Via iStockphoto / @atbrittanyelaine TikTok
Another video has ignited a tipping culture debate after a server complained about the amount they were tipped for strong drinks.
Asking to make your drink “strong” instead of ordering a double is a bold move. But an even bolder one, according to this bartender, is choosing to lowball your tip.
It can be difficult to establish just how much to tip your bartender. But when it comes to strong drinks, TikTok user and bartender Brittany Elaine (@atbrittanyelaine) argues that one’s tip should be especially generous to reflect that extra flourish.
The TikTok, which has garnered 619,800 views, consists of Elaine holding her camera zoomed in to a receipt. On the $30.59 bill, it says that a $5 tip has been left. This comes to approximately a 16.4% tip.
Accompanying the clip is on-screen text that says, “Bartenders! If they ask you to make their drinks ‘strong’ DON’T DO IT!”
The TikToker then added in the video description, “Just make the drink like it’s supposed to be made and charge them for EVERYTHING. People usually don’t look out like they say they are. No winning and def not losing!”
BroBible reached out to Elaine via email.
Fed Up With ‘Tipping Culture’
By large, commenters disagreed with the TikToker.
“Complaining about a near 20% tip is the reason tipping culture is a joke,” one wrote.
“…This is a totally appropriate tip?” a second said. “I thought 15-20% was the norm?”
A third pointed out, “$5 on $30 is good if all you had to do was pour a bit extra in their drink.”
Similarly, a fourth added, “Thats a great tip! Tips are optional and getting mad about one like this makes people want to just not all together.”
And a fifth opined that “someone complaining bout tips should not be working for tips.”
Bartenders On This Frustration
Over on the r/Bartender subreddit, one worker discussed a similar predicament.
“Customers who request to make the drink ‘strong’ are usually the s— tippers,” they wrote. “Does anyone else go through this? I work at an airport bar and have came across a common situation where customers would request for their cocktails to be ‘extra strong’ yet almost every time they tip way less then expected… Am I just being too greedy/entitled and am expecting more than I should get, or is this a common practice with customers who want a little extra kick in their drink?”
In response, another bartender said, “If someone asks for their drink to be strong, my immediate reply is, ‘So, a double?’ You are correct that those who ask for this are cheap b——- who are going to stiff you. The least I can do is get my ring for your ‘strong’ jack and coke. If you don’t want the double, I’m shorting you on mixer. There’s only two kinds of people I pour heavy for; my friends, and my good regulars who I already know will take care of me.”
A third advised, “‘Extra strong’ is not a phrase bartenders need to entertain. The customer may purchase one shot by calling the drink or two by requesting a double. Your response to ‘extra strong’ is, ‘Would you like a single or a double?’. Now a good customer who would never be so impertinent as to ask for free alcohol, and behaves with good vibes and generosity, will find the bartender to be equally generous. This is achieved without hurting liquor cost by short pouring the ‘extra strong’ dip—–.”
@atbrittanyelaine Bartending101! Just make the drink like it’s supposed to be made and charge them for EVERYTHING. Pple usually don’t look out like they say they are. No winning and def not losing! #bartenderlife #bartendingtiktok #bartender101 #bartips