Cuba Libre   Rum and Coke, with lemon

The Cuba Libre is a classic rum and coke. It’s okay to ask for a lemon twist but don’t get fancy. You are neither in Havana nor in South Florida so no need to use its given name of Cuba Libre, just order as you would with your favorite bartender back home.  You could use Cuba Libre as a conversation starter, but do you really want to be that guy?

Cape Cod    Vodka and Cranberry with lime

The Cape Cod is a classic simple cocktail and if you are with the guys you might want to avoid ordering it, that is unless you have a urinary tract infection. However, one of the ladies working the room might be interested in a Cape Cod/ Vodka Cranberry, so ask them if they would enjoy a drink. You’ll find that if you buy the lady a good drink and you talk about your potential personal dance, you might have a friend for a lot longer that evening.

Long Island Iced Tea   Gin, Rum, Vodka, Tequila, Triple Sec, Lemon Juice, Cola

Do you remember the last time you had too many Long Island Iced Teas? Exactly. Take it easy on these drinks as they sneak up on you real fast. I could tell you a few stories but let’s just say that this booze heavy drink is sure to allow you to release a few too many inhibitions. Sometimes less is definitely more. If you go with this cocktail, make sure you hydrate with water. A lot of water.

Whiskey Sour Bourbon, Simple Syrup, lemon juice

The whiskey sour is your grown-up drink without being too grown up. It features a brown spirit but is not over the top order like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. I can understand if you like the idea of a fancier whiskey drink but be kind to your server and the bartender and order whiskey with a bit more of a laid-back feel.

Margarita(rocks) Tequila, Triple Sec, Simple Syrup, Lime

You’re not on spring break, or maybe you are but a Margarita can be appropriate as long as you know that it will be a slushy mess and that you understand that you can’t jump up on the tables dancing like you just finished finals. There will be dancing on the tables and stage but leave that to the pretty girls that surround you.

Tom Collins Gin, Simple Syrup, lemon Juice Club Soda

You order a Tom Collins when you want to feel important. It is a simple gin drink and you could actually order a Vodka Collins if you prefer a different spirit than the classic. You can most like order the Collins by name as most bartenders understand it is a variation on a gin and soda drink.

Vodka Tonic Vodka. Tonic Water, Lemon Juice

No surprise when you order a Vodka tonic, simple straightforward and it feels like you could have quite a few. This one might be hit with the girls so ask them if they want one as well when you get a second round.

Jack and Coke Whiskey and Coke, possibly a lemon wedge

If you are still in college the JD and Coke might be a staple but it is always good to come back to an old favorite. It’s a simple drink and it gets order quite a bit. You most likely want to order a whiskey and coke as the well usually is not Jack Daniels. It won’t hurt to ask for a little lemon in your drink to spruce it up.