With the phrase “never get stuck on your first drink” as its motto, this is a complete guide to making your bar drinking debut smooth and stress-free. First, you will learn the difference between “long” and “short” drinks in terms of glass style and how they are enjoyed. Next, you will understand the flavor profiles of different base spirits, including gin, vodka, rum, and tequila. Finally, we will introduce 20 classic choices that are easy for beginners to order, along with tips on how to ask for them and a few fun facts. With just this article, ordering at a bar will feel more enjoyable—and even a little empowering—starting tonight.

First, understand the basics of 「long」 and 「short」 drinks

Even with the same cocktail, the experience can change completely depending on the glass and the method of preparation. Knowing how to choose between “long” and “short” drinks based on the pace of conversation, the food, and the time of day is the quickest way to feel confident at a bar.

【Long]】Mixed with ice plus soda or juice. The alcohol content is light to moderate, and the serving size is larger (roughly 250–350 ml)

A long drink is typically served in a tall glass filled with ice, then finished with soda, tonic water, or fruit juice. Its defining qualities are smooth drinkability and a refreshing feel. Because it contains more liquid, the alcohol tends to feel milder even when the actual amount of alcohol is the same, making it easier to keep pace with conversation. Since one drink lasts longer, it is ideal for setting a relaxed tone in situations like meeting someone for the first time or catching up after a long time. Another appeal is that the overall flavor changes significantly depending on the mixer, so it is easy to tailor the drink to your mood with options like bright citrus notes or a gentle sweetness.

【Short】Finished by shaking or stirring. The alcohol content is moderate to strong, and the serving size is smaller (roughly 70–120 ml)

A short cocktail is a small yet concentrated drink, typically served in a rounded cocktail glass. It is rapidly chilled and diluted with ice by either shaking or stirring gently, allowing its aroma and texture to become beautifully concentrated in a single glass. Because the volume is smaller, the peak of its flavor comes through more clearly, and the lingering finish after each sip is often richer as well. It is especially suited to moments with a sense of occasion, such as an aperitif before a meal, the final drink of a course, or a more atmospheric part of the evening. If you are unsure about the strength, you can simply ask for it to be “lighter” or “a bit sweeter,” and the bartender will often suggest a recipe with a similar character.

【How to choose by occasion】 If the focus is on conversation, go with a long drink; for a single drink before or after a meal, choose a short cocktail

If you want to gently keep a conversation flowing between two people, a long drink is the better choice because it lets you savor the moment over a longer period of time. If you want to stimulate your appetite before a meal or make the end of the evening feel more memorable, a short cocktail is especially fitting. On nights when you want to visit a few places without lingering too long, the classic approach is to refresh yourself with a long drink first, then finish neatly with a short one. As you go, pay attention to how each drink matches the mood of the bar, the background music, and the tone of the lighting, and let each glass add another layer to the story of your night.

Learn the 「base」of cocktails (a quick guide to flavor directions)

The base = the backbone of the drink. Just by deciding on the base, it becomes much easier to narrow down your choice from an overwhelming menu. Memorize the quick guide below at a glance, and make your very first order more precise

Gin: herbal aroma with a crisp finish, ideal for those who enjoy bitterness to dry flavors

The hallmark of gin is its fresh aroma, created by botanicals centered around juniper berries, evoking pine needles and citrus peel. When mixed with dry tonic or soda, its crisp bitterness comes forward, while lemon or lime makes the profile even sharper. Because its herbal aroma stands out so clearly, it is ideal for those who prefer a more mature flavor with restrained sweetness. It is also a perfect choice for refreshing yourself in hot weather or gently preparing your palate before a meal.

Vodka: clean and neutral, with a character that changes depending on the mixer

Because it is colorless and transparent with a very subtle aroma, vodka brings out the character of the mixer in a direct and straightforward way. It can range widely in style—refreshing with dry ginger ale, pleasantly bitter with grapefruit, or more savory with tomato juice. Even beginners who are not fond of strong liquor aromas often find it approachable, and the impression of the very same recipe can change surprisingly depending on the use of ice and temperature control.

Rum: a sweet lingering finish, pairing especially well with tropical flavors and mint

Its appeal lies in the mellow sweetness derived from sugarcane, along with hints of vanilla and caramel from barrel aging. With lime and mint, it becomes vibrantly refreshing, and when paired with juices, it instantly takes on a tropical character. Dark rum gives the finish more depth and pairs exceptionally well with dessert cocktails. The key is to enjoy its sweetness while balancing it with herbs and citrus.

