30 January 2025

The Best Drinks to Order that Aren’t Too Fancy

Alright, fellas — let’s talk about drinks. We’ve all been there: you’re at the bar, and the bartender’s looking at you like you just stepped off a spaceship because you can’t remember the difference between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned. Or, worse, you’re staring at the menu for five minutes and ordering the most basic thing, because, well, you don’t want to seem like you’re trying too hard.

But here’s the thing: you can order a drink that’s cool, easy, and actually tastes good without looking like a pretentious idiot or a guy who’s stuck in college mode. You don’t need to overthink it — just go with something that’s classic, straightforward, and doesn’t require a PhD in mixology.

So, let’s break it down. Here are the best drinks to order when you want to impress without going overboard — all while keeping things simple, smooth, and totally drinkable.

1. Whiskey Sour: The Sweet and Strong Classic

Not too complicated, but still bold enough to let people know you’ve got taste. The whiskey sour is a classic that’s both easy to drink and easy to order. It’s got the strength of whiskey, a hint of sour, and just enough sweetness to balance things out. Plus, it looks damn good in a glass.

Ingredients: Whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a cherry (optional).

Perfect if you want to look like you know what you’re doing without pulling out some obscure drink order. It’s simple, sophisticated, and it won’t make you look like you’re trying to be James Bond when you order it.

2. Gin and Tonic: The Timeless, Effortless Go-To

This drink isn’t just for your grandma or your buddy who’s too into health trends. The gin and tonic is timeless, refreshing, and doesn’t require any fancy training to pull off. The bitterness of the gin and the crispness of the tonic balance each other perfectly, making it a drink that’s both easy on the palate and easy to order.

Ingredients: Gin and tonic water (yes, that’s it).

You can never go wrong with this one. It’s clean, it’s light, and it’s a go-to drink for almost any occasion. Plus, you’ll look like you’ve got your life together, even if you don’t.

3. Rum and Coke: The Simple Power Play

Sometimes, the classics are the best. If you’re looking to keep it low-key but still pack a punch, rum and coke is your answer. It’s the kind of drink you order when you just want to get to the good part of the night without having to impress anyone with your mixology skills.

Ingredients: Rum and cola.

The drink says, “I don’t need to overdo it to have a good time,” and that’s exactly the vibe you’re going for. It’s easy, it’s cheap, and you’re not going to be thinking about it for too long — but you’ll still enjoy it.

4. Moscow Mule: Refreshing and Cool Without Trying Too Hard

Okay, this one’s for the guys who want something a little different but don’t want to go full-on cocktail snob. A Moscow Mule is perfect if you want to impress with something a little trendy, without getting caught up in some overly complicated drink order. It’s got ginger beer’s spice, lime’s tang, and vodka’s smoothness. It’s refreshing and goes down easy.

Ingredients: Vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and a garnish of mint (optional).

This drink looks cool in that copper mug, but you’re not trying to be the guy who spends 10 minutes explaining how it’s made. It’s just a damn good drink.

5. Old Fashioned: The Boss Drink That’s Never Out of Style

Now, we’re not talking about ordering an over-the-top old-fashioned where the bartender has to make it into a chemistry experiment. Keep it simple. It’s whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus. That’s it. If you want a drink that says you mean business and you don’t need any fluff, an old-fashioned is the way to go.

Ingredients: Whiskey, Angostura bitters, sugar cube, and orange peel.

It’s bold, it’s timeless, and it’ll make you look like you know exactly what you’re doing. You don’t have to be a corporate exec to order one, but you’ll look like one. Plus, it’s one of the few drinks that doesn’t need to be constantly updated. It’s been around forever and still kicks ass.

6. Tequila and Soda: Light, Crisp, and Ready to Party

Tequila’s not just for shots or margaritas. If you’re looking for something light and low-maintenance, tequila and soda is a solid choice. It’s clean, crisp, and gives you that little tequila kick without the sugar overload of margaritas. Plus, you get that citrusy zing from the lime.

Ingredients: Tequila and soda water, lime wedge.

It’s simple, refreshing, and doesn’t scream “I’m trying too hard” when you order it. If you’re looking for a solid drink without the hassle, this is it.

7. Negroni: For When You Want to Look Like a Classic Gent

The Negroni is for the guy who wants to actually impress without putting in too much effort. It’s bold, bitter, and just a little bit fancy, but it’s still simple. With its equal parts gin, vermouth rosso, and Campari, it’s a drink that says, “I have taste, but I’m not a pretentious asshole about it.”

Ingredients: Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth.

If you’ve got a taste for the finer things, but you’re not trying to look like you live in a wine cellar, the Negroni is your drink. It’s an elegant drink with a slight edge — perfect for when you want to stand out in a crowd without overdoing it.

8. Beer: Don’t Overthink It

Look, sometimes the best drink is the one that’s the easiest to get and the one you can sip on all night. Beer. You can’t go wrong with it. Sure, it’s not the flashiest thing on the menu, but it’s reliable, it’s easy, and it’s a perfect choice for almost any setting.

Ingredients: Beer of your choice.

Whether you go with a craft beer, a classic lager, or something dark and rich, beer’s always there for you. No need to overthink it, just find your favorite brew and enjoy the night.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Cool

Look, you don’t need to pull out a shaker and start stirring up some multi-ingredient drink just to impress. The best drinks to order aren’t the ones with the most ingredients or the ones that make you sound like you just stepped out of a cocktail class. Stick to the classics, keep it simple, and pick something that you actually enjoy drinking.

Next time you’re at the bar, don’t sweat it. Whether you go for a whiskey sour, a gin and tonic, or a simple beer, the key is to own it. Order what feels right, and have a good time — that’s what really impresses everyone.