Ordering a cocktail in English
What to say when you want a fruity cocktail that's not too strong or too sweet.
Full script
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Ask for a fruity, not-too-strong drink
fruity = fruit flavor / minty = mint flavor / strong = high alcohol; mojito = a mint cocktail
Ask for it less sweet
less = a smaller amount; more = a bigger amount (less ice = not much ice)
Ask for the bartender’s pick
spirit = base alcohol (gin / rum / vodka)
Use this to ask for ice
on the rocks = with ice; neat = no ice
Quick answers
No drink name needed: what to say in English
Say “Something fruity, not too strong.” — ask for a fruity, not-too-strong drink. fruity = fruit flavor / minty = mint flavor / strong = high alcohol; mojito = a mint cocktail.
Adjust the taste: what to say in English
Say “Can you make it less sweet?” — ask for it less sweet. less = a smaller amount; more = a bigger amount (less ice = not much ice).
Let the bartender choose: what to say in English
Say “Surprise me!” — ask for the bartender’s pick. spirit = base alcohol (gin / rum / vodka).
Bar phrase: what to say in English
Say “On the rocks, please.” — use this to ask for ice. on the rocks = with ice; neat = no ice.