What to Order When Going Out for Drinks: A Beginner's Guide

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 75% of Americans say they don't know the most common bar terms, making the process of ordering a drink intimidating for many. But navigating a drink menu doesn't have to be a guessing game. By understanding a few fundamentals, you can confidently choose a drink you'll enjoy.

Quick Summary

This article helps beginners navigate bar menus by breaking down different drink types, from classic cocktails and beers to wine. It explains common terminology and offers tips for confident ordering, matching drinks to the setting, and enjoying a night out without guesswork.

Key Points

Know your preferences: Start by understanding what base spirits you enjoy or if you prefer a light, sweet, or robust flavor profile.
Start with the classics: For a reliable choice, order a classic cocktail like a Moscow Mule, Old Fashioned, or a simple Gin and Tonic.
Scan the tap handles: If you're opting for beer, look at the taps or ask for a list to see what's on draft.
Ask the experts: Don't be afraid to ask a bartender or sommelier for a recommendation, especially during a quiet period.
Name your call: When ordering a mixed drink, state the brand of liquor you prefer to ensure you get a higher-quality spirit.
Time your order: Have your order ready and wait for the bartender's eye contact before approaching, especially in a busy environment.
Be clear about your budget: When choosing wine, it's acceptable to discreetly communicate a price range to the sommelier.
Stay polite: Always be courteous and patient with bar staff, and be prepared to leave a tip.

Understanding the Basics: From Cocktails to Craft Brews

When you're first learning what to order when going out for drinks, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Breaking down the menu into categories can simplify your decision. A classic mixed drink is an easy and safe starting point, while exploring wine or craft beer can expand your horizons.

Classic Cocktails for Every Palate

Classic cocktails are a bartender's bread and butter, meaning almost any establishment can make them well. They offer a reliable and often delicious choice. For beginners, it helps to understand a few of the most popular classics:

Old Fashioned: A simple yet elegant mix of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of orange peel. It's spirit-forward and rich, a great starting point for those who enjoy whiskey.
Mojito: A refreshing, Cuban highball made with white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint. Its balance of sweet, citrus, and herbaceous flavors makes it a popular summer drink.
Margarita: Typically made with tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup. It's a zesty, flavorful cocktail, often served with a salt rim.
Gin and Tonic: A simple two-ingredient classic mixing gin and tonic water, often garnished with a lime wedge. It's light, bubbly, and highlights the unique botanicals of the gin.
Moscow Mule: Made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, and traditionally served in a copper mug. It's spicy, crisp, and very refreshing.

Navigating the World of Wine

Choosing wine at a restaurant doesn't have to be daunting. You can start with broad categories based on your preference for red, white, or rosé. A good strategy is to communicate your budget and flavor preferences to the sommelier or server. Many establishments offer a limited, but solid, selection of wines by the glass.

For a simpler approach, consider the following:

White Wine: If you prefer something crisp and refreshing, a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is a safe bet. For something a little richer and more buttery, opt for a Chardonnay.
Red Wine: For a lighter-bodied red that pairs well with many dishes, a Pinot Noir is a versatile choice. If you prefer something fuller-bodied and robust, a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic.
Rosé: Perfect for warm weather or for those who want something in between red and white, rosés offer a wide range of fruit-forward flavors.

Exploring Beer Options

From a simple lager to a complex stout, beer offers a wide variety of flavors and styles. The best approach is to either look at the tap handles or ask the bartender for a beer list.

Common Beer Styles:

Lager: A clean, crisp, and refreshing beer. Most mainstream beers fall into this category. It's an easy and popular choice.
Pilsner: A type of lager with a bit more hop flavor, offering a light but flavorful experience. It’s slightly more bitter than a standard lager.
IPA (India Pale Ale): Known for its hoppy, often bitter, and sometimes fruity flavor profile. Many craft breweries specialize in IPAs.
Stout/Porter: Dark, roasted beers with a rich flavor and heavier consistency. Stouts like Guinness are a classic example, while porters are often slightly lighter and sweeter.

Comparison Table: Common Drinks for Different Moods


Drink Type	Flavor Profile	Setting/Mood	Complexity for Bartender
Gin & Tonic	Light, bubbly, herbal	Casual bar, warm weather	Low
Old Fashioned	Spirit-forward, rich, bittersweet	Upscale lounge, cozy setting	Medium
Mojito	Sweet, citrus, refreshing	Busy nightclub, patio	High (time-consuming)
Lager (Beer)	Crisp, clean, easy-drinking	Dive bar, sports bar	Low
Cabernet Sauvignon (Wine)	Full-bodied, robust, fruity	Nice restaurant, intimate dinner	Low (if available)

Conclusion

Deciding what to order when going out for drinks is less about picking the "right" option and more about understanding what you enjoy and how to communicate that effectively. By knowing some classic cocktails, familiarizing yourself with basic wine and beer types, and learning a few simple terms like "neat" or "on the rocks," you can approach any bar with confidence. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations, especially from a bartender who isn't busy. The best drink is one you'll truly savor.

Etiquette and Tips for Confident Ordering

Know what you want: Especially in a crowded bar, have your order ready before you get to the bartender.
Name the spirit first: For mixed drinks, specify the liquor and then the mixer (e.g., "Vodka and tonic"). If you have a specific brand in mind, mention that too (e.g., "Hendrick's Gin and tonic").
Pay attention: Wait patiently for the bartender to make eye contact. Never snap your fingers or yell to get their attention.
Don't overcomplicate: At a crowded or casual bar, ordering a multi-ingredient, complex drink is not the time to experiment.
Trust the experts: If the bar isn't busy, ask the bartender for a recommendation based on your preferences. For wine, a sommelier is there to help guide your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

For an easy first drink, a simple two-ingredient mixed drink like a Gin and Tonic or a Rum and Coke is a great choice. Classic cocktails like the Moscow Mule are also generally well-made and refreshing.

Ordering a drink 'neat' means you want a single, unchilled shot of liquor served straight from the bottle in a glass, with no ice or mixer.

If the bar isn't busy, you can politely ask, "I'm not sure what I'm in the mood for. I usually like [e.g., fruity, spicy, or whiskey-based drinks]. Do you have any suggestions?".

For variety or if you're only having one glass, order by the glass. If you plan on having several glasses, a bottle is often more cost-effective and provides a wider selection.

Both are dark beers, but stouts are typically heavier, creamier, and richer, sometimes with coffee or chocolate notes. Porters are often slightly lighter in color and body with a smoky, molasses-like flavor.

Make eye contact and approach the bar. Never snap your fingers, wave money, or shout. A good bartender will notice you and acknowledge your presence when they are free.

Tipping standards vary by location, but a common practice is $1–$2 per drink or 15–20% of the total bill, depending on the service and the cost of the drinks.