The idea of manly drinks constantly evolves, and the “let me have some whiskey, neat” can be boring for some.
No drink cannot rise to the occasion, but who would want to look out of touch, dull, or immature by ordering the wrong thing at a bar?
I had a worthwhile conversation with a famous bartender in New York, and here are the best drinks to order at a bar for a man to defy expectations.
15 Best Drinks To Order At A Bar for a Man
1. Old Fashioned
Old Fashioned has become popular since the 1960s, and this centuries-old concoction deserves the first spot as the best manly drink to order at a bar.
Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that combines whiskey (usually bourbon or rye for those who want some kick), bitters, water, and a sugar cube in an old-fashioned glass or highball glass.
“Stepping up to the bar, I’ll take a classic Old Fashioned, no frills, just pure manliness in a glass.” -Liquor Laboratory
It is traditionally served with a twisted orange peel or an orange slice. But what’s the best whiskey brand for an Old-Fashioned?
2. Martini
Martini is one of the most popular classic manly cocktails to order at the bar. It is a simple yet classic mixed drink, and it has become more popular since it appeared in James Bond movies.
There are different variations of Martini; you can have a dry, dirty, or perfect Martini. Dirty Martini is a manly cocktail with olive juice or brine.
Martini is made from gin or sometimes vodka and dry vermouth. It is garnished with either a twist of lemon peel or olives.
3. Whiskey on the Rocks
If you don’t want something fancy and want to look like a real man, ask for a whiskey on the rocks.
Frank Sinatra, Mark Twain, and John Wayne are famous people who love drinking whiskey on the rocks.
Technically, whiskey on the rocks is just plain whiskey with ice, no mixers. The ice helps lessen the alcohol burn and makes the drink more enjoyable.
4. The Manhattan
Manhattan has an excellent reputation for being one of the must-try drinks at the bar.
It is made from whiskey, sweet red vermouth, and bitters with a traditional maraschino cherry.
It may not look manly, especially the cherry garnish on top, but don’t let it fool you because it has a high ABV. But what’s the best whiskey for a Manhattan?
5. Rob Roy
Rob Roy is an iconic New York City cocktail a bartender crafted in 1894. It is a type of Manhattan, but instead of rye whiskey, it is distinguished by using Scotch whisky. The drink was named after an opera based on Rob Roy, a Scottish hero.
Like the typical Manhattan, the drink uses bitters and sweet vermouth. It has a nice kick because it contains high alcohol content from all the mixed ingredients.
6. Manly Temple
Yes, Manly Temple is the masculine version of the Shirley Temple, and instead of using ginger ale, the base liquor used will be whiskey. It is then mixed with lemon-lime soda and grenadine.
Despite its misleading pinkish color profile and garnishes on top, it is a stiff drink. Some bartenders use Sprite, but others prefer Club Soda for the drink.
7. Black or White Russian
Another manly drink to order at the bar is the Black or White Russian. The Black Russian is made of vodka and coffee liqueur, while the White Russian is made from vodka, cream, or milk. The cocktail drink is served on the rocks.
Does the drink originate in Russia? No, but it references the vodka originating in Russia [1]
8. Tom Collins
Tom Collins is served in a Collins glass with a lemon wheel. The popular cocktail drink is made from gin as the primary alcohol, and it is mixed with carbonated water, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
It is a versatile cocktail, and there are different variations for this cocktail, such as the Brandy Collins and Jack Collins.
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9. Gibson
Gibson is a popular manly cocktail drink made from dry vermouth and gin. It is garnished with pickled onion and is slightly related to Martini.
The cocktail drink is served in a Martini glass, and once the onion is combined, it gives a new flavor profile to the drink.
10. Sazerac
Sazerac is a popular cocktail drink made from cognac, sugar cubes, bitters, and absinthe.
It is notable for its preparation because crafting the mixed drink will take time and effort. It originated in New Orleans in 1838 and is still popular today.
11. Snakebite
No, there’s no snake involved here, but the drink’s name is suitable because it has a nice bite of alcohol.
There’s a little controversy about Snakebite because many bars in the UK refuse to sell the drink. After all, it can get people drunk very quickly. It is made from equal parts of hard cider and stout beer.
12. Sidecar
Sidecar is a cognac-based cocktail drink, and it comes with lemon juice and orange liqueur. It is one of the best manly drinks since World War I and has deep roots in New Orleans.
Over the years, it has evolved, and people use Cognac and Cointreau instead of the Spanish curacao and French cognac.
