
Shutterstock
VonLindsay Mattison/Updated: Feb 9, 2022 2:07 pm.
It's easy to perform strong tablature if you're not careful. Premium and sophisticated drinkswantedit can easily be $15 each, and we can never order just one when out with friends. Before you know it, the bar guide is beyond your budget and you may have to decide on one.$ 5 Fast Foodon the way home for dinner. Luckily, we know a few ways to make sure you don't end up there without having to ask the bartender for the cheapest one; this is definitelyOne of those things you should never do in a bar. If you really want to drink cheapBier(especially the draft beer) is probably the best deal. That said, you can still find some mixed drinks for your price if you want a cocktail.
You'll get the best spot price during happy hour, but don't be afraid to ask the bartender what's on after happy hour. No matter what you do, stay away from multi-alcohol drinks (especially if they contain more than one spirit you've never heard of before) and try to order them yourself.the hole— the cheapest drink behind the bar. If you don't know where to start, try ordering one of these inexpensive combinations. They taste delicious and won't break the bank either. As always, drink responsibly and take yourAboutApp that takes you home safe and sound.
rum and coke

Shutterstock
RonIt's a great liquor to order if you want to drink it on the cheap. white rum ismade from sugar caneor sugar by-products like molasses, so it tastes as sweet as it is roastedZucker. The more expensive versions are aged in barrels to bring out the more subtle and complex flavors of the rum, but typically aged white rum is a good choice for an economical drink. Add it to a blender it tastes so strongCoca Cola, and you can mix the cheapest rum at the bar; you won't be able to tell the difference.
A standard rum and coke has between 1-1/2 and 2 ounces of alcohol, which isequivalentof a beer or a glass of wine. That means it's not the strongest drink in the bar, but it's easy to swallow, so drink it slowly if you want it to last long. It is also important to note that Coca-Cola containsCaffeine. If you're trying to avoid late-night caffeine jitters, try mixing rum with seltzer water, ginger beer, or pineapple juice.
Mojitos

Shutterstock
Mojitos are incredibly delicious because they are super simple in concept but complex in flavor. They are made by crushing refreshing mint leaves to extract their essential oils. Mix with citrus lime, a dash of sugar and white rum, top with crushed ice and sparkling water and you've created the perfect thirst-quenching drink on a hot summer day. Unfortunately this is one of those drinks that will do that.the waiter hates you(they are a little difficult to make), but the mint and lemon are so fragrant that this drink tastes amazing, even if you use cheap rum.
We'd be remiss if we didn't make a disclosure about the mojito: if you're in aBarYou must skip this one. This is one of those cocktails that needs really fresh ingredients to taste, so ask the bartender if they have fresh mint and lime behind the bar. AfterMoneyHowever, mint only lasts for about a week and you can get bad mint bacteria in your drink if the bar doesn't consume it fast enough.
Cranberry Vodka (aka Cape Codder)

Shutterstock
Vodka is a great basic spirit for those on a budget. Since vodka doesn't have much flavor initially, you can take advantage of budget options by pairing this liquor with powerful mixers. Something like cranberry juice is perfect because it tastes bold and assertive. This drink is also known asCape Codderdue to the abundance of blueberry swamps in Massachusetts. It's very easy to make: just fill a glass with ice, add vodka and cranberry juice and garnish with a slice of lemon.
Straight cranberry juice can be bitter, but it's also very bitter.healthy; You get an antioxidant boost with every drink. If the flavor is too strong for your taste, ask the bartender to add some sparkling water. You can also order the other way around: ask for aSoda Roadwith a hint of blueberry. It's a low-carb option and tastes better than straight vodka and soda.
out of date

Shutterstock
If you like whiskey, bourbon or rye, look for the Old Fashioned. It's a simple drink made with whiskey, sugar, bitters and water, but cheap whiskeys taste much better than ordering them on the rocks. It's also a good drink to sip slowly so you can drink whatever other beer your friends ask for. If you want your drink to last a little longer, ask the bartender to use crushed ice instead of a jumbo cube. It melts faster and dilutes the drink. You can also ask for some sparkling water if the flavor is too strong for you.
traditionalout of dateIt consists of a sugar cube sprinkled with a few drops of Angostura bitters. If you add a little water and mash the cube with a cocktail shaker, it will completely dissolve in the whiskey. Many bars today use simple syrup instead of sugar cubes because it's easier to incorporate into the drink, which eliminates gritty sips. Whatever you do, don'tspoil this cocktailasking about sugar substitutes like Splenda or Stevia; The purpose of the sugar is to balance the acidity of the alcohol, and the cocktail just doesn't taste the same with artificial substitutes.
seven and seven

