What should you do when a guest requests a drink you don't have ingredients for?

What should you do when a guest requests a drink you don't have ingredients for?

• A. Offer a suitable alternative and substitutions that fit their palate
• B. Refuse service
• C. Make something up without ingredients
• D. Ignore the guest

Answer: (A)

When a guest asks for a drink you don’t have the ingredients for, the best move is to quickly offer a well-fitted alternative that uses what you do have, with thoughtful substitutions to match their palate. This keeps the guest feelin’ heard and preserves the flow of service, while showing you’re confident in the menu and flexible with flavors. Start by asking a quick couple of questions about their preferences—do they want something sweeter, more tart, stronger, or lighter? Then propose a couple of options you can make with your current ingredients, highlighting how you’re adapting flavors to fit what they like. If needed, suggest substitutions that stay in the same flavor family (for example, swapping a missing liqueur for another with a similar sweetness or citrus note) and adjust strength, sweetness, or acidity to match their taste. Always confirm what they’d prefer before mixing, and consider any allergies or restrictions. Refusing service, making something up without a solid plan, or ignoring the guest misses the chance to deliver good hospitality and can lead to a poor experience.

When a guest asks for a drink you don’t have the ingredients for, the best move is to quickly offer a well-fitted alternative that uses what you do have, with thoughtful substitutions to match their palate. This keeps the guest feelin’ heard and preserves the flow of service, while showing you’re confident in the menu and flexible with flavors.

Start by asking a quick couple of questions about their preferences—do they want something sweeter, more tart, stronger, or lighter? Then propose a couple of options you can make with your current ingredients, highlighting how you’re adapting flavors to fit what they like. If needed, suggest substitutions that stay in the same flavor family (for example, swapping a missing liqueur for another with a similar sweetness or citrus note) and adjust strength, sweetness, or acidity to match their taste. Always confirm what they’d prefer before mixing, and consider any allergies or restrictions.

Refusing service, making something up without a solid plan, or ignoring the guest misses the chance to deliver good hospitality and can lead to a poor experience.