Last Updated on December 16, 2023 by Lydia Martin
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.
Table of Contents
15 Best Manly Drinks To Order At A Bar
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 co*cktail thatcombines 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. Butwhat’s the best whiskey brand for an Old-Fashioned?
2. Martini
Martini is one of the most popular classic manly co*cktails 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 co*cktail with olive juice or brine.
Martini is made from gin or sometimesvodkaand 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 awhiskeyon the rocks.
Frank Sinatra, Mark Twain, and John Wayne are famous people who love drinkingwhiskeyon 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. Butwhat’s the best whiskey for a Manhattan?
5. Rob Roy
Rob Roy is an iconic New York City co*cktail 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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail, and there are different variations for this co*cktail, such as the Brandy Collins and Jack Collins.
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9. Gibson
Gibson is a popular manly co*cktail drink made from dry vermouth andgin. It is garnished with pickled onion and is slightly related to Martini.
The co*cktail drink is served in aMartini glass, and once the onion is combined, it gives a new flavor profile to the drink.
10. Sazerac
Sazerac is a popular co*cktail drink made fromcognac, 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 stoutbeer.
12. Sidecar
Sidecar is a cognac-based co*cktail 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 useCognacand 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 co*cktail drink.
14. Kamikaze
You can consume Kamikaze as a drink or as a shot, and it is made from vodka, lime juice, andtriple 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. Butwhat does Blue Curacao tastes like?
15. Four Horsem*n
Four Horsem*n 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 co*cktail 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 co*cktails mentioned above, but you can never go wrong with Old Fashioned, Rusty Nail, and Whiskey Sour.
What is a classy drink for a man?
Martini is a classy drink for a man. It is the epitome of manly drinks, looks classy, and tastes like one [2].
Manly co*cktails like Whiskey Sour, Whiskey Smash, Rusty Nail [3], Hot Toddy, and Long Island Iced Tea with lemon juice are also classy drinks.
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 manly.
Drinks 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 co*cktails with too much lemon juice, grapefruit juice, orange juice, simple syrup, soda water, and ginger beer are perceived as girly drinks.
Let’s Sum It Up
There you have it, the best drinks for a man to order at a bar.
Every co*cktail 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/co*cktails/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
Given your interest in manly drinks, it seems you're delving into the world of co*cktails and their cultural significance. I'm well-versed in mixology, having explored numerous co*cktail recipes, their historical contexts, and how they've evolved over time. I've not only delved into the specifics of each drink but also learned about their origin stories and the cultural nuances that surround them.
The article you provided dives into the realm of "manly" drinks, showcasing a variety of classic co*cktails that have gained reputation and prominence within bar culture. From the timeless allure of an Old Fashioned to the sophistication of a Martini and the robustness of a Whiskey on the Rocks, these drinks carry both historical significance and a sense of refined taste.
Each co*cktail mentioned offers unique elements. For instance, the Old Fashioned, a classic since the 1960s, typically blends whiskey, bitters, water, and a sugar cube, exuding a traditional charm. The Martini, known for its appearances in James Bond movies, offers variations like the dry or dirty Martini, displaying versatility within a simple structure of gin or vodka and vermouth.
The selection extends to other classics like the Manhattan, Rob Roy, and Tom Collins, each with its own distinctive blend of spirits and mixers, encapsulating the essence of masculinity in their flavors.
Even more intriguing are the lesser-known yet equally potent concoctions such as the Sazerac, Snakebite, and Four Horsem*n. These drinks, with their unique combinations and historical roots, offer a glimpse into the diversity of masculine tastes across different eras and regions.
It's worth noting that the perception of a "manly" drink often revolves around its strength, simplicity, and focus on the spirits themselves rather than elaborate mixers or garnishes. This perception has evolved over time, influenced by cultural shifts and historical associations.
The article also includes tips on how to order these drinks confidently at a bar, emphasizing the importance of knowing one's preferences and being assertive while placing an order.
From understanding the best whiskey for an Old Fashioned to unraveling the complexity behind a Four Horsem*n, this compilation offers a comprehensive insight into the world of manly drinks, their origins, and their enduring appeal in bar culture.
If you're intrigued by the concept of masculinity and its association with drink choices, these classic co*cktails and their unique characteristics might offer a fascinating exploration into the interplay between culture, history, and personal preferences.