Shutterstock
Seven and Seven is one of those drinks that tastes the same no matter where you order it. It tastes great simply because it's made with just two ingredients, so it's as easy to drink as a Jack and Coke or a gin and tonic. You can also find the ingredients in almost every bar you visit: Seagram's 7 Crown Blended Whiskey and7up soda. Blend them together, serve over ice and garnish with a slice of lemon to create a sparkling whiskey drink that is incredibly refreshing.
The combination was a classicsince the 70'sbecause it's so easy. It doesn't hurt that the sweet taste of 7Up also masks the lackluster flavor of blended whiskey.Blended American WhiskeysThey're so cheap because they only have to contain 20% whiskey; the remainder may consist of neutral grain liqueurs, colors and aromas. This makes Seagram's a popular whiskey for budget seekers, but the company doesn't seem to be wasting that reputation. In fact, they embraced the fun nature of this cocktail when launching it.National Dive Bar Dayon July 7, 2018 (get it: 7 and 7?).
gin tonic

Shutterstock
Gin has something of a love-it-or-hasse-it reputation. Some people enjoy its pine citrus flavor and aroma, while others find it like chewing on a handful of pine needles. If you're not a gin fan, don't miss this drink; There really is no way to mask the assertive taste of gin by blending it with the versatile flavors of tonic water. You can always order a vodka and tonic, but a gin and tonic is one of our favorite inexpensive cocktails to order at a bar.
there are some great onesgin brandsout there, and most of them won't break the bank like tequila orWhiskey. Many bars use New Amsterdam as a gin, which in addition to being super cheap, is also aaward-winning gin. It has received excellent reviews from the Beverage Testing Institute and Wine Enthusiast, and has also won medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Mix a gin like this with the bittersweet flavors of tonic water, add some fresh lemon and you'll be drinking cheap all night.
Moscow donkey

Shutterstock
If you see copper jugs behind the bar, do yourself a favor and order a Moscow mule. Believe it or not, the mug itself is actually awhole ingredientin this cheap cocktail. When not served with copper, a Moscow Mule is simply a refreshing combination of vodka, ginger beer and lime. Pour it all into a copper mug filled with crushed ice and this drink becomes legendary. drink coppervery cold, cools your lips from the moment you take a sip. It also keeps the ginger beer as fizzy as possible, as cold temperatures encourage the formation of carbon dioxide bubbles.remain suspended.
As with other cheap vodka drinks, the taste of ginger beer can mask the mediocre taste of cheap vodka, so drink it on a budget. The other great thing about a Moscow Mule is that it often pops up during happy hour, so this inexpensive drink can become even more accessible if consumed at the right time.
Margarita

Shutterstock
Margaritas may appear in Mexican restaurants, but nearly every bar you visit has everything needed to make this classic drink. You also don't have to drink premium tequila with fancy ingredients like Grand Marnier for a margarita to taste great. Has muchBillie Tequilasout there. If you choose one that is made with100% agave(like Milagro or Sauza) save a lot of money and still get a tasty drink. Keep in mind that many people think this"mixed" tequilathat aren't made from pure agave (like Jose Cuervo Gold) can give you a headache the next day, so it's up to you to decide if it's really worth going super cheap here.
If you find yourself at a bar with fresh lemon juice, even better. Daisies are often made withsaurer mix, a mixture of sugar and citrus juice. Unfortunately, commercial sour mix also contains a lot of additives and preservatives and can taste too sweet. When your bartender mixes your margarita with real lime juice and a little simple syrup, that cheap margarita tastes so much better.
cosmos

Shutterstock
A Cosmopolitan cocktail sounds classy and definitely looks good too. It has a hint of cranberry juice that gives the drink a bright pink color and is super elegant served in a martini glass. You'd think a drink like this would only be affordable for celebrities, but we'll let you in on a little secret: it's not that expensive to make. Bars can get away with cheap vodka because you can't tell the difference, so it's best to order it with the good vodka.
Although this drink has been around for some time, it has become famous forHBOsex in the city.We can almost guarantee that Samantha had top-notch booze in her cosmo, but that doesn't mean you have to! Ask the bartender to make the drink with vodka instead of the expensive citrus varieties, and use triple-sec instead of cointreau. Once mixed with lemon and cranberry juice, you won't be able to tell the difference.
Daiquiri

