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You are what you drink
The Denver Post ^ | 3/13/06 | Sheba R. Wheeler

Posted on 03/13/2006 7:32:08 AM PST by Millee

If your date orders a Sex on the Beach, does that foreshadow romance at evening's end?

Don't count on it, but it's a good bet your date is feeling fun and flirty - and wants to let everyone know it.

Experts have made a science out of pegging people's inner qualities based on their outer actions. Personality shows up in everything we do, and folks judge us accordingly.

The music we download, the clothes we wear and the cars we drive reflect who we are, how we view the world and how we choose to interact in it at any given moment, says Cherry Creek psychologist Maximillian Wachtel.

The same principles apply to alcoholic beverages. Particularly so because they often contribute to the first impressions we make on others - sometimes on a date, other times at a business dinner or a family reunion.

But what do they say specifically?

For that we turned to the real experts: bartenders.

Our local mixologists take a lot of orders, and because they work the counters, they hang around long enough to hear customers talk and see how drinkers treat their spouses and sell their goods.

We asked them to share their observations and put together this guide.

Your drink: Beer

Your image: Easygoing

Order a brew, and folks see you as laid-back, reserved and blue-collar. You keep your drinks simple, and maybe that means you are too.

"This person is totally uncomplicated," says Dazzle bartender Jenean Sorenson. "They aren't worried about how old the scotch is. It's an easy decision for them. Their motto would be: 'Just poor it cold into a glass and give it to me.' "

Who are you? You are man, in your mid-30s to 50s, and you definitely have your favorite labels. Or you are a guy in your 20s, and you're broke and drinking $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon drafts. The message is the same: I'm just hanging out.

It's a little different for women, bartenders say. Most gals don't order beer, and the ones that do come off as sexy and approachable.

Why do you drink it? You don't want to get drunk. You just want to sit and talk with your friends, and not end up with a headache the next morning.

Your drink: Martinis, manhattans, champagne

Your image: High maintenance

Use more than two adjectives to order your drink (dry, neat, up, slushy, dirty whatever) or get picky (you want your lemons cut into wedges, not slices) and you can come off as pretentious, says Logan Grey, a bartender at the Roo Bar in Cherry Creek. A colleague, Dustin Gathright, a bartender at the 1876 Bar, agrees. He's happy to make what customers order, but "if a group is waiting to be served and someone comes up and orders something that takes like 15 minutes to make with multiple ingredients, that person is self-centered."

Who are you? When the bartender has the time, you are a sophisticated drinker. When she doesn't, you are a debutante wannabe, or a trendy metrosexual.

Why do you drink it? You just want it the way you want it. You don't realize you are fussy or picky - or maybe you do and simply don't care.

Your drink: Margaritas, piña coladas, mojitos, fruity martinis

Your image: Adventurous

Salted rim or not, asking for a margarita makes you come off as fun-loving. You're not afraid to be goofy. You are trendy and knowledgable about the newest drink-craze flavors like mango and pomegranate and secure enough to sit behind a froufrou cocktail with a tiny umbrella sticking out of the top. "You may not be able to get away to Jamaica just yet, but for tonight, you are just one cocktail away from the dream," says Tracey Toomey, co-author of "The Perfect Manhattan."

Who are you? A bachelorette, a professional woman who just got off work, or part of a girls-night-out gang. A guy looking for a party.

Why do you drink it? It's time to let your hair down for the night. "When I drink a piña colada, I go back to my Puerto Rican roots, and I feel like a hot Latin woman," says Abbie Karic, 53, of New York, who was in Denver last week for a conference.

Your drink: Scotch, bourbon, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir

Your image: Sophisticated

You are knowledgable and enjoy luxuries. You've taken the time to educate yourself about your spirits, have been drinking for a while and know exactly what you want. You are direct, precise and order your beverage straight or on the rocks because you love the taste. "These are the kind of people who would never foul up a good single-malt scotch by mixing it with a Sprite," says Billy Riesing, a bartender at Bender's 13th Avenue Tavern.

Who are you? A man or woman in your mid- to late 30s and beyond.

Why do you drink it? Your palate is complex. You want to savor the drink and sip it. You are too old to handle the hangover that comes from drinking sugary blends. And a fine wine is always an acceptable drink.

Your drink: Chardonnay or merlot; blank and tonic (gin, vodka or whatever)

Your image: Terrified

That's right. You're old standby is actually a dead giveaway, according to bartenders. The scenario: You are on on a first date. You are just getting to know each other, and you are afraid to order. You don't want to play it too safe or edgy because you know first impressions stick. But your choice doesn't show much personality.

"You want to show that you are sophisticated, but not a hard-core drinker," says Doug Kennis, master mixologist at the Grand Hyatt's Pinnacle Club, where customers can fill out a survey measuring their martini personality profile.

