The Drink’s On Me

Anyone who has been to a bar knows that buying a drink for someone is a universal way of telling them, “I’m interested.”

But there is etiquette involved, and using these tips will increase your chances of talking to the guy or girl you have been eyeing. Andrew Tauber, a server/bartender at Tokoname Restaurant and Sushi Bar, and at Brass Monkey in D.C., gives insight into this tipsy activity.

1. Tell us about yourself. How did you get your start as a bartender?

I’ve bartended for about three years now. I started as a server at a country club outside of Washington, D.C., but on slow days, I would just hang out with one of the bartenders behind the bar. The guy taught me how to make literally any cocktail.

2. From what you see, is buying someone a drink a successful way to hit on them?

When my moped was stolen a while back, it was recovered, but was missing the engine. Buying someone a drink can be likened to a moped without an engine. The drink being bought represents the body/frame of the moped, and your personality is the engine. You can buy the drink, but if there’s no engine, you’re going nowhere.

3. What is the cleverest way you’ve seen someone buy someone else a drink?

I haven’t seen anyone execute this cleverly, per se. I think that buying someone a drink is a pretty straightforward thing, and any deviation might close the window of opportunity, especially if the (receiving party) is not expecting a drink.

4. Biggest fail?

The biggest fail was definitely when some entitled male brought a girl up to the bar and ordered two shots of Fireball. She literally gagged at the thought of Fireball, and said that she couldn’t handle it at the moment and wanted something lighter. Douchebro Baggins then proceeded to make her take the shot, “to be a man.” Cringe. Take note, fellas, you should probably buy her something she’ll actually enjoy.

5. What advice do you have for someone sending a drink?

Keep it classy. When she gets it, smile, wave and turn back to talking to your buddies. Don’t eerily watch her every move and reaction, wide-eyed, as if you’re watching the visualizers at Digital Wonderland.

6. What has worked for you in the past?

I will talk to a girl and see what she’s drinking, and bring her to the bar for a shot on me.

7. What hasn’t?

In the wee hours of the morning one night, leaning on the bar mostly for support, my friend and I were talking to two girls. When my friend made a joke under his breath, I laughed and snorted so hard that the giant gulp of beer I had taken spewed all over everyone. I literally spat game that night.

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