Ever found yourself in a situation where you’ve had one too many drinks but are still tempted to sneak in another before last call, only to realize that something’s different about your drink? Well, it turns out that it might not be a coincidence, as one bartender has unveiled a discreet method for responsibly serving patrons who’ve reached their limit.
Renowned American mixologist Ben Smith, known as @benjispears on TikTok with a substantial following of 1.5 million users, recently shared his insight on how bartenders address the age-old challenge of dealing with customers who’ve had their fill.
In a brief TikTok clip, Ben reenacts a scenario familiar to anyone who has worked in a bar. His caption reads, “When your drunk bestie is insisting [on] another drink but you know they have to work in the morning.”
He proceeds to demonstrate a clever technique for addressing this dilemma. “Oh yeah, you’re good babe, I got ya,” he assures the customer while employing his crafty approach.
Rather than pouring actual alcohol into the glass, Ben feigns the process by filling the cup with a non-alcoholic beverage, such as a soft drink or water. He follows this with a touch of red-colored juice (presumably alcohol-free), and a generous squeeze of lime. Completing the illusion, he inserts a metal straw and announces, “Alright, honey, a strong one coming right up.”
This TikTok video quickly gained viral status, accumulating more than 11.1 million views, 1.1 million likes, and numerous comments from viewers eager to share their reactions and thoughts on this creative bartending technique.
Ben Smith’s clever revelation sheds light on the delicate balance that bartenders must strike between customer service and responsible alcohol service, ensuring the well-being of patrons while maintaining a convivial atmosphere.
