I’m not here to knock the joke- it was fun. Just some fun facts for those who care. While it is the “cool main character” or at least “old cliche” thing to do- ordering a “whiskey straight up” or generally even “a whiskey” will often leave a bar tender curious, annoyed, bemused, or all. If you are a regular or a place only has ONE type of a drink like perhaps a Wild West saloon in a movie or a dive bar; or if you’re just looking to get drunk or an alcoholic- “whiskey” might work- but there are so many tropes of whiskies let alone brands of whiskey… and let us not forget if this is something you’re concerned about- prices. A particularly unscrupulous bartender could give you a glass of “whiskey” costing hundreds of dollars or more. Unless you’re ok with that- it is usually best to ask or look at the shelf or whiskey list. If you want to seem like a “pro,” you’ll also probably want to avoid ordering “whiskey” and ask for a list or view what is available for types and brands if you don’t
have a preferred whiskey or want to taste some new whiskeys.
As for the “straight…” that causes some problems too! In the US, “straight whiskey” is whiskey that meets certain criteria for age and modifications. There are multiple types of straight whiskey.
“Strait” should not be confused for “straight up” which can be distinct from ordering a drink “up.” When a drink is served “neat” is it served straight from the bottle to glass- generally warm, and with no prep. So you can have a whiskey or vodka “neat” but not a martini or Long Island ice tea.
“Up” involves some preparation. So you can have a Martini served “up,” generally a drink served “up” will have no ice in it, but it may have been chilled or passed through ice.
“Straight up” generally means that the drink is
Served “neat” assuming the drink is usually drank at room temperature. But if the drink is usually chilled- “straight up” can mean “up.”
The bar tender MAY make the assumption based on context- but…
.. it can cause confusion. People order odd stuff. Most “whiskey snobs” will tell you that whiskey is best at room temperature- the flavor and aroma are most pronounced. It is generally held that chilling whiskey diminishes flavor. Of course wether because they like a more subdued flavor or because they watch a lot of old movies or whatever reason- many people order whiskey with ice. So while a bar tender at a high end whiskey tasting joint might assume that you want your whiskey warm- a bar tender at a local club might not know what you want. Even at a fancier spot they may be confused because those sorts of places tend to be about customer service and you probably don’t want to pour too many $200+ drinks that get sent back of you like your job.
So I’m reference to this joke it is unlikely the bar tender would 1. Use the term “straight” especially to refer to serving style of a whiskey, and 2. Would use “straight” to mean “neat” as “neat” would be analogous to “straight up” and with whiskey, “straight” is a specific type of whiskey and “straight up” is a manner to serve whiskey which is slightly ambiguous. Like I said- I’m not here to pick on the joke- or doesn’t have to be 100% perfect, or was fun. And besides- there are lots of bartenders and at least one would surely speak that way. Not every bartender is either super informed or super formal on their speech and these things can change meaning person to person. Or place to place.
I’m just here to point out for bay curious how to either and/or avoid potential issues with your drink or bar tender and not look noobtastic when ordering whiskey.
As for the “straight…” that causes some problems too! In the US, “straight whiskey” is whiskey that meets certain criteria for age and modifications. There are multiple types of straight whiskey.
“Strait” should not be confused for “straight up” which can be distinct from ordering a drink “up.” When a drink is served “neat” is it served straight from the bottle to glass- generally warm, and with no prep. So you can have a whiskey or vodka “neat” but not a martini or Long Island ice tea.
“Up” involves some preparation. So you can have a Martini served “up,” generally a drink served “up” will have no ice in it, but it may have been chilled or passed through ice.
“Straight up” generally means that the drink is
Served “neat” assuming the drink is usually drank at room temperature. But if the drink is usually chilled- “straight up” can mean “up.”
The bar tender MAY make the assumption based on context- but…
I’m just here to point out for bay curious how to either and/or avoid potential issues with your drink or bar tender and not look noobtastic when ordering whiskey.
*pours glass of rainbow whiskey*