カウンターに座ってもいいですか？
Kauntaa ni suwatte mo ii desu ka?
May I sit at the bar counter?
Sitting at the counter is the move in Japan.
おすすめのカクテルはありますか？
Osusume no kakuteru wa arimasu ka?
Do you have a recommended cocktail?
This will get you the bartender's best work.
ウイスキーのリストを見せてください
Uisukii no risuto wo misete kudasai
Can I see the whisky list?
Japan has incredible domestic whisky.
これはどんな味ですか？
Kore wa donna aji desu ka?
What does this taste like?
Key flavour words: 甘い (sweet), 辛口 (dry), 苦い (bitter), 酸っぱい (sour), フルーツィー (fruity).
もう一杯お願いします
Mou ippai onegaishimasu
One more please
一杯 = one glass/drink.
甘くないものが好きです
Amaku nai mono ga suki desu
I prefer something not sweet
Great for directing the bartender.
これは何のベーススピリッツですか？
Kore wa nani no beesu supirittsu desu ka?
What is the base spirit in this?
Shows genuine cocktail knowledge.
日本のウイスキーを試してみたいです
Nihon no uisukii wo tameshite mitai desu
I'd like to try a Japanese whisky
Opens the door to Nikka, Suntory, craft expressions.
ハイボールをお願いします
Haibooru wo onegaishimasu
A highball please
Japan's most popular bar drink. Ridiculously well-made.
乾杯！
Kanpai!
Cheers!
Make eye contact with each person as you clink.
ノンアルコールのカクテルはありますか？
Non-arukooru no kakuteru wa arimasu ka?
Do you have non-alcoholic cocktails?
Mocktail culture is growing in Japan.
バーテンダーさんはどれくらいこのバーで働いていますか？
Baatendaa-san wa dorekurai kono baa de hataraite imasu ka?
How long have you been working at this bar?
Great conversation starter. Japanese bartenders train for years.
このカクテルの作り方を教えてもらえますか？
Kono kakuteru no tsukurikata wo oshiete moraemasu ka?
Could you tell me how this cocktail is made?
Japanese bartenders will give you a thorough, proud answer.
今夜のスペシャルは何ですか？
Konya no supesharu wa nan desu ka?
What's tonight's special?
Seasonal and nightly specials are common.
お水も一緒にいただけますか？
Omizu mo issho ni itadakemasu ka?
Could I also have some water?
Stay hydrated — Japanese cocktails are deceptively smooth.