Bartender Calls Out Customers Who Order This Popular Alcohol—But Pronounce It Wrong

You’ve probably suspected it, but one Charlotte, North Carolina, bartender confirmed it: Bartenders judge how you order.

In an irate tequila-focused TikTok, JD (@jd.ptp) takes her complaint to social media. With over 132,600 views, her video on phonics is striking very specific chord.

“Y’all be pissing me off,” the bartender says, “When y’all be coming to my bar and say, ‘Let me get a shot.'”

Then she poses a rhetorical question to the camera, saying, “Am I a mind reader?” She explains that often she has to ask, “What kind of shot?”

And when the guest says “tequila,” the bartender has to drag out another answer. “‘What kind of tequila?'” she says.

After this presumably tedious back-and-forth, she’s insulted by the answer: “resposato.”

Thwack. She smacks her phone to the floor.

How To Say Reposado, And What’s So Special About It?

Her caption provides more information on her annoyance: “LET SAY IT TOGETHER REP-O-SADO.”

Though there are multiple designations for tequila, Food & Wine explains that “reposado” is one of the main three categories. The other two most common types are añejo and blanco. All tequila is made from “blue Weber agave across five regions in Mexico.” Over 90% of production takes place in Jalisco, and the contrasts in flavor profiles begin just after the distillation process.

Blanco is “young” tequila that’s released immediately post-distillation or up to two months after. The flavor profile is “crisp and vegetal.” Reposado is an “aged” spirit, and añejo is “extra aged.” Both spend time in oak barrels, which can deepen the flavors, imparting nuance, like notes of vanilla, caramel, dried fruits, and warm baking spices.

But like any distilled plant product, the flavor of the final product is impacted by many parts of the growing, harvesting, and processing process. Then there are the legal requirements: “Mexico’s laws require that tequila must contain a minimum of just 51% blue agave. But “mixto” tequilas can be made with a mixture of the plant’s juices and artificial sweeteners (cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup).” While still legally classified as tequilas, they’re often considered to be inferior.

Why You Should Specify

Though JD has lots of support in the comments, there are a couple of management techniques offered.

“Everybody who orders a shot without specifying immediately gets Rumpleminze. They only make this mistake once,” said @ohsnapka.

“I just say Rep cause yall know we drunk and that’s too many syllables [triple tilted laughing emoji],” admitted another.

Then, TikToker @yourmusela quipped, “It don’t matter” me: ok a shot of scotch! Them:nooooooo OKAY EXACTLY TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT.”

One Of The Most Popular Spirits In The Country

American consumption of tequila has been steadily increasing. Currently, sales of tequila only follow vodka in terms of popularity. In 2021 the United States made up more than 60% of global tequila and mezcal sales. Experts think that the rise in popularity of the spirit is due to the rise of traditionally made tequilas.

Additionally, many traditionally crafted tequilas are made without additives and are increasingly terroir-driven. That means the soil of distinct regions imparts flavor and nuance through the plant itself. Food & Wine also notes that “consumers are exploring more styles, asking more questions, and gravitating toward tequilas that reflect a sense of place.”

Carlos Camarena, a fifth‑generation agave farmer and master distiller, says the category’s rise is rooted in consumers finally tasting high‑quality tequila and realizing it’s nothing like the harsh drink many remember from their spring break misadventures. No matter how you pronounce it.

BroBible reached out to JD via TikTok direct message and with a comment on the post. We will update this article if she gets back to us.