10 Drinks You Should Never Order at a Bar

Two expert mixologists weigh in on the cocktails you should avoid when going out on the town.

It’s your money, and you should spend it however you please, but there are a few things to consider when ordering a drink at a bar. Some cocktails contain far more alcohol than a customer might think, while others are pure sugar bombs. If it’s busy, asking for a time-consuming tipple is a sure-fire way to annoy the bartender. Keeping these factors in mind and with the help of two excellent New York City bartenders, we’ve rounded up 10 drinks you should never order at a bar.

1. Long Island Iced Tea

“This is a drink with a bad reputation because of its strength,” says Sean McClure, the beverage director for the Ivory Peacock in New York City. And it’s true. Vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec all in one cocktail might seem like a good idea if you’re trying to get the best bang for your buck, but it ultimately has far too much alcohol for one concoction. However, if you insist on ordering it, McClure advises that you get just one, otherwise “you’ll end up in trouble.”

2. Ramos Gin Fizz

While Trevor Easton Langer, the head bartender for New York City’s Bar Calico, agrees that “it’s your money, do what you want with it,” he also points out that customers “should be situationally aware” and that a labor-intensive tipple like the Ramos gin fizz — which requires egg whites and lots of shaking — can “slow down the entire service.” If it’s a quiet night, go for it, but “when it’s busy, time is money.”

3. Mojito

This one comes with a few caveats. If you’re in Cuba, where the mojito originated, order the drink. If the bar has all the necessary tools and is frequently running through fresh mint, then yes, absolutely. Otherwise, the key herb required for this cocktail has a limited shelf life and carries bacteria when spoiled. And, just like the Ramos gin fizz, it’s a time-consuming cocktail that requires muddling, so keep that in mind, too, if you want something delivered quickly.

4. Frozen Drinks

Sure, they’re nice and refreshing on a hot day or seem to be the appropriate choice while you’re lying on the beach, but frozen daiquiris, coladas, and the like are usually packed with juices and mixers. If you’re trying to limit your sugar intake, these icy cocktails aren't ideal. Plus, the overbearing sweetness tends to mask the taste of alcohol, and you could end up drinking more than you intended to.

5. Appletini