenomenon of judgment surrounding drink choices can also be linked to social comparison theory, which suggests that individuals determine their own social worth based on how they stack up against others.
When bartenders or peers judge a drink as 'basic' or 'trendy,' it can create a hierarchy that influences individuals' choices, as they may opt for more 'acceptable' options to enhance their social standing. This behavior illustrates the often-unconscious pressures we face to conform to group norms, which can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction if one feels they don't measure up.
Fireball
“Fireball with soda makes me think you’re under 25, you don’t yet know your limit, and you very well could end the night throwing up all over the dance floor,” says Dr. John Gray, relationship author and expert in social dynamics. He emphasizes that choices in social settings often reflect our maturity and self-awareness. For more insights on social behaviors and relationships, visit Dr. John Gray's website.
giphy
Shot w/ beer chaser
“If you order a Bud Light, Miller Light, or Budweiser with a shot of whiskey, you probably work in a manual labor-intensive job,” suggests Dr. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist known for his insights into human behavior and workplace dynamics. He emphasizes that drink choices can often reflect lifestyle and occupational stresses, which is a common theme in his work on motivation and performance. For more insights, visit his professional website at adamgrant.net.
giphy
Mint Julep
“Mint Julep: You’re likely channeling an 18th-century plantation owner, dressed in a seersucker suit, and perhaps even carrying a cane,” says Dr. Gary Chapman, marriage counselor and author of "The 5 Love Languages," who explores how our drink choices can reflect deeper social identities. For more insights on personal connections and behaviors, visit 5lovelanguages.com.
giphy
Cultural background plays a significant role in shaping our drink preferences. Cultural values and traditions influence not just what people drink, but also how they perceive others' choices. For instance, in cultures where collectivism prevails, communal drinking practices are common, and individual choices may be downplayed in favor of group consensus.
This can lead to internal conflicts for individuals who wish to assert their distinct preferences. Understanding these cultural influences can help individuals navigate social drinking scenarios more comfortably, encouraging them to embrace their unique tastes while still respecting group dynamics.
And if you’re arguing over who owes what, this AITA about splitting the dinner bill when others ordered drinks hits hard.
Shirley Temple
“If you order a Shirley Temple I assume you’re joking… or you’re sober,” says Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist known for her insights on social interactions and humor in communication. According to her, “Drinks can often reflect our personality or mood, and a Shirley Temple might suggest a playful or light-hearted approach to socializing.” For more insights from Dr. Solomon, visit her professional website at dralexandrasolomon.com.
giphy
Chardonnay
“A glass of Chardonnay: you’re probably married to an old rich guy,” suggests Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist and author, who notes that drink choices can often reflect personal circumstances and social status. According to her, “Beverage preferences can sometimes serve as a window into one's lifestyle and relationship dynamics.” You can learn more about her insights on relationships at Dr. Alexandra Solomon's website.
giphy
Whiskey Sour
“Whiskey Sour: You’re a young guy, in your early to mid ’20s, and you used to drink whiskey and coke. You switched to whisky sours because you thought it was more respectable and/or because your friends started to make fun of you. It’s as sweet as you can get away with while still being a ‘whisky drink’ and not a ‘drink for chicks.'” According to Dr. Robert Cialdini, an influence researcher, "People often choose drinks that align with their self-image and social expectations." For more insights, visit his website at influenceatwork.com.
giphy
Research suggests that the emotional context in which drinks are consumed can impact preferences and judgments significantly. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that people often associate specific drinks with particular moods or social situations. For instance, a cocktail might evoke feelings of celebration, while beer might be linked to relaxation and casual gatherings.
Therefore, bartenders' judgments on drink choices can reflect broader emotional narratives. To leverage this understanding, individuals might consider how their drink choices align with their emotional states, potentially opting for beverages that enhance their desired experience, whether that's relaxation, celebration, or social bonding.
