What Is a Rail Drink? (All You Need To Know)

You’ve probably seen somebody order a “rail drink” at the bar during a night out. Rail drinks are the most basic and most affordable type of drink you can order. Whether at a dive bar or a high-end cocktail lounge, you will likely see rail drinks on the menu.

But what exactly is a rail drink?

A rail drink is an alcoholic beverage made with lower-quality, less expensive liquor. Rail drinks are typically made with vodka, rum, or whiskey. These liquors are often called “well drinks” or “house drinks.”

In this article, we’ll discuss what a rail drink is, why rail drinks are popular, the different types of rail drinks, and how to make a rail drink.

The Rail Drink

A rail drink is an alcoholic beverage made with lower-quality, less expensive liquor. Rail drinks are typically made with vodka, rum, or whiskey. These liquors are often called “well drinks” or “house drinks.”

The term “rail” comes from the fact that these liquors are typically stored on the bar’s lower shelves or rails. Rail drinks are usually cheaper than other alcoholic beverages because they are made with lower-quality liquor.

This doesn’t mean rail drinks are bad, but they may not be as smooth or flavorful as drinks made with premium liquors.

The bartender will usually ask if you want a rail or a premium drink when ordering. If you’re unsure what to get, you can always ask the bartender for a recommendation.

The Popularity of Rail Drinks

Rail drinks have been popular for many years, especially among budget-conscious drinkers. Despite this trend, rail drinks are still popular in many bars and nightclubs. They are often the default choice for drinkers looking for a cheap way to get drunk.

These go-to drink choices are not going anywhere anytime soon as their popularity has only grown in recent years. There are a few reasons for the increased popularity of rail drinks.

Happy Hour Discounts

Many bars and nightclubs now offer discounts on rail drinks during happy hour. This makes rail drinks an attractive option for people who want to save money on their drinks.

The increased popularity of rail drinks has also led to more bars and nightclubs offering a more comprehensive selection of lower-priced liquors. This gives drinkers more options when looking for a cheap way to get drunk.

Easy To Prepare

Nothing is worse than waiting forever for your drink at a crowded bar. Rail drinks are typically very easy to make, so they can be prepared quickly. This is a significant advantage for busy bars and nightclubs.

In addition, rail drinks are often less likely to be made incorrectly than more complicated drinks. This is because there is less room for error when making a rail drink.

Appealing to a Broader Audience

Higher-quality rail cocktails with more delicate liquors and mixers are available at more bars and clubs. However, perceptions of rail drinks have changed in recent years. As a result, a larger group of people now find rail drinks more enticing.

The appeal of rail drinks is no longer limited to budget-conscious drinkers. Many people now see rail drinks as a cheap way to enjoy a night out.

How Does Rail Drink Compare to Other Drinks?

There are a few critical differences between rail drinks and other alcoholic beverages:

• Quality: Low-quality liquor is used to create rail drinks. This implies that they might not be as flavorful or smooth as other drinks.
• Cost: Rail drinks are typically less expensive than other drinks. This makes them a good choice for budget-conscious drinkers.
• Ingredients: In comparison to other drinks, rail cocktails are frequently more straightforward. This is because they use fewer ingredients in their production.
• Preparation: The preparation of rail drinks is typically quicker and easier than other drinks.

Types of Rail Drinks

There are many different types of rail drinks, but some of the most popular include:

• Gin and Tonic: This classic cocktail is made with gin, tonic water, and a lime wedge.
• Vodka Soda: This simple drink is made with vodka and soda water. It’s often garnished with a lime or lemon wedge.
• Rum and Coke: This refreshing drink is made with rum, Coca-Cola, and sometimes a dash of lime juice.
• Whiskey Sour: This sour cocktail is made with whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and egg whites. It’s often garnished with a cherry or an orange slice.
• Vodka Cranberry: This fruity drink is made with vodka and cranberry juice. It’s often garnished with a lime wedge.
• Whiskey Neat: This is simply whiskey served without any mixers.

How To Make Rail Drinks

Whether you’re a bartender or just someone who likes to make drinks at home, it’s always handy to know how to make a rail drink. Making rail drinks is typically very easy.

The most important thing to remember is to use the best drink you prefer. If you like a specific liquor, use that in your drink. Also, be sure to use fresh juices and mixers whenever possible.

Another important tip is to use a shot glass to measure the liquor. This will help to ensure that the drink is not too strong or too weak.

Be sure to use plenty of ice when making rail drinks. This will help keep the drink cold and prevent it from being watered.

Takeaway

Rail drinks are a type of alcoholic beverage that is made with lower-quality liquor. They are typically less expensive than other drinks and often less complex.

Rail drinks’ popularity has increased in recent years, and they are now seen as a cheap way to enjoy a night out drinking. There are many types of rail drinks, but some of the most popular include gin and tonic, vodka soda, rum and coke, whiskey sour, vodka cranberry, and neat whiskey.

Making rail drinks is typically very easy, and the most important thing to remember is to use lower-quality liquor.

Another important tip is to use a shot glass to measure the liquor. Be sure to use plenty of ice when making rail drinks. This will help keep the drink cold and prevent it from water.

Frequently Asked Questions