Shutterstock
When you think of a daiquiri, you probably think of the various frozen slushies served poolside at exotic beach resorts. The classic version of this cocktail couldn't be further from the frozen variety, and it's also inexpensive to make. Most rum-based drinks make a great destination for cheap cocktails. Even thecheap bottlesthey taste sweet and delicious, and there are many cheap rums that taste more expensive than they actually are.
A classic daiquiri is the perfect way to present rum because it's so simple. The bar only takes three ingredients to create: white rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Most establishments serve the drink in a coupé glass for a sophisticated touch, but you can always order it with ice to last longer. We left a warning on this drink: it's all too easy to fall in love with the sweet and tangy flavor of a classic daiquiri. So make sure you drink it slowly so your drink will last!
dark and stormy

Shutterstock
Most of the rum drinks on this list contain white rum, so we wanted to shake things up by talking about a dark rum drink: the Dark 'n Stormy. This simple two-ingredient cocktail is complex enough in flavor to deserve a name.Bermuda's unofficial drink. Unlike its pale counterpart, dark rum is deep and rich with a stronger flavor. It's still sweet, but it tastes much more like molasses and caramel, and has a spicy, clove-like flavor.
For a Dark 'n Stormy, dark rum is mixed with ginger beer and served over ice. It is traditionally made with Gosling's Black Seal Rum from Bermuda. This is definitely an affordable option, so there's really no reason to deviate from it unless the bar has a cheaper aged rum. If the bar ran out of ginger beer and you really wanted that drink, order a dark rum and a Coke. You can also order a dark rum daiquiri; It will be more complex than the original, but in a good way.
Mimosas

Shutterstock
This includes mimosasThe best cocktails for brunch, but it is not uncommon to order at night. When mimosas were originally introduced to the United States, they were actuallyserved in nightclubsto help people cool off after a long night of dancing. They didn't take long to become a brunch favorite because they're easy to drink and easy to make; are equal parts orange juice andfine.
Champagne doesn't exactly have a reputation for being cheap, but most restaurants don't use the expensive stuff to make a mimosa. The specialists inVinPaarreally advises against using expensive bottles. After mixing it with sweet and sour orange juice, you still won't be able to taste the expensive sparkling wine. That means you can order a cheaper mimosaProsecco or sparkling wine. This is one of those drinks where it's worth asking the bartender if they have any specials. If the bartender has leftover sparkling wine from the brunch service, you can get that drink for a great price.
Southern comfort and lime

