Tuesday 19 August
By Asylum Staff

Few experiences are more frustrating than standing in a crowded bar, being repeatedly looked over and ignored by a bartender with an inflated sense of self-importance. Worse than making you feel insignificant and powerless, the activity extends sober time.
That's why -- with the help of Olie Berlic, chief mixologist at
SideBar in New York -- we've come up with some effective ways to get noticed when you need to get your drink on. Berlic claims that a good bartender will have their eyes peeled and will already have a hunch about upcoming orders. Still, he says, it never hurts to:
1. Send the most attractive person at your table to get the drinks. If you come with a beautiful woman -- or guy -- it's never going to hurt to have them order. Even if a bartender is super busy, it can be hard not to do a double take when the right face is in front of you. A memorable look will bring a bartender your way and remind them when you've been there awhile, so put that hot friend to work.
2. Be confident, not pushy. Imagine people are waving and yelling at you all night. You'd probably try to ignore the overly aggressive folks for your own sanity. That's why throwing money doesn't work and neither does snapping your fingers or whistling. Take out a 20 or your credit card, put out your arm and look at them directly. Berlic stresses making eye contact. And even if you are annoyed, try not to look it -- nobody wants to serve a scowl.
More cocktail-acquiring tips after the jump.