Erasing the Stigma of the "Girly" Drink

When’s the last time you saw a big, burly man order a cosmopolitan or a sex on the beach? Probably not recently, right? Or maybe not ever.

Because remember—“girly” drinks aren’t for men. 

 

Every time I hear the word “girly,” I cringe. Not because I hate what’s considered “girly,” but because there exists an adjective specifically used to define what women—and definitely not men—are supposed to like.

Unfortunately, gendering inanimate objects is a large part of our dichotomy-obsessed society. Such pervasive stereotypes insidiously affect people’s social behavior, including, in this case, what men drink at a bar.

Over time, less-boozy drinks have come to be nicknamed “girly” in order to distinguish serious macho drinkers (men) from us delicate-palate types (women).

But how on earth is a drink considered feminine? Is it the name? The color? The taste?

For the most part it’s all of that, combined with peer pressure and the fear of emasculation. To help you visualize it a little better: A regular show of masculinity at a bar equates to quaffing a lot of plain, bitter-tasting, hard alcohol. Yuck.

According to this, then, masculinity means parading a set of super resilient taste buds.

But since when do tongues have anything to do with gender? And why is it men are not allowed to enjoy sweet flavors? If you apply this bizarre logic of “sweet = feminine” to food, men are thus “too masculine” to eat anything with similarly saccharine flavors. Why eat ice cream or parfaits, after all, when you can chow down on cement, mud or tree branches, am I right?

There’s only one word for this rigid social code: stupid.

If you’re a man out partying with your male friends—and not just any acquaintances but real, true, honest-to-god friends—why should they dictate what you order at a bar? Do they do the same when you get a bite to eat or go out to a movie or choose your outfit for the day?

I’m pretty sure the answer is no. (If not, get to a psychiatrist fast.)

So let’s end this lame trajectory of what men are supposed to do at a bar. You’re allowed to guzzle something that actually tastes good and not worry about appearing fragile. It’s not like you’re the Wicked Witch of the West capable of liquefying at the mere touch of a slightly watered-down drink.

Now’s the time to flex your esophagus. If you’re a brave man ready to go against the grain, try any one of these five deliciously “girly” drinks and you’ll be sure to start a killer conversation—at the very least, on gender.

Appletini

Ingredients:

• Vodka
• A combination of apple juice, apple cider or apple Schnapps

Look at it as a healthier alternative. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” right?

Cosmopolitan

Ingredients:

• Vodka
• Triple sec (orange-flavored liqueur)
• Lime juice
• Cranberry juice

If it’s anything like the infamous women’s magazine, this drink is sure to spice up your, er, naughty life.

Sex on the Beach

Ingredients:

• Vodka
• Peach Schnapps
• Cranberry juice
• Orange juice

It literally has the word “sex” in it. And all guys like sex.  

Piña Colada

Ingredients:

• White rum
• Pineapple juice
• Coconut cream

It’s exotic and cool-sounding. Imagine you’re on the beach, avoiding all pressures of masculinity, and sip away.

Strawberry Daiquiri

Ingredients:

• White rum
• Strawberries
• Lime juice
• Sugar

C’mon, everyone likes smoothies, and this one actually has alcohol in it!

Remember, it’s not like drinking a “girly” drink will suddenly alter your anatomy or chromosomal pattern. I promise you’ll walk out of the bar the same man you were when you walked in—with just slightly sweeter-smelling breath. And who wouldn’t want to kiss that?

Original Article: https://botyapp.com/blog_erasing-stigma-of-girly-drinks/

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Top U.S. Drinking Holidays

As Americans, we love to celebrate and kick back with a few good drinks. This is also very true when it comes to certain holidays.

Here is a list of the top ten drinking holidays in no particular order.

1. Super Bowl Sunday 

The season’s biggest game is much more than just a sports event.  The Super Bowl has become a bona fide American holiday. Football fans across the U.S. flocks to bars on this big day for some good bar food, drinks, entertainment and the game.

2. Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras started out as a day that came after lent when people could start eating food they gave up for lent. Over time it has become one of the most celebrated drinking holidays in New Orleans.

3. Cinco de Mayo

Cinco De Mayo is a favorite day for those who love tequila and celebrating Mexico. This holiday marks a battle that Mexico won over France. Many people believe it is Mexico’s Independence day, which is actually a totally different day. Either way American culture has embraced this holiday and it has become a heavy day of drinking.

4. Labor Day

This holiday was meant to celebrate the workforce in America, however many people are unhappy with their jobs and career choices. This holiday has become almost a mandatory day to barbeque or to head to a bar. Of course, that is if you are lucky enough to have the day off from work.

5. 4th of July

The 4th of July is a great drinking holiday because so many people are celebrating our independence. There are even red, white and blue cocktails to go along with all the fireworks. And let’s not forget the spiked watermelon or jello shots! In the U.S. we do love a great holiday that encourages drinking.

6. Halloween

Halloween was meant to be a kids holiday, however what do you do when you have no kids and you don’t feel like sitting at home handing out candy? You either head to an adult Halloween party or you head to your local bar. Yes, as adults we still do love to get dressed up but we love that we can drink even more.

7. St. Patrick’s Day

This holiday of drinking green beer, eating corned beef and cabbage and dressing like a leprechaun is a big favorite for many. Any holiday that takes you to your local Irish pub or any bar for that matter is going to be a big drinking holiday. Just don’t leave home without wearing green.

8. Thanksgiving Eve

I don’t know if it’s the football, relatives or the food that drives us to drink on Thanksgiving.  It’s most likely a combination of these things. Or maybe it’s the fact that you just burned your turkey and ended up eating at local Chinese restaurant instead. Either way, many Americans across the nation take up lots of drinking on this holiday.

9. Memorial Day 

Memorial day is typically the first summer holiday of the year. It’s a holiday where we honor the soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom. It’s a holiday most of us get off from work, giving us a three or four day weekend of fun. And just like Labor day this drinking holiday is marked with backyard barbecue and attending local bar events.

10. New Year’s Eve 

A new year is a way to celebrate the past and start anew. New Year’s Eve is a day where you are encouraged to open a bottle of champagne at midnight and indulge with friends and families. It’s no wonder with all the big New Year Eve events at many bars and drinking establishments that this is one of biggest drinking holidays in the United States.

Original Article: https://botyapp.com/blog_top-us-drinking-holidays/

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Bad Bartending Habits

We all would like to think that we are the best bartenders in the world and that we never make any mistakes or have any bad habits. However, we are human and human nature is to not be perfect. There are several bad habits that bartenders tend to do.  

Wasting Product

One of the biggest bad habits is wasting products. Bartenders tend to do this in a variety of ways. For instance running the tap for a few seconds before putting a glass under it or giving out extra garnishes. It’s important to try to manage how much you waste. Wasted products hurts revenues for the establishment so be mindful of what you give out. After all, if you save your boss money by limiting waste, he will be happy and so will you.

Over-serving

Over-serving customers with alcohol doesn’t help establishment revenues and can actually be dangerous for customers. Be sure to pay attention to how much you serve and how often. If they seem to be getting too intoxicated you have to be the responsible bartender and cut them off.  And if anyone does get too intoxicated, be sure to help them find a safe way home by calling them an Uber or a taxi.  You could be liable if you allow them to drive home drunk and an accident occurs.

Not Offering Food Or Appetizers

Offering food to your customers not only generates more income for the establishment, it also makes sure that your customers do not drink on an empty stomach. If you aren’t asking every customer if they would like to see a menu, you truly are not meeting all the requirements of your profession.

Paying More Attention To Friends Or Certain Customers

People can tell when you are ignoring them and not giving them enough attention. It is never okay to ignore a customer or forgot why you are there. Your job is to serve everyone and take care of their needs. In doing so, you will generate more income and you will build repeat customers. You never know which customers will become ‘regular’ so it’s key to treat all your customers the same.

