What to Do When You Can't Finish a Drink at an Empty Bar at 4 PM

Ever found yourself sitting at an empty bar at 4 PM with an unclosed drinks glass, wondering how to handle the situation gracefully? This article provides a comprehensive guide on managing such scenarios, ensuring you maintain professionalism while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere.

Handling Overly Strong Drinks

Sometimes, the drink served is just too strong for your taste. If this is the case, you have a few options:

Ask for a Mixer: Politely say, 'Could you add some more mixer to dilute it?' This might help make the drink more palatable and less overwhelming. Electronic Analogy: Justify your request with humor: 'I need to build up to stronger drinks! I’m hair-of-the-dogging it and gradually getting stronger!' This can lighten the mood and create a more relaxed environment.

When the Drink is Making You Uncomfortable

If the drink simply makes you feel ill and you do not have a desire to consume any more, be straightforward but polite:

Health Consideration: 'I appreciate the drink, but my body isn’t feeling up to it tonight. No worries, I’ll take care of the tab.'

Dealing with Half-Consumed Drinks

Even if the drink is fine, sometimes you may find it challenging to finish it. Here are some helpful approaches:

Sell Yourself Short: 'This drink was great, but I don’t think I can finish it. I’ll gladly pay for it, and I apologize for the inconvenience.' Assure Quality: 'Thank you for the drink. I genuinely enjoyed it, but I’m not feeling the most hungry for it right now. It was delicious, I assure you.'

By explaining your situation and reassuring the bartender, you demonstrate respect and understanding, which can lead to a smoother resolution.

Tackling an Unappetizing Drink

Occasionally, you may receive a drink that tastes off or unsatisfactory:

Report Quality Issues: 'I think there might be an issue with the ingredients. Our soda has gone flat. Sometimes the dishwasher doesn’t rinse as well as it should, and beer can taste soapy.' Cold Storage Problem: 'I believe the keg wasn’t kept cold enough and might have turned. Or possibly, they poured the wrong liquor—our gin was mistakenly put back in the vodka space. While we don’t check those spaces after 100 years of never having an issue before.'

Most bartenders will apologize and offer to remake your drink at no additional cost. Keeping these reasons in mind can help you navigate the situation more smoothly.

Refusing a Particular Cocktail

Another common scenario involves receiving a cocktail you simply don’t fancy:

Polite Declination: 'I’ll pay for the cocktail, but I just don’t feel like having this particular drink at the moment.' This shows you are mindful of the bartender’s effort and still respectful of their work.

By expressing your preference politely, you maintain a positive relationship with the bartender and set a good example for future visits.

Remember, honesty goes a long way in these situations. If it is indeed our mistake, most bartenders are understanding and willing to rectify it. They work in the public sphere and understand the human condition, making them more accommodating when genuine issues arise.

A Pop Quiz for Adventurous Bartenders

For those feeling more adventurous, there's no shortage of creative solutions:

Just Smash It: For some, the most straightforward solution, albeit not without some social and practical challenges, is to simply smash the drink over your head and walk away with a confident flair. However, this approach is highly dependent on your comfort with the situation and the available space, so please practice with trusted friends in a safe environment to avoid any accidents or unnecessary hospital visits.

Remember, while creativity can be fun and entertaining, it’s always best to maintain a professional demeanor and get to the heart of why the drink isn’t quite what you expected.

Conclusion

No matter the reason for your unfinished drink, approaching the situation with calm and consideration will help you navigate through any awkwardness. By understanding the common reasons behind drink issues and adopting these strategies, you can ensure that your time at the bar remains enjoyable and respectful for all involved.