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Bar of alcohol on shelves and several different kinds of cocktail glasses on the counter
Certain cocktails are consistent hits, while others are usually misses.

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  • Even though each bar is different, some cocktails are safe bets, while others often miss the mark.
  • At nearly any bar, a classic Negroni or martini will be simple to throw together.
  • Bartenders generally don't enjoy preparing some drinks, like a Long Island or Ramos Gin Fizz. 

I'm a professional bartender, so I can tell you that the only cocktails that are sure to be good at every bar are simple two-part washes, like a vodka cranberry or a rum and Coke.

However, even those combos can be risky at certain dives. 

Every bartender has their own unique personality, strengths, and weaknesses, and each bar has its own customer base, inventory, and brand identity — so most cocktail experiences aren't going to be uniform.

When in doubt, see what other people are drinking and the menu, or even ask the staff for recommendations. That said, there are a few tried-and-true orders that tend to be universally delicious, and a few that rarely hit the mark. 

The classic Negroni is a great cocktail to order at practically any bar.
negroni on edge of marble table

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With no fresh fruit or shaking required, the Negroni is a quick build that packs a boozy punch.

Even if the bartender doesn't know the recipe, it's easy enough to explain. Just stir equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth over ice.

Order a daiquiri if you're feeling more of a vacation vibe.
Colorful cocktails on bar
Daquiris can be fun and varied.

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Many bartenders add their favorite variations to this classic sipper, all of which can be delicious.

Frozen or shaken and with fresh fruit or herbal tinctures (concentrated extracts), this combo of rum, sugar, and lime is hard to mess up.

A martini is a staple cocktail and another solid choice at almost any respectable bar.
Hand putting a stick of olives into a martini

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Not a fruity or a French martini, but an extra-cold, dry-gin classic hits the spot every time.

You only need one to catch a buzz, too, so this is a great drink to order if the wait is long or if the bar is busy.

Just be specific when ordering so the bartender doesn't have to ask multiple follow-up questions, or worse, wing it.

On the other hand, bartenders typically don't enjoy making the Ramos Gin Fizz.
ramos gin fizz on bar top

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Some bartenders will insist that they love making the Ramos Gin Fizz — a New Orleanian cocktail that requires fresh egg whites and heavy cream, plus two separate, vigorous shakes — and they're likely either lying or are not allowed to tell you the truth.

This cocktail is (literally) a pain in the neck to make, and then other customers want to order it when they see someone else drinking one. It's a vicious cycle.

The worst part about this cocktail is that if it's not properly prepared, it comes out as a flat, milky mess. Skip it.

Just because a cocktail is popular doesn't mean it's going to be good — take, for example, a Long Island.
Long Island iced tea in hand cheersing with others

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When prepared with quality ingredients and fresh citrus, a Long Island can be a decent drink. Unfortunately, it's seldom made that way.

Long Islands usually consist of bottom-shelf liquor and a sugary sour mix. In my experience, bartenders don't like this cocktail because they have so many ingredients. Some will even badly make it on purpose to discourage people from ordering more.

Instead of ordering a Long Island, try a Moscow Mule or a two-ingredient Fernet and Coke.

Although great for hangovers, a Bloody Mary is not a drink you want to order from just any bar.
Bloody mary with celery and olives as garnish

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Unless it's made fresh and stored properly, tomato-based Bloody Mary mix can be suspect.

At a busy bar, if you're lucky, you might get a few old olives and a slice of celery in your glass. If you're unlucky, you'll get warm tomato juice and cheap vodka.

Save the Bloodies for brunch when the bartender is expecting to make them and has everything freshly prepared. If you must nurse your hangover in the afternoon, order a mimosa.

This story was originally published on March 20, 2022, and most recently updated on April 20, 2026.

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I'm a bartender. Here are 3 of the best and 3 of the worst cocktails to order.