Acting Inappropriately

We all act inappropriately at times. However, in the workplace, there is no place for that behavior. Bartenders can act inappropriately by over-flirting and only giving certain customers free drinks. It’s very important to watch the language and the gestures being used.  Bars are fun atmospheres where you maybe able to get away with some inappropriate behavior, but don’t forget this is still your place of work and their is a level of professionalism that needs to be upheld.

Not Following Your Work Schedule

An occasional sick day or requested time off is normal in any career. However, if you are always coming in late, calling in sick or leaving early, don’t expect that you will have a job for too long. When you don’t work your given schedule you are forcing others to have to work it. This will create problems with other bartenders, servers and your management staff.  And keep in mind your favorite customers will be checking in for you so if you are not there, you lose their trust and their money.  In order to keep your job and reputation, come to work on time and when you are scheduled.

Not Using A Bar Recipe Accurately

Bartenders tend to mix a lot of drinks. It’s great if you have many of these recipes memorized, but you won’t know all especially just starting out.  Make sure you know how to follow a recipe in order to make a drink properly. Be sure to measure accurately and don’t try to put your own spin on a drink you have never made before. This could end up badly.

If you minimize your bad work habits and learn good, productive habits you will impress your managers and your customers will love you. When in doubt, always remain professional and courteous.  

Original Article: https://botyapp.com/blog_bad-bartending-habits/ 

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Why do People Love the Bar?

Being in my late 20’s I’ve come to realize that there are two different types of a ‘night out’. There’s the one where you put on one of your better dresses, do your hair and makeup just right and go to a club where you and your friends dance with strangers and drink the night away.

Then there’s the night where your clothes consist of comfortable jeans and a stain free shirt with your hair in a messy bun as you walk into your favorite bar to relax for the evening. It probably comes as no surprise that I prefer the second type of night and if you’re wondering why then I’ll explain.

There’s something cozy and homey about bars and after spending time visiting ones from all around the world, I’ve come to realize a few things about why bars are so attractive to people.

Fact #1: Variety 

No matter your lifestyle there is always a bar out there for you. From the upper class that serves prohibition style cocktails to the dive bars where country and rock pour from the jukebox, there is a bar for everyone. Personally I prefer the Irish pubs, where the main drinks are Guinness and Heineken while Dropkick Murphy’s plays in the background.

Fact #2: Want to Talk, Don’t Want to Talk?

Have you ever had one of those days where you don’t really feel like talking to anyone but you don’t necessarily want to be alone?  The wonderful thing about bars is that they are always full of people and there’s no obligation to talk. Sometimes it’s just nice to be a part of a collective conversation and too just nod your head along, and sometimes it’s just nice to be surrounded by quiet chatter while you reflect over your drink.

Fact #3: A Place to Vent

Being in a bar, it’s almost a requirement to share the details about something that may not be going great in your life. Here no one is passing judgment because they may be going through a similar experience.  It’s not all bad news because the bar is also the place to have a shot to celebrate a birthday or toast to a new promotion.  The bar is the place to express yourself through the good or bad times.  

Fact #4. Introvert, Extrovert? We Love Them All!

Bars are definitely the place where everyone can come and find themselves at ease.  An extrovert is a friendly person who truly enjoys talking to and being around other people.  If you’re an extrovert there will be plenty of people to talk to and swap stories with.  It’s not as easy for introverts to make new friends because it takes up so much energy to get to know someone.  So introverts will most likely be the one listening to the most outrageous stories.     

Fact #5. Comradery

If you’re lucky enough you will find a bar that becomes your home away from home.  You know the one where you know the owners, all of the bartenders know you by name and have your drink poured as you walk through the door.  The other patrons warmly welcome you and probably know details about your life that no one else does. It is in these bars where stories and advice are doled out over beer and anyone can be dragged into a conversation.

The thing I personally love about bars is the ease of the atmosphere. No one cares where you’ve been and no one cares about your mistakes, everyone is just looking for the same thing – a cold drink and a fun story to listen to.