Tequila: sharply crisp, with citrus and salt making its profile stand out

Its defining qualities are an agave-derived aroma reminiscent of open green grasslands and a sharpness that cuts cleanly across the palate. Lime and salt bring its profile into crisp focus, beautifully highlighting the contrast between sweetness and acidity. It is a great choice for those who prefer drier drinks or want to shift the mood, adding an extra lift to the tempo of the night. Premium tequila can also be mellow and complex in aroma, making it especially well suited to short cocktails.

Whiskey（barrel aroma and depth）／Brandy（fruit fullness）／Liqueurs（rich variety through sweetness and aroma）

Whiskey is appealing for the depth created by barrel aroma and the richness of grain, making it versatile enough for everything from soda-based drinks to short cocktails. Brandy offers an elegant expansion of grape fruitiness and truly comes into its own in short cocktails suited to dessert or after-dinner drinking. Liqueurs are built around the sweetness and aroma of fruit, herbs, and spices, making them an easy entry point even for those not yet used to alcohol, as they can be enjoyed first through their fragrance.

Cocktails with special meanings （little tidbits that make ordering more fun）

Once you know the story behind a cocktail, the value of a single glass grows many times over. Keep a few little tidbits in mind that can spark conversation, and let them add a touch of confidence to your order.

Margarita: an anecdote symbolizing “eternal love”

A classic cocktail made with tequila, lime, orange liqueur, and a salt rim. There are various theories, but a romantic story is widely told that it was created as an expression of love for someone special. Its sharp acidity and the mineral quality of the salt tighten the sweetness, creating a well-defined, sophisticated drink. It is perfect for nights when you want to shift your mood or create a sense of freedom and openness.

Manhattan: known as the “Queen of Cocktails”

Made by stirring rye whiskey （or bourbon）, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Its bittersweet sensuality and the lingering note of cherry spread quietly, like a city night view. True to its title as a “queen,” it has an elegant yet powerful presence. It is a short cocktail that shines at a second bar where you want to deepen the conversation slowly, or in an after-dinner setting.

Gimlet: famous for a celebrated writer’s line

A short cocktail that turns the simple combination of gin and lime into something sharp and crystal-clear in flavor. The famous line from a well-known novel, 「A real gimlet needs lime juice」, is often cited as a fun piece of trivia, giving the drink an air of connoisseurship. If made less sweet, its crispness stands out; if adjusted slightly sweeter, it becomes more rounded and approachable. It is a drink worth remembering as your first “classic short” cocktail.

Recommended Long Drinks at the Bar: 10 Great Choices to Enjoy Lightly

For your first drink, the easiest path to success is to choose based on “drinkability and refreshing character.” Below are 10 reliable options that are easy to enjoy and also make the differences in flavor easy to understand.

Gin and Tonic （Gin）

A timeless classic in which gin botanicals, the gentle bitterness of tonic, and the aroma of lime come together. Dry and crisp, it is perfect as a first drink. Since the aroma changes depending on the brand of gin, part of the fun is discovering your personal favorite.

Gin Fizz （Gin）

The tartness of lemon and the lively sparkling texture make this drink especially refreshing. With the soft sweetness of sugar, it is an easy classic for beginners to gin. It also works well as a palate opener before a meal.

Gin Buck （Gin）

Gin × ginger ale creates a drink that is both spicy and light. If you choose dry ginger ale, the sweetness stays restrained and the overall impression becomes more stylish.

Gin Rickey （Gin）

Gin × soda × lime. Because no sweetness is added, the aroma and crisp finish stand out, making it a classic for those who prefer drier drinks. It also pairs well with food without getting in the way.

Singapore Sling （Gin）

A glamorous drink layered with cherry liqueur and pineapple. Its sweet-tart flavor and tropical character make it perfect for nights when you want to lift your mood.

Moscow Mule （Vodka）

Vodka × ginger beer （or ginger ale） × lime. The kick of ginger is pleasantly invigorating, making this a clean, easy-drinking all-rounder.

Salty Dog （Vodka）

A drink where the gentle bitterness of grapefruit is sharpened by a salt rim. With restrained sweetness, it is ideal for those who enjoy a more mature bitter flavor.

Mojito （Rum）

Lime and mint are muddled together for a brilliantly refreshing drink. It is perfect not only in hot weather, but also as a refreshing choice after a meal.

Kahlúa Milk （Liqueur）

Coffee liqueur × milk. Gentle and dessert-like, it is also an easy entry point for those who are not yet used to alcohol.

Campari Orange （Liqueur）

The bitterness of Campari and the sweet-tartness of orange create a well-balanced combination. Its slightly bitter aftertaste is irresistibly addictive.

Recommended Short Drinks at the Bar: 10 Great Choices to Savor for Their Aroma and Finish

Short cocktails, with their layered aromas and lingering finish, are the perfect trump card for highlighting the key moments of the night. Their strength can be adjusted to suit your taste, so do not hesitate to ask.

