The 2 Acceptable Reasons To Send A Drink Back, According To An Expert

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In “The 2 Acceptable Reasons To Send A Drink Back, According to An Expert,” Jennifer Mathews dives into what can be a delicate situation for anyone—sending back a drink at a bar or restaurant. With insights from Justin Lavenue, an award-winning mixologist, you’ll learn that there are indeed times when it’s perfectly okay to request a do-over. Whether your drink just doesn’t taste right or you simply don’t like it, this article assures you that being polite and thoughtful can lead to a better dining experience. So next time your cocktail isn’t up to snuff, don’t be afraid to speak up—the expert advice here will guide you through it. Cheers! Have you ever had that moment of anticipation when you’re excitedly waiting for a delicious cocktail, only to take a sip and realize something just isn’t right? Maybe you’ve been tempted to send it back but hesitated, uncertain if your reason was valid. You’re not alone in this cocktail conundrum, and today, we’re here to solve it with insights from an expert in the field.

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The 2 Acceptable Reasons To Send A Drink Back, According To An Expert

Navigating the sophisticated world of cocktails can be tricky, especially as mixologists continue pushing boundaries with interesting and unusual ingredients. The thought of sending a drink back can make even the most confident diners cringe. However, sometimes it’s entirely warranted—particularly if you’re shelling out $20 or more for that handcrafted beverage.

The Thought Process Behind Sending a Drink Back

Before diving into the specific reasons, let’s understand the thought process most of us go through. When a drink doesn’t meet your expectations, your first instinct might be to grin and bear it. But Justin Lavenue, the co-owner and master mixologist of The Roosevelt Room in Austin, Texas, offers two situations where it’s perfectly acceptable to send your drink back. Lavenue, recognized as Food & Wine’s “Best New Mixologist in 2015” and Eater’s 2015 “Bartender of the Year,” has put our minds at ease with his expert advice.

Reason 1: The Drink Doesn’t Taste Like it Should

Spotting the Mistake: Taste and Appearance

Mistakes happen. Even seasoned bartenders can occasionally miscalculate an ingredient or overlook a crucial step, altering the drink’s intended flavor. Signs you might spot include:

Excessive Sweetness or Tartness: If your cocktail is tooth-achingly sweet or puckeringly tart, it’s likely off-balance.
Wrong Color: Sometimes, the visual appeal of a cocktail is almost as important as its taste. A mismatched hue could signal a missing or incorrect ingredient.
Low Washline: This term refers to a short pour, where the liquid doesn’t quite fill the glass as it should. It indicates either an error in the mix or a cost-saving measure.

Handling the Situation

When you suspect a mistake, it’s best to address it politely. Grab the server’s attention discreetly and explain that you believe there was a mistake in preparing your drink. Bartenders, especially professionals like those at high-end establishments, will appreciate the opportunity to correct it. They want their creations to be enjoyed as intended.

Reason 2: You Simply Don’t Like the Drink

Owning Your Preference

This reason can feel a bit more humbling. You might have ordered a drink that sounded intriguing but ended up being not to your liking. Perhaps you ventured out of your comfort zone or misjudged an ingredient. Common scenarios include:

An Unexpected Flavor Profile: Maybe you ordered a seasonal cocktail that turned out to be too spicy or floral for your taste.
A Mismatched Base Spirit: You might enjoy tequila cocktails but didn’t realize the drink you ordered contains mezcal, whose smoky flavor you find off-putting.

Apologize and Communicate

According to Lavenue, the key here is to be apologetic and acknowledge the mistake was yours. If you’re sitting at the bar, speak directly to the mixologist who crafted your drink. Approach the situation with kindness and appreciation for their effort, and they’re likely to work with you to create something you’ll enjoy.

Turning the Situation Around

A good bartender will see this as a challenge to enhance your experience. They may ask a few specific questions about your preferences, aiming to tailor a cocktail that suits your palette better. This dialogue can enhance your overall cocktail experience and help you discover new favorites.

Tips for Avoiding Future Cocktail Misadventures

Sending a drink back is never the ideal scenario, so here are some proactive measures to help you avoid it:

Research Unfamiliar Ingredients

When you’re unsure about an ingredient listed on the menu, take a moment to look it up on your phone. A quick search can tell you whether the flavors are likely to resonate with your tastes.

Ask Your Server

If the restaurant isn’t too busy, don’t hesitate to ask your server about unfamiliar ingredients or the drink’s flavor profile. Servers are there to help enhance your dining experience and will usually be happy to provide guidance. Plus, a happy customer often leads to a generous tip!

Be Polite and Patient

Remember, no matter how badly you need that drink, patience and politeness go a long way. Never wave your hands, snap your fingers, whistle, or shout to get a server’s attention. A courteous approach ensures everyone remains cheerful and willing to assist.

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Taking the Correct Approach: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick guide to handle sending a drink back effectively:

Step	Action
1. Recognize	Identify if there’s something truly wrong with the drink or if it’s a matter of personal preference.
2. Inspect	Check the drink’s taste and appearance. Look for signs like imbalance in flavor or wrong color.
3. Approach	Get the server’s attention discreetly. Avoid disruptive behavior like snapping or shouting.
4. Explain	Politely explain the issue. If it’s a mistake, state that. If the flavor doesn’t suit you, own up to it.
5. Be Respectful	Always handle the situation with courtesy and kindness to facilitate a positive resolution.

Final Thoughts

Sending a drink back can be a daunting experience but knowing the acceptable reasons and handling it with grace ensures a positive outcome. When spending good money on a crafted cocktail, you deserve one that meets expectations, whether it’s correcting a mistake or finding a drink that suits your taste buds.

Here’s to enjoying perfect cocktails every time! Cheers!

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