The first drink I ordered when I turned 21 was a lychee martini. It was disgusting. Like most college folks, I didn’t understand that when you have fancier drinks, you’re supposed to sip them leisurely instead of chugging. I honestly treated the martini the way you’d treat a Borg. Deciding what to order at a bar when you turn 21 can be hard — and it can lead you to get drinks you don’t even really like half the time.
For me, the next few months of being 21 consisted of one drink and one drink only: vodka cran. It was the easiest and most basic thing I could order at any bar, so it became my signature. However, my hyperfixation wore down and I realized there are so many other fun drinks in the world.
It’s been nine months since I turned 21, and I’ve grown from my vodka cran and lychee martini mistakes. Choosing a drink to order, or just speaking to a bartender, can be really confusing when you’re doing it for the first time. It doesn’t have to be that way, though.
Knowing the “bar jargon” will make your experience a lot smoother.
Occasionally, bartenders ask you questions about your drink after you order. Sometimes,you might be really confused as to what they’re actually asking you. (And that’s if you’re lucky enough to hear them in the first place.)
Don’t worry, though. Here are some of the most common questions a bartender may ask you after you order a drink at the bar.
Do you want that on tap? If you’re looking for a beer that’s coming from a keg instead of a bottle or can, then “on tap” is your go-to. There’s usually a tap list at every bar. If you’re not sure what to get, let the bartender know the types of beer you normally drink, or if you hate a certain flavor, like fruity beer or dark beer. They should be able to point you in the right direction.
What’s your liquor preference? If you order something like a vodka cran, and you’re asked if you have a vodka preference, just say, “The well is fine.” (This phrase refers to the cheapest bottle of any liquor that a bar offers.) It’s your go-to if you’re looking for the most affordable option.
Ordering mocktails doesn’t have to be complex, either.
It might be a little uncomfortable for some to order a non-alcoholic drink at a bar, but it really shouldn’t be. Bartenders won’t care if you’re ordering a mocktail, so it shouldn’t be a stressor.
While some bars might have a specific list for mocktails, the easiest way to make sure your drink is alcohol-free is to ask for a virgin drink. Don’t be shocked if it comes in the same glass or looks identical to the alcoholic version. It’s meant to!
Unsure about what drinks to actually order at a bar on your 21st birthday? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered for all of your mocktail and cocktail needs!
- Mojito
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Mojitos hold a special place in my heart, forever and always. The drink is made with a simple combination of rum and club soda, along with mint which gives it freshness. They’re easily the best drink, and come in different flavors like strawberry, passionfruit, and mango.
- Virgin mojito
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If you don’t drink alcohol, don’t worry. There are plenty of virgin mojitos out there that are just as refreshing and perfect. Instead of the rum, virgin mojitos include sparkling water and fresh lime juice, making them equally as refreshing.
- Margarita
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When in doubt, ordering a pitcher of a bar’s house margarita is never a wrong choice. Like mojitos, margaritas come in different delicious flavors, so order whatever flavor your heart desires. You can also choose to get your margarita on the rocks (with ice) or frozen, like an adult slushie. Margaritas are made with tequila along with Cointreau or triple sec, depending on what you prefer.
- Vodka mule
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Besides tasting great, these come in the cutest copper mugs; it’s like visiting a bar’s gift shop. Moscow Mules are made primarily with ginger beer, lime juice, and occasionally some fresh mint.
- Club soda with lime
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If you truly want the vision of an alcoholic drink without any alcohol, this is perfect for you. It looks exactly like a gin and tonic, but obviously doesn’t have the gin. Plus, it’ll keep you hydrated!
- Long Island iced tea
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In my opinion, this is one of the best drinks if you want a “one and done.” The drink is made up of vodka, tequila, gin, triple sec, and rum, so drink responsibly.
- Dirty Shirley
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Remember when you’d pretend you were drinking alcohol with Shirley Temples at every bar or bat mitzvah growing up? It’s time to experience the real thing with a Dirty Shirley! They’re called “dirty” because the drink is made with vodka, unlike the classic Shirley (which is grenadine and lemon-lime soda).
- Shirley Temple
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As I said, this is a childhood classic for some. A Shirley Temple is exactly the same as the dirty version, without the alcohol of course, and can easily take you back to all of your favorite childhood party memories.
- [Your juice of choice] & club soda
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This is exactly like a White Claw without the alcohol, and there are endless opportunities for different combinations. For instance, you can order a “pineapple juice and club soda” for a fizzy, fruity drink. You could also try out a grapefruit juice and soda water or orange juice and soda water. The choice is yours!
- Iced tea
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When you’re in a crowded bar that’s extremely tight, sometimes all you want is a nice, refreshing iced tea. There are different options for this, like an Arnold Palmer version, which is half lemonade and half iced tea, or even just a virgin Long Island Iced Tea.
Going to a bar and ordering a drink, whether that’s a cocktail or mocktail, is a rite of passage for your 21st birthday. While it can be intimidating, remember that everyone has been in the same position as you at some point — so don’t sweat it! Have fun, drink responsibly, and get ready to celebrate.