How to Separate Two Pint Glasses that are Frozen Together

Any seasoned bartender will give you a list of bar annoyances that he or she has encountered over the course of their career. One thing that gets on my last nerve during a busy night is having stacks of pint glasses that are frozen together in the cooler.

To avoid this altogether, just be sure the pints are dry before stacking them. Since this is not always possible, you may find yourself trying to pry apart pint glasses without breaking them and possibly injuring yourself. Here are a few steps to be sure you get this done fast and safely.

Step 1: Identify the Gap

Two pint glasses become frozen together when they are stacked in a cooler right after being washed. You should notice that the pint, that is stuck “inside” the other, leans to one side. This creates a gap between the two pints.

Step 2: Wedge a Coaster in the Gap

A cardboard coaster works best, but you can use a bar napkin too. Place the coaster as close to the center of the gap as possible.

Step 3: Push Down to Separate

Lay the pints down so the coaster is on the bottom. Gently push straight down on the pint that’s inside the other. The coaster will cushion the glasses and prevent them from breaking.

Step 4: Pour the Damn Beer!

7 Ways to Keep Your Bartender Coming Back to Serve You

It would be easy to point you to my article, 7 Ways to Piss Off Your Bartender and advise you to do the opposite. However, that would be less constructive and I truly want you to enjoy your night at the bars and to give you the tools to fool your friends into thinking that you’re a V.I.P.

Below is a list, in no particular order, to help you insure your bartender will see your face first in a crowd of thirsty patrons and keep you and your friends liquored up for the duration of your stay:

1. Make a Good First Impression with Your Bartender.

On you’re first trip to the bar, be patient and polite. Chances are there are other things he must get done before he gets to you. There might be only a few guests at the bar, but keep in mind that he may have other tables and/or making drinks for the servers’ tables. Introduce yourself and be genuine about it

Have your order ready, so that he’s not waiting for you to decide. There are other customers waiting to be served. Remember that your business is important, but there are other important guests as well.

2. Tip High Your First Two Rounds.

35% – 40% of the total is perfect to get your bartenders attention on the 1st two rounds. All subsequent rounds should be 25% – 30% ($1 per drink or more). ALWAYS pay separately for each round. Running a tab for you and your party greatly decreases the confidence that the bartender has in you as a tipper. If it’s absolutely necessary to run a tab, give him a credit card to hold and leave a tip up front.

3. We All Like to Hear Our Own Names.

Remember your bartenders name and address him as such when his services are needed. If you forgot, just ask someone who works there what his name is.

4. Compliment the Bartender.

We all like to know that our guests appreciate our skills. Tell him you “love” the cocktail, or “Make my next one JUST like this one.” Be original, creative, and genuine.

5. Always be Courteous.

Your bartender is human and expects to be respected like any other individual. The service industry is a thankless industry and people tend to think that the barstaff and waitstaff are there to be slaves. Always say please and thank you for any services rendered by your barstaff. We will remember your kindness. And no… a tip is not a thank you.

6. Chat-up Your Bartender.

Don’t be afraid to make small conversation with your barman. Keep in mind though that he will frequently be interrupted by other customers, servers, and other duties. Try not to lock him up in a long chat, he may feel bad for interrupting you even though he has other people to help.

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7. Become a Regular.

After the bartender sees you a few times, he’s going to remember your face and possibly your name. This can be the start of fun relationship between barman and customer. Once you’ve established a “Regular” relationship with the bar, not only will the bartender come to you fast, but he’ll probably go out of his way to greet you and to get your order.

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I have used all these suggestions in many bars throughout the country and abroad. From Las Vegas to Hobart Tazmania and they work almost every time. However, I give no guarantee. There is a possibility that you’ll come across a bartender who doesn’t give a crap about your tip, your compliments, or your attempts at politeness. My advice in that case: Go to the next bar…

Did I forget one? Let me know in the comments below.

Related articles:

• How To Get a Drink At a Crowded Bar (howcast.com)
• Ask the Bartender: What Happened to My Free Drink? (seattleweekly.com)

7 Ways to Piss Off Your Bartender

As a bartender, I almost never allow my customers to see my frustration or annoyance with them. However, not all of us have self control, and we have all felt like slapping some of  the idiots out there.

If you’ve bellied up to a bar and found yourself in one of the situations below, then I can almost guarantee you that your bartender wanted to throw a shot glass at your forehead. Well, maybe not but at least his “jackass” alert was triggered.

 

1. Order one drink at a time for your party of six. Come on, really? Ask your friends what they want before the bartender gets to you. If he see’s you turn around to ask them, he’ll move on to the next customer.

2. Snap your fingers, yell “Hey!”, whistle, or shake your glass at the bartender. Guess what, now you’ll be waiting longer than if you had waited patiently. If the bar is packed, then he is making drinks for people who were there before you. He heard your jingles, but now he’s gonna ignore you completely.

3. Glare at the bartender because you’ve been waiting for all of 2 minutes, then not know what the hell you want when he gets to you. This one pretty much makes you a certified asshole.

4. Act insulted when the bartender asks for your friends ID, but not yours. Get over it, you look old enough, grandma.

5. Bitch about the prices of the drinks. Look, the prices aren’t going to magically change because you’re complaining. If you’re broke then you shouldn’t be spending money on alcohol, keep your tight ass home.

6. Order drinks at the bar then go to your dinner table without paying. Yeah, we can transfer it to your dinner tab, but ask the bartender first. Bar tabs and dinner tabs are separate. How often do you go to the grocery store, shop for your stuff then walk out the front door without paying, expecting the cashier to walk through town looking for you, then bill you?

7. Ask for more liquor in your “weak” drink. If you’re a raging alcoholic, the bar doesn’t have to support your habit. Putting “extra” liquor in your drink costs the bar money. Ask for a double, pay for it, and shut the hell up.

To all my Roadhouse regulars, these rules don’t apply. You know I love you guys!

 

 

How to Make a Perfect Bacardi Mojito

Over the last few years I’ve seen some Mojito Mayhem. Bartenders across California are screwing up this drink and some seem to be proud of how they make it.

No doubt, there are a few ways that can be considered as the “correct” way to make a Mojito, but the one below is the method used by some of the most talented bartenders in the world. It’s also precisely how I make mine.

The video calls for sugar, but simple syrup can also be used instead. Bacardi is one of the best white rums in the world. Five times distilled, removes most impurities.

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