# What Drinks Automatically Confer Credibility? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 10, 2010, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224 "2010-11-10T21:13:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/81 "2010-11-11T04:14:49Z")
> [@GargoyleWB](#): > > Archaic old-school drinks. > > “I’ll have a Harvey Wallbanger, my friend will have a Singapore Sling”. I can assure you that there’s nothing archaic about a Singapore Sling. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Swords\_to\_Plowshares](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b38774/32.png) [@Swords\_to\_Plowshares](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swords_to_Plowshares)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/82 "2010-11-11T05:02:31Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Luckily, my tastes align towards “manly” drinks, so I don’t have to worry. 😉 > > Still, if I were one to prefer the more so-called “girly” drinks, I would take great pride in unapologetically ordering them, but in a specific, “manly” sort of way. This was from another forum: > [@](#): > > A guy came up to the bar and complained to me that he wanted to order some fuzzy navels, but he always felt like a huge wuss asking the bartender for a drink with such a ridiculous name. I told him I agreed, and said that a drink that sweet needed an extra-masculine name to balance it out. And since “screwdriver” manages to sound like a masculine drink despite having orange juice, I suggested that we’d start calling peach schnapps + orange juice a “chainsaw”. For the rest of the night he would come up and drunkenly yell “CHAAAAAAINSAAAAW” at me, confusing the other wedding guests. I put up with it and yelled it right back at him, because he was tipping $20 every time. > > After that night I started using the “chainsaw” schtick on every guy who ordered a fuzzy navel, and it ALWAYS brought in good tips. Yay booze! ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/83 "2010-11-11T05:37:42Z")
> [@Argent\_Towers](#): > > Your name wouldn’t happen to be Zager or Evans, would it? My tale was from the 1970s, not in the year 2525. 😉 I am reminded of one time when I was 16 or 17 in West Texas, proud possessor of a new fake ID at a time when the drinking age was 18. I confidently sat down at a table in a restaurant and perused the drinks menu to see if any drink name took my fancy. Making my selection, I masterfully told the waitress: “I’ll have a highball.” She said: “Okay, what kind?” Kind?!? Damn, all pretense of credibility flew right out the window. (She helpfully named a couple, and I desperately chose one.) ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/84 "2010-11-11T05:44:28Z")
> [@Martini\_Enfield](#): > > I can assure you that there’s nothing archaic about a Singapore Sling. 🙂 The Singapore Sling was invented at the [Long Bar](http://www.raffles.com/EN_RA/Property/RHS/Restaurants_Bars/Long_Bar.htm) of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, in the 1920s. The wife and I have actually drank Singapore Slings there. Interesting place. Serves you complimentary unshelled peanuts in baskets, and you’re supposed to toss the shells onto the floor. Nowadays they make the Singapore Slings up in batches, because all the tourists want to have one in its birthplace, but it’s still kind of neat. The same bar may be where the last wild tiger in Singapore was shot, in 1902. Most stories peg it in the Pool & Billiard Room instead. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/85 "2010-11-11T05:54:52Z")
I’d like two pints of lager and a packet of crisps, please! ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/86 "2010-11-11T06:24:19Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > The Singapore Sling was invented at the [Long Bar](http://www.raffles.com/EN_RA/Property/RHS/Restaurants_Bars/Long_Bar.htm) of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, in the 1920s. The wife and I have actually drank Singapore Slings there. Interesting place. Serves you complimentary unshelled peanuts in baskets, and you’re supposed to toss the shells onto the floor. Nowadays they make the Singapore Slings up in batches, because all the tourists want to have one in its birthplace, but it’s still kind of neat. > > The same bar may be where the last wild tiger in Singapore was shot, in 1902. Most stories peg it in the Pool & Billiard Room instead. I’ve had a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, complete with lots of delicious complimentary peanuts. In fact, the Long Bar is probably my favourite bar anywhere in the world because it’s just so… Colonial. 🙂 And I think we can agree it says a lot about the sort of place Colonial Singapore was when people in respectable hotels kept rifles handy just in case they had to shoot some of the local wildlife. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![dzero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f9b8f/32.png) [@dzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dzero)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/87 "2010-11-11T06:29:03Z")
> [@](#): > > One bourbon, one scotch, and one beer > One bourbon, one scotch, and one beer > Hey mister bartender come here > I want another drink and I want it now > > ``` > My baby she gone, she been gone two night > I ain't seen my baby since night before last > One bourbon, one scotch, and one beer > > ``` [Source](http://blueslyrics.tripod.com/artistswithsongs/john_lee_hooker_2.htm#one_bourbon_one_scotch_one_beer) ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/88 "2010-11-11T06:31:49Z")
I can’t think of any drink that makes me think one way or the other about a person, other than that they probably like the drink. ---
**Author:** ![congodwarf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e36b37/32.png) [@congodwarf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/congodwarf)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/89 "2010-11-11T06:49:59Z")
I rarely go to bars and I rarely order or drink alcohol. However, the last time I was in a bar, I ordered coffee. The time before that was Grey Goose neat. I got the same looks for both orders. I don’t know what that says about cred but I don’t really care what anyone else thinks about my drinking habits. The only things that concern me are that the vodka doesn’t taste like nail polish remover and that the coffee isn’t chewy. ---
