Paul the Professional is a mid-20s wealth management associate at one of the most well-known trust firms in the city.  With aspirations of quickly moving up the corporate latter, he’s a hard worker and highly motivated.  Yesterday, he was invited to accompany some of the senior members of the firm to a private happy hour on Friday at The Charlemagne. 

He’s excited, but nervous, because the extent of his alcohol knowledge surrounds scheduled games of beer pong that he and his fraternity brothers played in college. He doesn’t know the difference between cognac or whiskey, vodka or gin.  Ordering a Bud Light is out of the question, but that’s all he knows.  He needs help—he wants to make a great impression, but more importantly, choose a drink that won’t get him roasted.

 This is a resource for young professionals who might be a little intimidated and uninformed when it comes to the “art” of socializing with work colleagues, especially when it pertains to choosing a respectable beverage. A couple minute’s glance at this document will help in deciding what to order, as well as provide a few tips about drinking while networking.

 

Gin: A clear, neutral liquor like vodka, but primarily flavored with juniper berries.

Origin: England

Fun Fact: Modern-day gin (and its name) evolved from a Holland-invented drink called jenever, which British troops drank during the 80 Year’s War. This practice also gave us the saying “Dutch courage.” (If you didn’t know, Dutch courage is the strength or confidence gained from drinking alcohol.)

Here are some brands to ask for when ordering: 

• Gin – Tanqueray, Hendrick’s, Aviation American Gin (This is a W&L favorite, and harder to find. If you recommend this to someone who knows gin, they’ll be very impressed.)

 

 

Popular Gin Cocktails

Gin and Tonic

2 oz gin
5 oz tonic
2 lime wedges

 

Martini

3 oz gin
½ oz dry vermouth
Garnish: 1 or 3 olives or a lemon twist
Optional: ​1 dash bitters

Gin Fizz

2 oz Gin
3/4 oz Lemon Juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
1 egg white
Garnish with lemon twist
Soda Water

French 75

3 tablespoons Gin
1 1/2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon simply syrup
1/2 glass champagne 

 

“Straight, no chaser, baby” and other must-know bar terms:

“Neat” or “Straight”

• Single, unmixed liquor served at room temperature (usually higher-end Whiskey, Bourbon, Scotch. The stuff you want to ACTUALLY taste – or a way to pretend you know your liquor.)

“Straight-up”

• Shaken or stirred with ice, then strained into a glass (think James Bond and martinis)

“On-the-rocks”

• Poured over ice (commonly margaritas)

“Frozen”

• Crushed ice mixed in (also margaritas)

 “With a twist”

• Adds a splash of citrus, with the rind as garnish

“Well” vs “Top Shelf”

• Refers to price and sometimes quality of liquor, with “well” being lower priced and “top shelf” being more expensive. Well liquors are usually just fine for mixed drinks. If you’re buying a drink for a colleague and they’re within earshot – go for the top shelf. Your boss? Always top shelf.