It seems that everyone these days, whether 21 years old or not, has a pretty good understanding of alcohol. Whether it's what they do or don't like or simply knowing what drink they want, alcohol is everywhere. As a new 21-year-old, I've had some experience with it myself, not to mention that my family has never been shy about drinking around me.

With all this being said, I've picked up a few tips on who a person is simply by how they order a drink. I've known plenty of people that order drinks that others shame them for (i.e. anything that is delicious and vibrantly colored), but who are completely wonderful people. Sure, it tells me a little bit about you, like maybe you're diabetic or cutting back on sugar (looking at you, rum and diets) or that you drank too much beer and need something sweet to shake it up (isn't that the only reason people still drink REDD's Apple Ale?). But ultimately, the way you order your drink and not the drink itself is the real definition of your character.

Here are a couple of people I've personally dealt with in the past and how I've labeled their "techniques."

The "Big Shot"

This person is typically either well-dressed or casually dressed in all designer labels. Whether they are a man or woman (or any other gender for that matter), if they are already in a conversation with another patron—generally a person they brought with them—they won't simply ask them to wait a second to order their drink. No, they'll impatiently snap their fingers at you to signal their impending dehydration before slightly turning their head towards you and aggressively ordering. And don't even think of putting a lemon wedge in their cocktail instead of a lime, even if they didn't specify because they will promptly tell you off for it.

Redeeming quality: Sometimes getting to know the Big Shot better pays off. And I mean this literally—big paychecks means big spender, and that sometimes means big tips.

The Mixologist

I give this person the name "Mixologist" ironically because usually, they're the farthest thing from it. I can't tell you how many times I've been asked for a shot I've never heard of and been promptly told the (supposed) ingredients and simply expected to make it. Unfortunately for them, not knowing the counts makes a pretty big deal to me, the bartender. Sometimes I make it up, sometimes I refuse. The worst, though, is when someone pulls up a drink on their phone, shoves it in my face, and expects me to make it for them on the spot. Um, rude?

Redeeming quality: If the bar is slow or you've got some time on your hands, this person can be a good way to learn new drinks or shots. Also, sometimes the adage "monkey see, monkey do" holds up, and the whole bar is ordering rounds of that expensive, but simple enough shot you just made.

The Watcher

This person is kind of on the borderline between annoying and smart. They'll watch every single move you make, even if you're not pouring them a drink at that exact moment. I've had some watchers tell me they do it so they know exactly what's going in their drink (i.e. they don't want to be drugged). While this is incredibly smart on their part, it's also super disconcerting as a bartender. That being said, keep on doing it, Watchers. I'd rather feel uncomfortable than see something bad happen to you.

Redeeming quality: They remind you to watch other customers at the bar to ensure everyone's safety, something everyone should be aware of.

The Commentator

Much like the Watcher, this person will keep a sharp eye on your drink-making skills. However, they seem to get pleasure from telling you how to make a drink exactly how they think it should be made. I've noticed that this person typically strikes hardest on new or shy bartenders. Usually, this person is/was a bartender (or imagines that the bar table in their basement constitutes the same thing) and feels no shame about making you second guess your skills, or lack thereof. The best advice I've ever been given to dealing with these people? "Ignore the peanut gallery."

Redeeming quality: Rarely, and I mean rarely, do I actually appreciate a patron helping me out.

The Lifesaver

This person is literally the best. They understand that when it's super busy, they might have to wait a few minutes for their precious vodka cranberry. Even if they get the wrong food order, they'll either eat it anyways or politely tell you that they got the wrong thing while you beg for their forgiveness (I'm only being a little bit sarcastic about the begging), which they will, of course, give you. They're also usually pretty cool people, and you should get to know them.

Redeeming quality: This person is the greatest. They don't need any redemption.

The Jerkbag

Jerkbag, aka scumbag, will go out of their way to either make you feel uncomfortable or create a personal living hell situation. The simple hamburger they're ordering from the bar? Yeah, not so simple. They want it medium well with an even mix of raw and fried onions on the top, and, "Do you fry the onion rings in animal fat?" It's freaking bar food, not a five-star restaurant. They might try to ask for your number even if they know you have a significant other or despite the fact that you're not-so-secretly avoiding eye contact.

Redeeming quality: There really isn't one. But hey, every cloud has a silver lining. Maybe this person will regain some decency at some point during the night.

Hopefully you haven't noticed some of your own tendencies in these descriptions (unless you're a Lifesaver because definitely continue that). If you did, there's always time to redeem yourself! And isn't it great to know that it's your actions, not your drink order that your bartender is blatantly judging you for?