‘That’s Borderline Theft’: Women Say ‘No Preference’ To Type Of Alcohol. Then They See The Bill

Normally, you’d trust your bartender to make a recommendation or choose a nice liquor or wine.

But these two women learned the hard way that not all bartenders can be trusted. Some will fleece you into spending way more than necessary for a relatively simple drink.

Women Shocked By $400 Bar Tab

In a trending video with more than 81,000 views, content creator Casie (@casierosev) shares the moment before she and her friend discover they’ve been charged a staggering amount for their cocktails.

“They don’t know it yet but they’re about be shocked to find out the restaurant charged $400 for 5 drinks bc we said we had ‘no tequila preference’ and they chose Clase Azul for our MIXED cocktails,” the text overlay reads as the two women pose together at the restaurant. They are blissfully unaware of what’s coming.

In the caption, Casie breaks down her frustration with the situation.

“Bc 1. why would the bartender choose the most expensive tequila?? 2. At least put it on the rocks and not in a mixed cocktails??? 3. What if we couldn’t pay that?!” she wrote.

The complaint isn’t just about the price. It’s about the principle. When customers say they have “no preference,” they’re essentially giving the bartender permission to choose. Most people agree that’s not an invitation to pour the priciest bottle behind the bar.

What Makes Clase Azul So Expensive?

Clase Azul isn’t your average tequila. According to 88 Bamboo, this ultra-premium brand’s prices range from over $400 for its popular Reposado expression to a jaw-dropping $30,000 for gold-encrusted bottles.

Each bottle is a hand-painted ceramic decanter crafted by artisans in Santa María, Mexico, taking two weeks to complete. The tequila inside is made from 100% Blue Weber agave, aged in fine oak barrels, creating what fans describe as a smooth, sweet sipping experience.

But here’s the thing: Clase Azul is designed to be savored neat or on the rocks, not mixed into cocktails. Luxe Digital explains that the brand’s Reposado typically costs just over $150 for a 750-milliliter bottle. That makes it one of the most expensive tequilas on the market.

Who’s In The Wrong?

This situation raises complicated questions about bar etiquette and expectations. Industry experts generally agree that when customers don’t specify a preference, bartenders should ask clarifying questions, especially when price differences are significant.

According to VinePair, it’s frustrating when establishments don’t list spirit prices on menus. The publication advises customers to be direct. They should say something like, “I’m deciding between X bourbon and Y bourbon and was wondering what the cost of each was.”

Daily Meal warns against ordering expensive liquor in sugary cocktails. It notes that “expensive liquor tends to be priced that way because of its use of high-quality ingredients and a careful, bespoke distillation process. These factors lead to developed flavors in the liquor that will be totally lost when you combine them with ultra-sugary mixers.”

The general consensus is that Clase Azul in a mixed drink is both a waste of money and a waste of quality tequila.

But the bigger question remains. Should a bartender assume customers want the most expensive option when they say “no preference”? Or should they default to mid-range choices? Commenters seem to have the answer.

Commenters React

“This is so weird because I thought it was standard to serve well/house when someone doesn’t have a preference,” a top comment read.

“If I heard one of my bartenders was pulling that s— I’d fire them, that’s borderline theft with how shady it is. Bad karma for suuuuurr,” a person said.

“I’m in the industry and I would never do that and I would actually refuse to pay the full amount,” another wrote.

“They probably charged for it but didn’t use it too,” a commenter added.

BroBible reached out to Casie for comment via email and Instagram direct message.