They Are Not Shelf Aware
Pretty much any bar will have rail liquor. These are the most budget-friendly, house-brand spirits that are kept in the “speed rail,” which is a designated rack directly below the counter for easy access. These spirits are automatically used for mixed drinks (e.g., “vodka and Coke”) unless a specific brand is requested by the customer.
Customer: “I want a Long Island! Top shelf!”
Me: “To be clear, by top shelf, you mean top shelf for the tequila, vodka, light rum, gin, and triple sec?”
Customer: “Yes! Top shelf! Best ingredients!”
Me: “I can do that, but it usually tastes better with the house liquor when mixing—”
Customer: “—top shelf! Top!”
I make it for her, and she takes one sip.
Customer: “Eww! This tastes like nothing but Tanqueray.”
I remake it for her, this time using our rail liquor gin.
Customer: “Eww! Now all I can taste is the Belvedere!”
Not wanting to waste any more time on this, I finally made one with all rail liquor.
Customer: “You finally made it right! Finally! Top-shelf!”
I slide the two earlier attempts closer to her.
Me: “I’ll leave these other two here for you, too.”
Customer: “Why? I’m not going to drink them!”
Me: “Yes, but you are going to pay for them.”