Who are you? Part of a potential couple

Why do you drink it? You want to keep your options open. You want to stay out of trouble.


TOPICS: Society
KEYWORDS:
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To: Millee

Try the Cirac Vodka made from grapes.

When I could pronounce it - I ordered it last week.

Yummy.


121 posted on 03/13/2006 4:12:39 PM PST by Dashing Dasher ( I prayed, ---- 'O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous.' ----- And God granted it.)
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To: Millee
Hmm...

Your Drink: Tequila in a paper bag on your pickup's tailgate.

Your Image: Insane, heavily armed redneck.

Who You Are: Insane, heavily armed redneck.

Why You Drink It: You don't wanna drive these here roads sober, son.

122 posted on 03/13/2006 4:19:10 PM PST by Billthedrill
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To: Dashing Dasher
Try the Cirac Vodka made from grapes. When I could pronounce it - I ordered it last week. Yummy.

That stuff is $30 a bottle and they keep it behind the counter!! I couldn't pronounce it either, but I can spell! It is good...

123 posted on 03/13/2006 5:24:15 PM PST by phantomworker (The joy of engineering is to find a straight line on a double logarithmic diagram. - Thomas Koenig)
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To: Larry Lucido; Dashing Dasher; day10
That's cause I got a day job and a night job so I never have time to be tipsy or have a hangover.

Indeed, Larry is a diet Pepsi poundin animal!! But, as to your hangover/tipsy situation... I have it down to a science. I go out, get hammered, then go to work the next day and perform like I went to bed early the night before...practice makes perfect my friend!! So, when you're ready to give it a try, I'll show ya the ropes!!

Just kidding, indeed I do indulge, and regret it the next day. Like that Tobey Keith song... I ain't as good as I once was, but I am as good once, as I ever was!

If you don't know the song, here's a snip....

Toby Keith

124 posted on 03/13/2006 6:17:16 PM PST by sit-rep (If you acquire, hit it again to verify...)
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To: freedumb2003

Aye, the squeeze did it.


125 posted on 03/13/2006 6:21:31 PM PST by Professional Engineer (Algebra? It's a piece of pi.)
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To: Millee

Single Malt Scotch, one of the Glens, 20 years or older.
Ten to fifteen years is mouth wash; less than 10, charcoal lighter!


126 posted on 03/13/2006 6:22:37 PM PST by Panzerlied ("We shall never surrender!")
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To: Professional Engineer

Yep -- so I hope I am pickled enough come Andromeda.


127 posted on 03/13/2006 6:23:23 PM PST by freedumb2003 (American troops cannot be defeated. American Politicians can.)
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To: Millee
You're not afraid to be goofy

Who knew this could teach us the meaning of life?:P
128 posted on 03/13/2006 6:26:16 PM PST by PaulaB (To Wong Foo...It's An Honor To Be On Your Stalking List)
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To: Billthedrill

LOL


129 posted on 03/13/2006 6:27:04 PM PST by PaulaB (To Wong Foo...It's An Honor To Be On Your Stalking List)
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To: Lazamataz

You are nothing! While I, I am Juan Valdez! Ha-hahahaha!


130 posted on 03/13/2006 6:44:16 PM PST by stands2reason
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To: Dashing Dasher
I knew this thread was missing something! About time you showed up! ;o)
131 posted on 03/13/2006 7:34:28 PM PST by Millee (Don't make me get out my voodoo doll out!)
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To: PaulaB
Who knew this could teach us the meaning of life

You did, IF MEMORY SERVES RIGHT!! ;OP

That's just my subtle way of saying that you're missed!

132 posted on 03/13/2006 7:49:40 PM PST by Millee (Don't make me get out my voodoo doll out!)
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To: Millee

Smooches!!!

Kids on Spring Break....Work work work

My sister had supper cooked and ready for me

when I got home tonight though

It's good to have her living so close now :)


133 posted on 03/13/2006 8:01:50 PM PST by PaulaB (To Wong Foo...It's An Honor To Be On Your Stalking List)
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To: PaulaB
Wow, do you think I could get your sister to move closer to me? ;o)

Good to hear from you though. Sometimes it seems like our little group is getting smaller & smaller. (sniif-sniff!)

134 posted on 03/13/2006 8:06:54 PM PST by Millee (Don't make me get out my voodoo doll out!)
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To: Millee

From the words of Willie Nelson....

"On the road again..."

Sorry I missed a fun thread. I'll read through - time permitting - for blackmail material.


;-)


135 posted on 03/14/2006 4:09:16 AM PST by Dashing Dasher ( I prayed, ---- 'O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous.' ----- And God granted it.)
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To: martin_fierro

Wow, Night Train. That brings back memories.


136 posted on 03/14/2006 4:57:37 PM PST by yhwhsman ("Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small..." -Sir Winston Churchill)
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