Bartender reveals 'red flags' customers should look out for during drinks service

A bartender has shared all the "red flags" customers should look out for when ordering drinks this St Patrick's Day (March 17).

In a video shared on TikTok, the bartender, who works at Four Pins Social, details the worst offences.

The first is shoving a glass in the ice to fill it up ahead of adding the beverage.

They explain this is a red flag as it is unhygienic, and because there is a risk the glass will break, requiring all of the ice to be cleaned out and replaced.

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"If the glass breaks, all ice is gone," a fellow bartender confirmed in the comments.

"Always use an ice scoop," another said.

"One of the dirtiest place in the bar or restaurant is the ice well!" one commenter wrote, as another added, "Glass dipped in ice is a health code violation."

One bartender shared: "Oh god I was super hungover and broke a glass in the ice at peak Friday night rush."

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Next is using a nip measuring device for conserving alcohol in mixed drinks, which is seen by some as a little stingy but appears to be standard practice in many establishments.

Others pointed out the real problem is how the liquid is carelessly splashed into the glass, which can cause waste.

"Also bad free pour, never splash the shot in the glass," one TikToker commented.

"Measurements is not a bad thing, they could be learning," another said.

Not placing cocktails on a bar napkin or coaster comes next, although added to this was concern over holding the glasses at the rim instead of the stem.

However, another bartender said, "I have been told stemware does not need a bev nap [napkin]."

Some disputed this as a bartender red flag, saying they "hate bar napkins" and just want their drink as quickly as possible.

"Fingers around top of glass," another pointed out.

"Holding a glass where people lips touch," another explained.

Finally, the bartender flagged taking a glass out of a dishwasher and using it for beer while still warm as a bad sign.

"Hot beer please... not," one said.

Another argued: "Would u rather me pour your beer in a gin glass when we run out of cold beer glasses?"