Shutterstock
southern comfortIt's a liqueur made in New Orleans inspired by an 1874 recipe. It's not quite bourbon and it's not quite whiskey; actually it isa bottled cocktail. American whiskey is blended with citrus fruits, honey and spices to create a whiskey drink that is drunk straight from the glass - without a mixer. However, add fresh lemon juice and you have a mixed drink that tastes amazing and won't break the bank.
SoCo and Lime is also a popular shooter, so be sure to order it as a cocktail. You could also order a classic daiquiri with Southern Comfort instead of rum, which would be a little sweeter but just as delicious. Also, don't be afraid to mix Southern Comfort with other blenders. The base spirit is really cheap, so it's a great option if you're ordering cheap mixed drinks. Try mixing it with cranberry juice and sparkling water, lemonade, or iced tea. It also makes a great play with Jack and Coke; It tastes sweeter than regular whiskey but still goes well with the bold flavors ofCoca Cola.
FAQs
What is the cheapest shot to order at a bar? ›
Lemon Drop
This refreshing Lemon Drop shot is everyone's go-to cheapest drink in a hefty bar tab. It has the simplest ingredients: lemon juice, lemon slice for garnish, sugar, and your choice of thrifty vodka. The sugar should be completely dissolved before serving it in a cocktail glass.
- Wine Spritzers. Start with a wine that has a lower alcohol content and pair it with sparkling water and fresh fruit or a splash of juice to keep the calories at about 100-125 per serving. ...
- Vodka Soda. ...
- Fresh Lime Margaritas. ...
- Whiskey Ginger. ...
- Skinny Mojitos. ...
- Bloody Mary. ...
- Low-Cal Moscow Mules. ...
- Gimlet.
What Is a Well Drink? Within easy reach of the bartender (and sometimes hard to see by patrons) is an assortment of liquor bottles in what is called the "well," "rail," or "speed rack." This is where you'll find the least expensive liquor that goes into the bar's cheapest drinks.
What is the cheapest drink to order? ›Typically, one of the cheapest drinks to order at a bar is a rum and coke made with, well, rum and whatever cola the bar has available. Add a squeeze of lime juice to make a Cuba Libre. In a rocks or highball, add ice and rum.
How much should 1 shot cost? ›If you want to operate a bar but aren't sure what to charge for drinks, you've come to the perfect spot. Starting a bar can be profitable if you price the alcohol correctly. A shot of alcohol can range from $4 to $15, depending on the establishment and the quality of the alcohol offered.
What are the top 3 most popular drinks? ›- Cosmopolitan.
- Mojito. ...
- Mai Tai. ...
- Mint Julep. ...
- Caipirinha. ...
- Margarita. ...
- Pina Colada. ...
- Californication. ...
- Rocks- swerved on ice.
- Up- served up, typically in a coupe glass.
- Neat- Typically a spirit, served in a rocks glass without ice.
- Shaken- A drink that typically contains any type of fruit juice.
- Stirred- A drink that has only amaro/liqueurs/spirits.
1. Margarita. The classic Margarita cocktail has been one of the most popular cocktails in America for years and still remains on top. While there are many variations, the traditional recipe consists of tequila, Triple Sec and lime juice.
What is the most popular drink at bars? ›- Shots. Tequila shots. ...
- Martinis. Although the martini might sound like a “Mad Men” throwback, it's never really gone out of style. ...
- Bloody Marys. The Bloody Mary remains a true classic in terms of bar drink requests. ...
- Whiskey Sours. ...
- Manhattans. ...
- Screwdrivers. ...
- Gin and Tonics. ...
- Rum and Cokes.
How do you ask for cheap liquor at a bar? ›
Well drink: When you order a well drink, you're basically telling the bartender you have no preference of what brand of alcohol you want, so just give you the cheapest option. “A well drink is a drink where neither the brand of the liquor or brand of the mix is mentioned.”
Is a shot cheaper than a cocktail? ›This will still encourage customers to buy the shot since it's cheaper than the cocktail, but the amount being charged per quarter ounce of liquor is higher than on the cocktail.
What's the best low alcoholic drink? ›- Vodka soda. A vodka soda is a classic drink made by combining vodka with unflavored club soda. ...
- White wine. ...
- Hard seltzer. ...
- Tequila with lime. ...
- Light beer. ...
- Gin and diet tonic. ...
- Dry martini. ...
- Paloma.
- Prioritize happy hour. ...
- Drink at home. ...
- Some restaurants allow you to bring your own alcohol. ...
- Join a wine club. ...
- Buy in bulk. ...
- Don't buy alchol on Saturday. ...
- Go duty free.
How Much Is a Shot of Tequila – Conclusion. The answer to the question, “how much is a shot of tequila” is roughly $5 to $15.
How much is a standard shot at a bar? ›While there is no federally-mandated shot-glass size, many U.S. bartenders consider a standard volume to be 1.5 ounces, or 44 milliliters.
How much is 2 shots? ›A double shot usually contains 3 to 4 ounces of liquor. Since there is no standard size for a shot glass, there is also no standard measurement for a double shot. More American bars would consider a shot to be 1.5 oz., making a double shot 3 oz.
