A Miami Girl’s Guide to Free Drinks

October 14, 2008 12:08 PM
by Sandra Hurtado

This is not an attempt to reveal every trick that females use to get free drinks at the bar...ok, maybe it is. I understand that many women might argue that they don’t want men buying them drinks because they are feminists that don’t need men for anything, but who wouldn’t take a free drink at South Beach where most cocktails start at $12? To all of those that are downright interested in the craft of hustling a drink, or five, off of a lucky patron at the bar, here is a take on accomplishing the absolute accomplishable. Feel free to add more in the comments section.

The Empty Glass Technique

When you’re out of a drink it’s either time to buy yourself a refill or have someone else buy you one. I have heard of this method being used either while being on the dance floor or at the bar.

While on the dance floor you can go up to your man of choice (use discernment because it needs to be a guy that seems like he could buy you a drink) and dance with him for a awhile, act interested and then make it obvious that your running out of your drink. If you’re the direct type, you can even tell him that you are going to need another drink soon. He will most likely react by asking what you’re drinking and the rest will be history.

If at the bar, you should spot someone that is alone, say hello and strike up conversation. Try to wait a little before waving down the bartender and your man should ask what you’re drinking and wave down the bartender himself.

Using “The Look”

I’ve been told that sometimes all it takes is a look. It’s a look of interest that you hold for a few seconds and can send any man straight to the bar to buy a drink for you. There are many ways to use “the look” (this includes getting a man that you are actually interested in to come over) but when trying to get a free drink, you have to be hanging out or dancing by the bar. While dancing with your friends give your man of choice “the look” several times and smile. Make yourself available for his approach and before you know it you should have a drink in hand.

The Loner Method

Hopefully you have caught on to the fact that it is essential to hangout by the bar if you want a drink and that while you’re alone your chances of getting a free drink skyrockets. Chill by the bar (if you don’t feel comfortable without a drink in hand you might want to buy your first drink) and look approachable, a guy will most likely shimmy his way towards you and offer you a drink after some small talk.

Tag Teaming

Two minds work better than one and when it comes to getting what you want from a man, why not get by with a little help from your friends? Approach a group of guys with your girlfriends (make sure you have decided which of your friends will be your accomplice) and after conversation and absolute flirting, have her loudly whisper in his ear, “aren’t you going to ask her if she wants a drink?” He will have no choice but to ask you. Timing is key in this approach and make sure your friend is ok with being disliked by your target because he will absolutely hate her for embarrassing him.

Bet Making

Why not approach a guy and make a bet that wins you a drink every time? This might sound absolutely ridiculous, but who says girls can’t hustle like the rest of them? You can probably look up or come up with your own foolproof game, but this one is pretty good:

Buy yourself two pints, or even better, have your guy buy them for you (this is for bet purposes of course) and make sure that he has a cocktail. You should tell him that you bet that you will be able to finish your two pints before he finishes his one drink. The catch is that there are rules. He can’t start drinking his glass before you finish your first pint and place it on the table, he also can’t touch any of your glasses. Make the stakes high by betting whatever you want (you really want free drinks all night) and drink your first pint. Place the empty glass upside down on top of his glass and proceed to your second pint. He can’t drink at all unless he breaks the last rule so you will win every time.