What's really behind the bar

If you fail to "call" liquors when ordering a cocktail, count on getting a drink made with well liquors - those spirits that come in big plastic bottles. In the case of brandy and vodka drinks, well liquors might even be less tasty than plastic.

These liquors are the cheapest - often no-name - brands that a bar will serve. Call liquors are the next quality level up. Chances are you'll recognize the names on these bottles, which are actually glass and cost about US$15 for 750 milliters. A premium spirit is a liquor that you should ask for by name.

Keep in mind that a call drink at a dive bar may be a well drink at another establishment. A premium liquor may merely be the most expensive brand that a bar carries.

We always spend the extra 50 cents for a call drink, rarely, if ever, ordering a drink from the well. If we're up for spending five or six bucks a drink, we might even request premium liquors.