13. Gin Tonic
Gin Tonic (G&T) is a masculine drink you can order at a bar, and it is light and refreshing.
It combines one part gin and two parts tonic water, and it is topped with a lemon wedge on top. It is a classy, easy, simple, and delectable cocktail drink.
14. Kamikaze
You can consume Kamikaze as a drink or as a shot, and it is made from vodka, lime juice, and triple sec. The lime juice balances the taste of the drink, and it is best served in a chilled glass or martini glass.
You can have it in the blue version by adding a drop of blue food coloring or blue curacao instead of triple sec. But what does Blue Curacao tastes like?
15. Four Horsemen
Four Horsemen is one of the manliest drinks of all time. It combines four distilled spirits: Jim Beam bourbon, Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey, Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky, and Jose Cuervo tequila. It has a serious kick and distinct burn.
Bartender’s Favorite: Bloody Mary is a classic drink you can order at the bar. The manly drink is made using vodka, tomato juice, horseradish, tabasco sauce, lemon wedge, and celery salt and shaken in a cocktail shaker.
Bonus Tips When Ordering Manly Drink in a Bar
To customize drinks to individual tastes, start by understanding your flavor preferences. Do you prefer sweet, sour, or bitter?
Ask the bartender to adjust the sweetness or add a splash of your favorite spirit for a personal twist.
“A man’s true character comes out when he’s drunk.” -Charlie Chaplin, Filmmaker
To enhance the drink’s character, experiment with garnishes, like citrus or herbs.
FAQs
How do you order drinks at a bar like a man?
To order drinks at a bar like a man, go straight to the bartender’s counter and say your order. Make eye contact, speak loud enough to be understood, and be polite.
You can choose from the mixed drinks and manly cocktails mentioned above, but you can never go wrong with Old Fashioned, Rusty Nail, and Whiskey Sour.
What is a classy drink for a man?
What makes a drink manly?
Strong, straightforward, and less sweet, often focusing on the alcohol itself rather than mixers or elaborate garnishes, makes a drink manlyDrinks like whiskey, scotch [4], or neat spirits are often culturally labeled as “manly” due to their intense flavors and historical associations with male-dominated settings.Go for drinks with light rum, Irish whiskey, dark rum, vodka, or cognac because cocktails with too much lemon juice, grapefruit juice, orange juice, simple syrup, soda water, and ginger beer are perceived as girly drinks.
What are considered “manly” drinks at a bar?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, “manly” drinks often include classic cocktails like Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, or robust spirits like bourbon or scotch served neat or on the rocks.
Are there specific drinks that men typically prefer at bars?
Preferences vary, but many men enjoy drinks that reflect their taste for bold flavors, such as dark spirits like whiskey or rum, or classic cocktails with a strong and distinct profile.
Can men order any drink they like at a bar?
Absolutely! There’s no rulebook on what drinks men should or shouldn’t order. It’s all about personal preference and enjoying what you like, whether it’s a classic cocktail, a beer, or something more creative.
What if I’m not sure what to order at a bar?
Bartenders are there to help! Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations based on your preferences or let them know what flavors you enjoy, and they can suggest something that suits your taste.
Are there any drinks that are universally popular among men?
While preferences vary, beers like IPAs, stouts, or craft brews are often enjoyed by many men, along with classic cocktails like the Martini, Negroni, or a simple gin and tonic.
Can men enjoy fruity or sweeter drinks at a bar?
Absolutely! There’s no gender restriction on enjoying fruity or sweet drinks. Many men appreciate the complexity and balance of cocktails like the Mojito, Piña Colada, or Cosmopolitan.
Is it okay for men to try new or trendy drinks at bars?
Of course! Exploring new or trendy drinks can be a fun way to discover new flavors and expand your palate. Try something new and push yourself beyond your comfort zone without fear!
Let’s Sum It Up
There you have it, the best drinks for a man to order at a bar.
Every cocktail mentioned above has a timeless appeal, and don’t be deceived by its appearance because they are packed with punch.
The best manly drinks reflect your preferences and showcase your character and confidence.
So, the next time you step up to the bar, consider the message you want to convey and choose a drink that embodies the essence of masculinity for you.
References:
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https://www.britannica.com/topic/vodka
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https://www.pastemagazine.com/drink/cocktails/what-your-martini-order-says-about-you/
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https://www.thespruceeats.com/rusty-nail-recipe-760443
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https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/scotch-whisky
