How Much Should You Tip At A Bar?

Tipping etiquette has changed quite a bit over the past handful of years. Where it used to be customary to tip 10-15% on takeout orders and at coffee counters, that number has climbed significantly, and now you can expect to tip 18-20% for most food and beverage services, including service at fast-casual restaurants, delivery, and bars. Since bars have such range—there are neighborhood dives, open bars at events, upscale speakeasy style lounges, and everything in between—it can be hard to know how much is appropriate to tip at each. Here, we break down how much to tip in every situation so you’ll never be left wondering.

How Much Should You Tip At A Bar?

Tipping a standard $1 per drink is a thing of the past. Today, it’s most appropriate to tailor your tip to the complexity of the drink you order. For a standard well drink, tipping between $1 to $2 per drink is sufficient, but if you order something more complicated, expect to tip more. In general, the longer it takes to make your drink, the more you should tip.

How Much Should You Tip For Beer?

This is an instance in which the $1 per drink rule still applies. If you’re at a bar or a brewery and order a pint, a $1 tip will suffice. Remember that this rule implies $1 per drink, so if you go up and order four beers for friends, you should tip at least $4.

How Much Should You Tip For A Craft Cocktail?

It’s best to tip at least 20% when ordering a craft cocktail. If your bartender takes extra time to craft a cocktail specifically to your tastes, consider tipping 22-25%. Think about your experience at a craft cocktail bar like fine dining. Your bartender is preparing your cocktail with the same care that a professional chef does at a white tablecloth restaurant, so your tip should reflect their work. In addition to mixing up your drink, bartenders have often spent hours of prep time dehydrating fruit for garnishes, squeezing fresh juices, infusing spirits with herbs, and creating flavor pairings for new cocktails.

How Much Should You Tip Per Round?

One place where folks often make a mistake is by tipping per round rather than per drink. In other words, your tip should always be proportional to the number of drinks you order, not the number of times you go to the bar. It doesn’t cut your bartenders work in half to order two shots now versus two shots on two separate trips to the bar, so it's best to always tip per drink.

Should You Tip In Cash?  

There’s a common misconception that it’s best to tip in cash every time you make a trip to the bar, but that’s not necessary. While it’s nice for your bartender to know that they’re being taken care of, and some people think tipping big early will get you better service as the night goes on, it’s perfectly acceptable to wait until you close out your tab and tip with your credit card.