Bartenders have a tough job—not just mixing drinks but also making sure customers don’t go overboard. And when someone has had way too much, cutting them off can get tricky. But one bartender has a sneaky solution that stops the drinking without the drama!
A viral TikTok by bartender and cocktail expert Benji Spears (@benjispears) is blowing people’s minds. In the clip, which has racked up thousands of comments, Spears spills the tea on how he handles overly intoxicated patrons. And honestly? It’s kind of genius.
The ‘Fake Pour’ Trick
In the short video, Spears acts out a classic bar scenario: a tipsy customer insists on another drink, even though they’re already wobbling. But instead of arguing, he plays along—sort of.
@benjispears When your drunk bestie is insisting another drink but you know they have to work in the morning 😅 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #serverlife #bartender #funny #comedy #trend #trending ♬ original sound – Benjispears
He starts by pretending to pour a shot of liquor into a cup, but here’s the twist: the bottle is tilted, but nothing comes out. Instead, he fills the glass with a mixer, tops it off with a splash of red juice and a squeeze of lime, then slides it over with a confident, “All right, honey, a strong one coming right up!”
The result? The customer gets what they think is another cocktail—but it’s really just a fancy mocktail. No fights, no drama, and hopefully, no regrettable texts the next morning.
People Love (and Debate) the Trick
The video quickly racked up comments from impressed viewers.
- “You’re a real one,” one person wrote.
- “You are a good friend and bartender. Good looking out!” another added.
- One grateful commenter even shared, “A bartender did this to me at a wedding last weekend, and I am SO thankful!”
- And another joked, “Honestly, why don’t more bartenders do this?! I definitely needed you in my early 20s.”
But not everyone was thrilled. Some questioned whether it was fair to charge for an alcohol-free drink without telling the customer.
- “If I’m paying for a drink and you do this, we’re fighting. Be upfront with your guests,” one bartender wrote.
- Another added, “As long as the price is adjusted, I’m cool with it.”
- Someone else wasn’t having it: “I’d be fuming if I found out.”
Spears quickly shut down the concern, assuring viewers that he never charges for alcohol he doesn’t pour. And honestly? By that point, the customer is probably too tipsy to realize how little they’re paying for their not-so-boozy beverage.
What do you think? Is this bartender a genius, or would you be mad if this happened to you? Let us know in the comments! 🍹😆