Gimlet （Gin）

A refined, minimal cocktail built around gin and lime. With restrained sweetness and a crisp finish, it is the perfect short cocktail to remember first. If made a little sweeter, it takes on a more rounded and embracing character.

White Lady （Gin）

Gin × lemon × orange liqueur. Layers of citrus aroma unfold softly, creating an elegant and graceful balance. Suitable both before and during a meal.

Blue Moon （Gin）

Made with Parfait Amour （violet liqueur）, this cocktail is memorable for its blue-violet fragrance. A perfect choice for a night when you want something sweet and poetic.

Alexander （Brandy）

Brandy × cacao × cream. Rich and dessert-like, it is ideal as an after-dinner finale. Its smooth texture leaves a long, lingering finish.

Margarita （Tequila）

A drink in which lime and salt sharpen the profile and help reset the mood. Its crisp acidity is refreshing and especially fitting on a warm night.

Dry Martini （Gin）

The ultimate expression of gin × dry vermouth. It offers a crystal-clear aroma and a tense, lingering finish. A “classic for connoisseurs” that showcases the bartender’s skill.

Sidecar （Brandy）

Brandy × lemon × orange liqueur. A beautifully classic cocktail where fruit richness and bright acidity are in elegant harmony.

Aurora （Vodka）

Vodka × apple × lemon. Its fresh acidity stands out, creating a drink that feels light yet leaves a pleasant aromatic finish.

Manhattan （Whiskey）

Rye or bourbon × sweet vermouth × bitters. Its bittersweet sensuality spreads quietly, adding an elegant touch to the night.

New York （Whiskey）

Whiskey × lime × grenadine. A stylish short cocktail where fruitiness and spice coexist. A small luxury to enjoy after a meal.

Recommended ways to enjoy bar drinks even more through tasting comparisons

When comparing drinks, the order matters. Start with those that have delicate aromas and move toward those with stronger personalities. If you also pay attention to temperature and the use of ice, you will begin to notice the deeper character within even a single glass.

Keep the base spirit the same and move from long to short

At first, try keeping the same base spirit （for example, gin） and tasting in the order of long → short. This makes it easier to understand the “range” of differences in aroma and sharpness. It also reduces palate fatigue, which makes it easier to put those differences into words. Once you find a brand you like, repeating the same process with a different base spirit will lead to even more discoveries.

For aroma, go from delicate （citrus） to bold （smoky）

If you begin with delicate citrus or herbal notes and place stronger aromas such as barrel character or smokiness later, the overall progression feels much more balanced. Be careful, because if you drink something with a powerful aroma first, it becomes harder to notice the finer details in the drinks that follow. Paying attention to lingering aromas left in the glass also helps reduce shifts in impression.

Focus on ice and temperature （ice for long drinks, temperature range for short drinks）

For long drinks, large ice cubes help control how slowly the drink becomes diluted, while for short drinks, chilling the glass helps control how the aroma rises. Even a difference of just a few degrees can change how the aroma opens up and how sweetness is perceived. If you compare the very first sip right after serving with another sip one or two minutes later, you can enjoy the cocktail’s “timeline” as it evolves.

If you want to choose a place in Shinjuku based on the drink you feel like having, try Bar Find.

If you want to enjoy a night out in Shinjuku, the key is choosing a bar where you can spend time with a drink that matches your mood that day. With Bar Find（ Bar Find）, you can browse a wide range of genres all at once, including authentic bars, karaoke bars, mix bars, and concept cafés. It also introduces hidden gems and more niche bars that are not listed online, making it perfect for dates, second stops, or drinking alone.

With its convenient search function that lets you choose a bar based on the drink you want, you are sure to find the perfect spot for the glass you feel like having tonight. Be sure to check it out.

Summary｜Choosing bar drinks becomes instantly more enjoyable once you have a framework

Once you have a framework for choosing, ordering drinks at a bar quickly becomes something you can express in your own words. Let’s go over the key points one last time.

The key to choosing is 「long or short」 + 「decide on the base spirit」

First, choose whether you want a long drink to ease into the atmosphere or a short drink to define a key moment. Then, simply decide on one base spirit—such as gin, vodka, rum, or tequila—and the uncertainty of ordering drops dramatically. For beginners, a Gin and Tonic is a reliable starting point for a long drink, while a Gimlet is a classic and dependable entry into short cocktails. From there, you can gradually expand your world according to your mood, the season, or how the drink pairs with food. A bar is a place where beginners are welcome. If you are unsure, just be honest about your preferences, and you will surely be guided to 「a drink that feels just right for you right now」. Start casually with a single glass, and let your story begin.