Call Drink

A “call drink” refers to a cocktail where the customer specifies a particular brand or quality of a spirit when ordering. When someone orders a drink “on call,” they are requesting a specific brand or type of alcohol for that particular cocktail. This is in contrast to a “well drink” or a “house drink,” where the bartender uses the default or house pour of a particular type of alcohol.

For example, if someone orders a “vodka soda on call,” it means they want a vodka and soda water, but they are specifying the brand of vodka they prefer. The choice of brand might be based on personal preference, familiarity, or a desire for a higher quality or premium spirit.

Call drinks can vary widely depending on the establishment and the available selection of spirits. Bartenders in upscale or specialized bars are often well-versed in making call drinks to the customer’s specifications.