The guy looked like he was either about to buy a yacht someone over one or sue
Sharp suit. No tie. Watch you could sell to pay off your student loans.
He sat down at my bar like he owned the place — which, honestly,
wouldn’t have shocked me.
“What do you recommend for a cocktail?”
Normally, I’d hit him with a safe bet. Old-fashioned. Maybe a Negroni if
he looked broody.
But this guy? He needed **a plot twist.**
The Pitch
“Honestly? Our spicy mango margarita is
. Like… dangerous. Not
even on the menu yet. Jalapeño simple syrup. Fresh mango purée.
Tajín rim. The works.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Mango?”
I nodded. “And a little lime zest — I’ve had people propose marriage
over it. Not kidding.”
**He laughed.** > “Alright, you’ve convinced me.”
It Was Just a Margarita… or Was It?
But I didn’t just *make* it — I **made a moment** out of it. Salted the rim with a flourish.
judged. Zested that lime like I was being
Dropped it off and said:
“If you don’t love it, I’ll drink it myself and bring you something
safer.” He took a sip. Paused. Smiled. “This is f***ing great.” 😏 Boom. Nailed it.
Then Things Got Interesting
We started chatting. About cocktails. About restaurants. About what
makes a great server or bartender. He asked how long I’d been doing
this. I kept it real — a little self-deprecating, a lot honest.
Twenty minutes in, he leans across the bar:
“You ever thought about helping run a beverage program?”
I raised an eyebrow. “You offering?”
“I might be.” 😎
Turns out, the guy worked for a legit restaurant group. Opening a new
spot across town. Scouting.
And I’d just pitched myself without even knowing it.
That Margarita Was the Medium
I didn’t brag. I didn’t drop a résumé in his rocks glass. I just gave a
damn — about the drink, the guest, the vibe.
And apparently? That stood out.
The Lesson?
Every shift is an **audition**. Every drink is an **opportunity**. Every guest could be a **door** — if you treat them like more than just a check. One drink led to a meeting. That led to an interview. And now? I’m cocreating cocktail menus at a place where the napkins don’t come in plastic.
What You Can Steal From This
– **Upselling = storytelling.** Make your recs feel like *insider tips*, not
price hikes.
– **Don’t just make it — *sell* it.** Use your hands. Your face. Your
voice. Be a little dramatic. It works.
– **Always show up like someone important is watching.** Because
someone probably is.
Final Thought
I didn’t go to bartending school. I didn’t plan a career shift.
I just sold a margarita like it was magic.
Turns out, sometimes all it takes is a splash of lime, a little heat… …and
the guts to suggest it.
