I thought this was interesting, a whiskey sour is how I evaluate a bar, my reference drink. Never thought of it as difficult, maybe I’m not picky enough because different doesn’t equal bad, but I do rate a bar higher if there is egg white, it’s not too sweet, and an amaretto cherry.
Margarita they can only be overthinking, I don’t think it’s difficult, but it’s bad so often I always think there must just be budget constraints. I don’t even order this as a margarita if there is visible margarita mix - I ask for tequila and orange liqueur with lime, shaken.
This post made me realise how much rage I have accumulated working behind the bar.
In general - if I want a good time I go out for a drink, if I want a good drink I make one at home. Getting a great drink at a bar is an unusual and very happy occasion, but not required for a good experience - I know y’all are busy.