Going to the bar and having a drink can be fun but understanding the lingo used by bartenders can be confusing. One phrase you hear often is “well drink”.
So, what is a well drink? In this post we will tell you everything you need to know about these drinks – and a few surprises too!
Table of Contents
What are Well Drinks
Well drinks, also known as rail drinks, house drinks or call drinks are a basic mixed drink made with cheap, standard liquors and mixers. Served in a standard size and used to quench thirst and get a quick buzz.
The term “well” is bar and restaurant speak for the area where the bottles are kept, usually at the center of the bar near the bartender.
Well drinks are made with ingredients prepped by the bartender or barback that are available at most bars and restaurants. The most common liquors used in call drinks are vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, tequila and brandy. These are mixed with cola, tonic water, lemon-lime soda or fruit juice to make a refreshing drink.
How to Order a Well Drink at a Bar
When ordering a well drink at a bar or pub, be specific with the type of liquor you want in your drink. Instead of saying “well drink” say “well vodka tonic”.
If you’re not sure what to order, ask the bartender for a recommendation. This shows you value their expertise and allows them to suggest based on their experience and what they have behind the bar.
Before you order well drinks at a bar, take a look at the menu or ask the bartender what they have. If a specific liquor is not available, be open to the bartender’s suggestions for a substitute. Let the bartender know if you want the drink sweet or strong so they can make a rail drink to your taste.
As a side note, if you ever order bottle service, you’re paying for premium liquor and not the house or well liquor.
What are the Well Drinks Secrets you don’t know?
Well Drinks are not Always the Cheapest: Many people think Well Drinks are the cheapest option at the bar. But that’s not always true – the cost of a well drink can vary depending on the spirit, mixer and where you are. Before you order a well drink, ask the bartender for pricing so you get the best bang for your buck.
Well Drinks can be Customized: You can customize Well Drinks contrary to popular belief. If there’s a specific spirit or mixer you want in your drink, just ask the bartender and they can make it for you.
Well Drinks are not the Same: Each bar has their own interpretation of Well Drinks so the components and taste can be very different from one to another. Before you order, you might want to ask the bartender what they use in their call drinks.
Why Choose Well Drinks
Rail drinks are great value as the components are more basic and cheaper than the more premium or call drinks. So, if you want to save money but still have a drink or two, this is a good option.
Plus, these drinks are on the the POS for most bars so the bartender can always make your drink request. So, you can have one anywhere without having to look for a specific label or type of liquor.
Well Drink Downsides
The main drawback of well drinks is the ingredients. They’re made with basic liquors and mixers so they don’t have the same quality as the more expensive drinks, resulting to a less flavorful and overall experience.
Also, they have a lower ABV than other drinks so if you want a stronger effect, this can be a problem. This can also make it hard to control how much you drink.
Mixing Well Drinks
When making a call drink, the key is to combine liquors with the right mixer. Ingredients like soda, orange juice and tonic water are common in these combinations. If you want to sound like a pro, you should know which mixers work with which drinks.
Call Drink Recipes
Here are some classic recipes you can make at home or at the bar:
Rum and Coke
Want an exciting twist on rum? Try making a Rum and Coke for a fun experience. This simple mix is light and delicious and everyone will love it.
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz. Rum
- 2 oz. Cola or Diet Cola
- Ice Cubes
- Optional Garnish: Lime Wedge or Lemon Slice
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the rum and cola or diet cola. Stir slowly with a bar spoon to combine.
- Add optional garnishes like lime wedges for extra citrus or lemon slices for extra refresh.
Gin and Tonic
Want some zing with your gin? Try a Gin and Tonic. Classic.
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz. Gin
- 2 oz. Tonic Water
- Ice Cubes
- Optional Garnish: Lime Wedge or Cucumber Slice
Instructions:
- Add a few ice cubes to a highball glass.
- Pour in the gin and tonic water. Stir slowly with a bar spoon to combine.
- Add optional garnishes like lime wedges for extra citrus or cucumber slices for extra cool. Now you’re ready!
Vodka Soda
Want something new with your favorite vodka? Try a vodka soda. This simple mix is light and delicious and everyone will love it.
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz. Vodka
- 2 oz. Soda Water or Club Soda
- Ice Cubes
- Optional Garnish: Lemon, Lime, or Orange Wedge
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the vodka, then the soda water or club soda. Stir slowly.
- Add optional garnish of your choice (lemon, lime or orange wedge).
Vodka Cranberry
Try a Vodka Cranberry for something new and delicious! This will tantalize all taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz. Vodka
- 2 oz. Cranberry Juice
- Ice Cubes
- Optional Garnish: Lime Wedge or Orange Slice
Instructions:
- Start by adding ice cubes to a highball glass.
- Pour in the vodka and cranberry juice. Stir slowly with a bar spoon to combine.
- Add optional garnish like a lime wedge for extra citrus or orange slices for a burst of sweetness! Now you’re ready to sit back and sip.
These are just a few examples. Here’s a list of popular well drinks.
FAQS
What’s the difference between a well drink and a call drink?
Can well drinks be made with different mixers?
Are well drinks always made with the same type of liquor?
Conclusion
A well drink is a drink made with the most common and cheapest ingredients a bar has on hand. Well drinks are made with the standard, lower-priced liquor and are stored near the bartender in the “well”. They are the cheapest option but the cost will vary depending on the liquor and the bar.
Well drinks can be made to your taste and the ingredients and taste will vary from bar to bar. Ordering a well drink is easy, just tell the bartender what liquor you want in your drink and they will mix it with the most common mixer for that liquor. Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, knowing what a house drink is and what to expect will make your bar experience better.
