Fraternity members frequently claim that it's an old Greek tradition. -Others say that it's a mark of respect to the bartender. Some believe that you cheers to the future, but a tap on the bar acknowledges the past.
In Ireland, it was believed that liquor contained spirits that might be harmful if consumed, and tapping the glass dispelled those spirits. In drinking contests, tapping your beer could cause the foam to settle, making it easier to finish quickly.
It was believed that tapping the table would ward off any evil spirits lurking within the drink. Sailors would tap the table, then drink the shot, ensuring that any lurking malevolent forces would be left behind at the bottom of the glass.
In the double-tap technique, after the first round is fired, the shooter quickly reacquires the sights for a fast second shot. This skill can be practiced by firing two shots at a time, taking time between the shots to reacquire the sights.
A fill line is a marking on drinkware indicating the volume of liquid held by the glass.
What is a jigger? A cocktail jigger is a shot or cocktail measuring cup for bartenders, ranging in sizes of 0.5-2.5 oz. For ease of use, many jiggers have fill lines on the inside or outside with oft-used cocktail or shot glass measurements. The word jigger can also be used as a unit of measurement in cocktail recipes.
Don't wave money, yell drink orders or interrupt.
They're making drinks, taking orders, closing tabs and doing floor service all at the same time. Don't cut them off from talking to another person; don't scream your order at them and walk away. You'll get your drink.
But sometimes I get groups in that have shots besides their beer. Every once in a while someone in the group will order a new round for him and his friends. Turning the shot glass upside down signals “I'm skipping the next round of shots.” And everyone with his glass still upright gets a refill.
Typically, the larger end of the jigger is 1.5 ounces and the smaller end is 0.75 ounces. In most cases when people refer to a “jigger” or a “jigger shot” they are referring to the standard jigger size of 1.5 ounces. The smaller end of the jigger is known as a pony shot.
Many drinkers believe this demonstrates respect for the establishment and those who work there. Tapping the bar is a way to celebrate the often-unseen folks who made the moment possible, such as barbacks, kitchen porters, delivery truck drivers, locksmiths, and so on.
Pouring soda down the spirals of a bar spoon allows bubbles to attach to the metal and enter spirits much more gracefully without fizzing over, thus maintaining that satisfying carbonation. “It works like a dipstick in a car — you pour oil down the dipstick, and it will stick to it,” says Stewart.
The term “Two Fingers of Whiskey” means that the width of two fingers when you hold it next to the glass is the volume of the whiskey. The terminology two fingers of whiskey is a rough way of measuring how much whiskey goes in your glass.
Even with relaxed rules, superstitions linger that toasting with water — or an empty glass — brings bad luck, a nonspecific threat that's been passed for generations without detail.
Clinking glasses with water is looked down upon across many cultures. It's believed that the act brings bad luck or even death upon the recipient, and in some cases, death upon yourself. The U.S. military actually forbids it with Naval folklore claiming that a toast with water will lead to death by drowning.
When served as part of a meal, beer and soft drinks should always be served in a glass or in some cases a mug. Good manners, whether at a bar or at the table require that a drink must be sipped and certainly not gulped down.
You have to not only be courteous to customers; you also have to offer them some courtesy from time to time. Especially to those who are regulars at the bar. This is an important part of the golden rule.
Always respect the bar.
Everything from why you shake, when you muddle, to the practicalities of the job, and what we call the five 'P's of world class service: pride, passion, preparation, professionalism and presentation.
Kissing is fine, but if you're pinning someone against the wall and hands start going places, you gotta step in.
Like most drinking rituals, taking shots comes with its own traditions and customs. One such practice involves tapping the table with one's glass after toasting with the group and before knocking back the shooter.