Drinks with funny names
“If you order a drink with a funny name off the actual cocktail menu, I’m going to assume you’re underage,” says Dr. Barry Schwartz, a renowned choice researcher and author of "The Paradox of Choice." He emphasizes that choices often reflect our maturity and experience. For more insights on decision-making and its implications, visit Dr. Barry Schwartz.
giphy
Moscow Mule
“Moscow Mule: You’re just really excited to drink something out of a shiny copper cup,” notes Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist who explores the intersection of psychology and culture on his website jonathanhaidt.com. He adds, “The aesthetics of a drink can often enhance the experience, making it more enjoyable for the consumer.”
giphy
Martini
“I assume that people who order martinis are high-functioning alcoholics,” says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist. She emphasizes that drink choices can often reflect deeper psychological patterns, suggesting that certain orders may indicate a complex relationship with alcohol.
giphy
Given the social pressures surrounding drink choices, individuals can benefit from developing a more conscious approach to their preferences. Cognitive-behavioral techniques can be useful here, as they encourage individuals to reflect on their motivations and feelings related to their drink choices. For example, keeping a reflective journal about drinking experiences can help identify patterns and underlying beliefs about alcohol consumption.
Additionally, practicing assertiveness in social situations can empower individuals to order beverages that truly reflect their tastes, rather than simply conforming to group expectations.
Long Island Iced Tea
“Long Island Iced Tea is international alcoholic lingo for ‘I’m just here to get f*ed up.'” says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist who explores the psychology behind drinking behaviors on her website drramani.com.
giphy
Anything with Malibu
"Anything with Malibu: It's probably karaoke night, 'girls night,' or a Bachelorette party," says Dr. John Gray, a renowned relationship author and expert. He explains that certain drink choices often reflect social dynamics and group behaviors, particularly in celebratory settings. For more insights on relationship dynamics and social interactions, visit Dr. John Gray's website.
giphy
Brandy & Coke
“A double brandy and Coke means you’re probably from South Africa…or Wisconsin,” notes Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and author, who emphasizes the cultural associations people make with certain drinks. According to her, “Beverages often reflect regional identities and personal preferences.” For more insights, visit her professional website at Dr. Ramani Durvasula.
giphy
The concept of 'taste' in beverages is not just about flavor; it's deeply intertwined with social identity and perception. Research in the field of social psychology highlights that preferences often serve as markers of group identity, influencing how we relate to others.
This can create a feedback loop where people feel pressured to conform to group preferences, sometimes at the expense of personal enjoyment. Understanding this dynamic can help individuals make more authentic choices that better reflect their true tastes and values, rather than simply adhering to perceived social norms.
Tequila
“Tequila on the rocks with lime: You are a wild party person and you love to tell stories about what said tequila made you do,” says Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher who explores how our decisions reflect our personalities. He notes, “People often choose drinks that align with their self-image and social persona.” For more insights on how our choices in social settings can reveal deeper aspects of our character, visit Dr. Barry Schwartz's website.
giphy
Frozen blended drink
“Any frozen blended drinks means you’re either high maintenance and/or on vacation and you don’t know what else to order,” says Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist and expert on human behavior, who emphasizes the social dynamics of drink choices in her work on relationships and attraction. For more insights, visit her professional website at helenfisher.com.
giphy
Appletini
"Appletini or any other cocktail that ends in -tini suggests you're taking a break from parental duties," says Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist who emphasizes the importance of self-care and enjoyment in adult life. "It's a signal that someone is ready to unwind and indulge in a little fun." For more insights on relationships and personal well-being, visit her website at Dr. Alexandra Solomon.
giphy
The psychological impact of drink choices extends beyond mere preferences; it can influence self-esteem and social interactions.
Negroni
“Negroni: You’re probably thinking your taste in cocktails is as complex as your record collection and facial hair,” says Dr. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor known for his insights on human preferences and decision-making. According to Bloom, "Our choices often reflect deeper aspects of our identity, including our tastes and social signals." For more insights, visit his professional website at paulbloom.net.
giphy
Hopefully, you enjoyed this as much as your favorite boozy drink.
And what about you, did your favorite adult beverage make the list? If you're a bartender reading this, what sorts of assumptions do you come up with for common drink orders?
Feel free to take a shot and loosen your lips (or fingertips in this instance) and get judgemental in the comments. Don't forget to share with your mixed-drink-loving friends!
The evaluation of 25 popular drinks sheds light on the intricate relationship between personal identity and social interaction in the world of alcohol consumption. Each drink choice reflects individual preferences that can be influenced by social dynamics and cultural trends. Acknowledging these factors is crucial for fostering healthier drinking habits and enhancing social experiences. By allowing individuals to embrace their authentic tastes while still engaging with societal norms, we can create a more inclusive drinking culture. This approach not only encourages personal satisfaction but also promotes a sense of community, where everyone feels comfortable expressing their unique preferences without fear of judgment.
Wait, you might want to read what researchers found about one glass of wine or beer daily.
