How to order at a cocktail bar

Name a spirit, a mood (citrus, stirred, bitter, sweet), and an ABV vibe (session or nightcap). That is enough. If you have an allergy, say it first. “Surprise me” only works if you also give constraints. “Surprise me with gin, not too sweet” is a gift. “Surprise me” alone is a burden. If the menu is good, order off it. Bartenders built those drinks to repeat. If nothing fits, the constraints method still works. Tip like a person who wants to come back. TheDrinkPlace will never gamify how much you drink — only help you find drinks worth ordering.