Ordering your first cocktail at a proper bar can feel more complicated than it needs to be. The menu may be full of unfamiliar spirits, ingredients and names that tell you very little about how a drink will actually taste.
At Pinstripe Bar, a cocktail bar in Ubud, you do not need to know your rye from your reposado before you sit down. A rough idea of what you enjoy, plus a willingness to ask questions, is usually enough. The bar team can take it from there.
Here is how to approach a cocktail menu when you have no idea where to start.
Read the Menu Before You Order
A cocktail menu often gives you more information than it first appears to.
Some menus are organised by spirit. Others are arranged around flavour, style or a particular theme. At Pinstripe Bar, for example, The Clairvoyant is an illustrated cocktail menu built around stories connected to Miguel Covarrubias and the artistic world of 1930s Bali. The names are part of the story, while the descriptions give you a better sense of what is in the glass.
When you are unfamiliar with cocktails, start with the description rather than trying to decode the name.
Look for simple flavour clues such as:
- Sweet or fruity for drinks with noticeable fruit, syrup or sweeter ingredients
- Dry or bitter for a sharper, less sweet profile
- Smoky for drinks with mezcal, smoked ingredients or other pronounced savoury notes
- Herbal or vegetal for drinks built around herbs, spices or green ingredients
- Spirit-forward for cocktails where the base spirit plays a leading role
You do not need to understand every ingredient. Two or three useful words can be enough to narrow down your choices.
Describe What You Like
The easiest way to order a cocktail is to describe what you already enjoy.
You do not need specialist vocabulary. Tell the bartender if you prefer something sweet or dry, light and refreshing or strong and spirit-forward. You can also mention flavours you enjoy, such as citrus, coffee, chocolate, herbs or tropical fruit.
A familiar drink is an especially useful starting point.
If you like a gin and tonic, for example, tell the bartender. If you usually drink an Old Fashioned, say that instead. A preference for one familiar drink gives the bar team a useful reference point for suggesting something different.
It is equally helpful to mention what you dislike. If you do not enjoy smoky flavours, very sweet drinks or a particular spirit, say so.
That is often all the information a bartender needs.
Ask the Bar Team for a Recommendation
If the menu still feels overwhelming, ask.
“Can you recommend something?” is a perfectly reasonable thing to say at a cocktail bar. In fact, it gives the bartender an opportunity to understand your preferences and suggest something that suits them.
For the best recommendation, give the bartender a little direction. You might say:
“I usually like gin and tonic, but I want to try something more interesting.”
Or:
“I prefer drinks that are dry and fresh. I do not like anything too sweet.”
You can also give a budget if you have one. There is no need to feel awkward about it. The more useful information you provide, the easier it is for the bartender to make a good recommendation.
At a bar such as Pinstripe, asking questions also gives you a chance to understand the story behind the drinks rather than simply choosing one from a list.
A Little Cocktail Bar Etiquette
Cocktail bar etiquette is mostly common sense, but a few details can make the experience easier for everyone.
Give yourself a moment to read the menu before ordering. If you need help, ask rather than holding up the queue while trying to work everything out yourself. Once you have ordered, allow some time for the drink to be prepared. A cocktail can involve several steps, from chilling and stirring or shaking to garnishing and presentation.
It is also fine to ask questions about an unfamiliar ingredient or technique. You are not expected to know what everything means.
If you want something simple, say so. A classic Martini, Old Fashioned or another familiar cocktail is a perfectly good choice at a cocktail bar.
Tipping varies from country to country, so follow local customs rather than assuming the rules are the same everywhere.
Most importantly, do not treat the bar like an examination. You are there to enjoy the drink.
How to Order at Pinstripe Bar
Pinstripe Bar makes a good example of why you do not need to know much about cocktails before visiting a cocktail bar in Ubud.
The Clairvoyant, the bar’s current cocktail programme, is an illustrated collection inspired by Miguel Covarrubias and the artists and cultural figures connected to Bali in the 1930s. Each cocktail has its own story, so the menu is designed to be read as much as it is ordered.
That makes the menu a useful starting point for anyone who is unsure what to choose. Read the description, find a flavour profile that appeals to you, and then ask the bar team about anything you do not understand.
You can also approach the experience through a particular style. Pinstripe’s current menu includes a Martini Flight featuring three different Martinis, allowing you to compare different interpretations of the same classic format in one sitting.
If you are not drinking alcohol, The Sober Guide offers several alcohol-free options, including La Vecchia Signora, Kembang Desa, Apero Cosmo and Mancho.
And if none of those options sounds right, simply explain what you like and ask the bar team for guidance.
Start With Curiosity, Not Expertise
The best way to learn how to order at a cocktail bar is to stop worrying about getting it right.
You do not need to recognise every spirit on the back bar or understand every technique behind the drinks. Start with a flavour you like, a drink you already know or simply a description of what you do not want.
At Pinstripe Bar, the menu gives you plenty to talk about, and the bar team can help you make sense of it. Settle in, ask a question and let the first cocktail teach you something about what you like.
Once you have found that, ordering the next one becomes much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Order a Drink at a Cocktail Bar?
Start by reading the menu for flavour descriptions and ingredients. Tell the bartender what you usually enjoy, such as sweet, dry, bitter, fruity, smoky or spirit-forward drinks. You can also mention a cocktail or spirit you already like. If you are unsure, simply ask for a recommendation.
What Should I Order If I Know Nothing About Cocktails?
Ask the bartender to recommend something based on your preferences. Tell them a spirit or flavour you enjoy and mention anything you dislike. If you would rather compare several styles, a flight can also be a useful introduction. At Pinstripe Bar, the current Martini Flight lets you try three different Martinis in one sitting.
Is It Rude to Ask the Bartender to Recommend a Drink?
Not at all. Asking for a recommendation is a normal part of ordering at a cocktail bar. Give the bartender a little information about your taste, and they can suggest something more suitable than choosing a drink at random.
Can I Ask for Something That Is Not on the Menu?
You can ask, although it is best to be specific about what you want. A classic cocktail or a simple drink is usually easier to accommodate than asking for something completely unspecified. If you are open to suggestions, tell the bartender what flavours or spirits you enjoy and let them guide you.
