While happy hours are the tried-and-true method for bar-goers to enjoy a drink for less, it’s not always possible to make it to one’s favorite haunt in time, as those deals usually run during odd hours on weekdays. But one Miami woman has another way she says customers can score drinks for free. The so-called hack is pretty divisive among bartenders.
Alexia Lugo (@lexsofia), a Miami-based content creator, told her audience to “work smarter not harder” by requesting drink samples. According to Lugo, bartenders “can’t charge you for a sample!”
Lugo’s video has more than 722,000 views. And many viewers who said they worked in the hospitality industry disputed the claim.
“I wouldnt call this a hack at all because very, and I mean very few places will actually do this,” one viewer said. “I’ve actually never heard of places that do this, and I’ve worked at different places ranging from sports bars- upscale dining. Wine tasting? Sure but 99% of places will not give you liquor for free, because it still has to be accounted for during inventory checks.”
Another commenter said, “As a bartender i’ll happily let you sample a beer or wine, but never liquor or a cocktail unless i’ve already made some extra by mistake.”
What Can Customers Ask Bartenders For?
TastingTable reported that in some elevated full-service settings, it’s reasonable for a bartender to offer customers samples of different ingredients in a cocktail. Bartenders may also offer samples of certain wine and beer options. This is usually done at the discretion of the bartender, not the customer. Additionally, bartenders don’t usually offer customers samples of cocktails in dive bars.
Sampling a drink “entirely depends on the type of bar you’re in,” Lex Madden, the bar manager at Point Easy in Denver, told the publication. Some breweries may offer customers samples of beer and wine, for instance, but there might be limitations.
One commenter mentioned that at their brewery, they only allowed up to three small samples before charging for a 4-ounce pour.
Other bars don’t offer customers drink samples at all.
“A lot of places in Florida allow you to sample different beers and ciders for sure… I’m from NC and we don’t do that here lol,” one viewer said.
“I’ll make you a ‘sample’ but it’s still going on your tab lol,” another viewer joked.
So, despite the plethora of ways that customers try to get stronger drinks “on the house,” asking for a number of free drink samples most likely won’t work—at least not at all bars.
@lexsofia They can’t charge you for a sample! Work smarter not harder
BroBible reached out to Lugo via email for comment. This article will be updated if she responds.