**Author:** ![Jennyrosity](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/2bfe46/32.png) [@Jennyrosity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennyrosity)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 8:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/90 "2010-11-11T08:56:28Z")
> [@The\_Hamster\_King](#): > > Let’s put it this way – if it would ever occur to you to drink the stuff by itself without liquor, it’s not a credible mixer. I drink tonic water on it’s own sometimes. Admittedly, this is largely because my social circle tends to be big drinkers, and if I’m having a night off the booze it’s easier to drink that and have them assume it has gin in it than deal with all the questions about why I’m not drinking. And surely the “credibility” referred to is your credibility as a drinker? I don’t judge people for drinking very sweet, fruity drinks, but I do assume they don’t actually like the taste of alcohol and are just drinking to get drunk. Most of us start out like that - when I first started drinking I drank Southern Comfort and coke, or peach schnapps and lemonade. Now I couldn’t bear anything sweeter than a G & T. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 8:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/91 "2010-11-11T08:59:47Z")
I like to keep it simple. I have three go-to drinks that I typically stick with: Captain & Coke Jack & Ginger Vodka Tonic (Either Absolute or Grey Goose, depending on who I’m with.) > [@davidm](#): > > So what can a non-drinker order to confer credibility? If you’re looking for a drink you can nurse that doesn’t act like a neon sign saying “this guy ain’t drinkin!”, order 7-up, ginger ale or in a pinch coke (light sodas are better) in a rocks glass. The rocks glass is the key, and definitely don’t use a straw. heh. > [@Fenris](#): > > Fact is, a real man or woman orders what they want and a pussy worries about what some stranger standing next to him in the bar thinks about “O noes! What if he doesn’t think I’m MACHO enough for him?!” Geez. What kind of wimp actually spends time wondering “Gosh! Did the bartender think my drink was manly enough for me? What about that drunk two seats down. Maybe I should order something else!” You go to a bar to get a drink and hang with friends unless you’re a poseur trying to impress strangers. And really…if you are? Get a _life_. Yes, yes, we’re all impressed with your awesomeness. All hail **Fenris**. ---
**Author:** ![Weedy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/weedy/32/301_2.png) [@Weedy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weedy)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/92 "2010-11-11T09:13:40Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > So what can a non-drinker order to confer credibility? My preferred drink is mineral water, but if I think that is going to sound too pretentious, I order lemon, lime and bitters. I don’t know if that actually gives me any cred or not. ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/93 "2010-11-11T09:45:11Z")
So a glass of milk is right out? ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/94 "2010-11-11T10:30:31Z")
> [@Kyla](#): > > So a glass of milk is right out? What’s the point of going to the pub and ordering water or milk or whatever? Why not just go a cafe somewhere instead? ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/95 "2010-11-11T10:46:09Z")
> [@EllisDee](#): > > I like to keep it simple. I have three go-to drinks that I typically stick with: > > Captain & Coke > Jack & Ginger > Vodka Tonic (Either Absolute or Grey Goose, depending on who I’m with.) > > If you’re looking for a drink you can nurse that doesn’t act like a neon sign saying “this guy ain’t drinkin!”, order 7-up, ginger ale or in a pinch coke (light sodas are better) in a rocks glass. The rocks glass is the key, and definitely don’t use a straw. heh. > > Yes, yes, we’re all impressed with your awesomeness. All hail **Fenris**. Why wouldn’t the same response be appropriate for **msmith537**? his post was a response to say that he was awesomer than **Fenris**. As for me: no drink makes _you_ look credible, but they can make other people seem trustworthy… ---
**Author:** ![Horatio\_Hellpop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/96 "2010-11-11T12:02:13Z")
I think martinis are due for a critical re-evaluation. Sure, Bond drinks them, but the number 2 martini connoisieur is Jo Anne Worley, and it takes a pretty steep drop after her. Number 3 might be David Niven or one of the ghosts from **Topper,** I dunno. They’re all more famous for other stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/97 "2010-11-11T12:29:00Z")
Room-temperature buttermilk. Everyone in the establishment sits up and takes notice, yessir. Instant cred. Test it some time. mmm ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/98 "2010-11-11T12:54:28Z")
> [@EllisDee](#): > > If you’re looking for a drink you can nurse that doesn’t act like a neon sign saying “this guy ain’t drinkin!”, order 7-up, ginger ale or in a pinch coke (light sodas are better) in a rocks glass. The rocks glass is the key, and definitely don’t use a straw. heh. Yeah, those are usually the ones I go for. I’ve been really partial to ginger ale lately. I never thought to order it in a special way and it’s always annoyed me that they automatically stick a straw in it. Why? Liquid is liquid and it all goes down the same way. Do people prefer a straw in soft drinks but not in liquor? Is the bartender trying to embarrass you into ordering something more expensive? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![MegaBee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f0a364/32.png) [@MegaBee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MegaBee)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/99 "2010-11-11T12:58:00Z")
> [@Martini\_Enfield](#): > > What’s the point of going to the pub and ordering water or milk or whatever? Why not just go a cafe somewhere instead? Designated driver. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224/100 "2010-11-11T13:06:22Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > Slam your fist down - “gimme a goddamn peach daiquiri, in a dirty glass!” When we vacation, I will sometimes order drinks along the line of an Old Fashioned (with bourbon, but I’ll concur on the “Wisconsin brandy thing”) or a vodka martini (sorry gin drinkers, juniper ain’t my flavor), and my husband will order something rummy with a fruit garnish on it. (I was drinking cosmos out of college, which according to wiki may or may not be before they were invented. But I live in the Twin Cities where they may have been invented in the 70s. Still like them). I’m not sure if its credibility, but it sure is fun and we’ve done it a few times at quiet bars. Sit down at the bar. Start talking “flavor profiles” with the bartender. Have him or her “invent” you something based off what you agree on. Often, the bartender (and this is at the sort of place where the bartender likes mixing something with St. Germain and Canton in the same glass), will start mixing and pouring his or her “inspirations” into very small glasses for you - and we’ve had the pleasure of returning to find it on the specialty drinks menu. Our favorite is rye, Canton, orange bitters and lemon. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drinks-automatically-confer-credibility/560224.md?page=6)