What drinks do bartenders like making? ›Lots of bartenders love making a perfectly balanced classic cocktail, like a Negroni or Old-Fashioned – and sometimes they add their own twist to it. Some said their favorite cocktail to make a less well-known traditional recipe or a variation thereof, like a Sazerac, Bijou, or Clover Club.
What is the best alcoholic drink for a girl? ›- Pina colada.
- Vodka spritz.
- Vodka and watermelon punch.
- Peachy keen.
- Moscow mule.
- Espresso martini.
- Negroni.
- Vodka lime and soda.
Water is essential for your body. It prevents dehydration, constipation, and kidney stones. Plus, with no calories, it's the best beverage for your waistline. If you add 1 to 3 cups of water a day to your diet, you could end up taking in less fat, salt, sugar, and up to 200 fewer calories per day.
What is the 2 most popular drink? ›
Tea is the second‑most‑consumed drink in the world, after water.
What is the most sold drink? ›It is no surprise here, but the number one most popular soft drink is hands down Coca-Cola Classic. Manufactured by the largest soft drink beverage company in the world, Coke is the staple of the Coca-Cola Company.
What bartenders want you to order? ›- Dry Martini.
- Stinging Vesper.
- Sidecar.
- Esteban.
- Caipirinha.
- Jungle Bird.
- Flip.
- Daiquiri.
- Do your homework. Turning up with acquired menu knowledge will certainly impress. ...
- Be hospitable. Greet new customers and be bright, bubbly and happy to serve. ...
- Read the room. ...
- Keep busy. ...
- Know the right serving order. ...
- Think ahead. ...
- Show good spatial awareness. ...
- Know your equipment.
- Orange juice + Cranberry juice. Vodka drinkers may recognize this combo as a Madras, sans vodka. ...
- Sprite + Orange juice. Sure, you could just order orange juice on the rocks. ...
- Soda + cranberry + lime. ...
- Ginger beer. ...
- Shirley Temple. ...
- Roy Rogers. ...
- Virgin Tom Collins. ...
- 8. “
Final Thoughts. If you're going for a night out with friends and plan to get drunk fast, then shots of tequila or vodka will do the trick. Due to their high alcohol volumes, they help you get drunk quickly without having to drink too much.
What is the most intoxicating cocktail? ›Aunt Roberta
Considered to be the strongest cocktail in the world, this drink contains 100% alcohol, with absolutely no mixers whatsoever. Gin, vodka, absinthe, brandy and blackberry liquor are mixed together in equal parts are used to create this lethal mix.
With an ABV of 96 per cent, Spirytus is the single most powerful drink in the world.
What cocktails are trending now? ›- Aperol Spritz.
- Espresso Martini.
- Dirty Shirley.
- Cosmopolitan.
- Negroni.
- Dirty Martini.
- Hot Toddy.
- Lemon Drop Martini.
- Gin and Tonic.
- Vodka Soda with a Splash of Cranberry.
- Greyhound (Vodka and Grapefruit juice)
- Amaretto Sour.
- Manhattan.
- Anything with an Unexpected Plant Ingredient, Like Basil or Cucumber.
- Retro Drinks.
What is the cheapest way to get drunk at a bar? ›
- Whiskey on the Rocks. PIN IT. ...
- Daiquiri. ...
- Sex on the Beach. ...
- Whiskey Sour. ...
- Rum and Coke. ...
- Mojito. ...
- Any Drink With Homemade Sours. ...
- Shot of Jägermeister.
The Lemon Drop Shot is a popular drink at most bars. It's made with vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $6 and $8 when you order this drink at a bar.
How much is a typical shot of vodka at a bar? ›Some shot glasses can be less than an ounce and others can be over 3 ounces, with the most common size being 1.5 oz. Utah is the only state that has a strict definition of a shot, teaching bartenders to pour them consistently at 1.5 oz.
What alcohol is best for shots? ›- Vodka. Vodka is a distilled beverage that is very popular around the world. ...
- Rum. Many different types of liquor can be used for shots, but rum is often a great choice. ...
- Tequila. Tequila liquors are great for shots. ...
- Bourbon. ...
- Whiskey. ...
- Gin. ...
- Brandy. ...
- Schnapps.
Most people become drunk after drinking two shots of vodka (1.5 ounces). To reach a BAC of 0.08%, which is the legal limit, it usually takes around five shots for an average-sized man and three-to-four shots for an average-sized woman.
What shots are good at bars? ›- Cherry Cheesecake.
- Chuck Norris. ...
- Jägerbomb. ...
- Kamikaze. ...
- Liquid Cocaine. ...
- Mad Dog. This Mad Dog shot can be mad by name, but you will be thrilled when you try it. ...
- Melon Ball. A melon ball is a no-hassle vodka shooter. ...
- Mind Eraser. The mind eraser shot is a coffee-flavored cocktail. ...
Share a Flavor Profile with the Bartender and Ask for Something Low-ABV. From my own endeavors, I have often found that if you give a bartender a flavor profile, they can create a custom low- or non-alcohol drink for you.
Can I buy bartender a shot? ›Buying a drink or shot for your bartender is always a nice gesture, but there are obviously some important things to keep in mind before you do. The first is what your intentions are. If you're buying a drink as a way to hit on the person behind the bar, ask for your bill, pay your tab, and leave.
How much is jack and coke at a bar? ›Jack and Coke – Average price $6
Jack Daniels – $1.00.
A London bar served up the world's most expensive shot of cognac at over $14,000.
How many beers equal a shot? ›
The general rule is that one 12-ounce (354-ml) beer with 5% ABV equals one shot of 40% ABV liquor.
How many shots is 12 oz of vodka? ›6oz Flask = 3 shots. 8oz Flask = 4 shots. 12oz Flask = 6 shots.