How much do I tip on a non-alcoholic drink at a bar?
Email us: salty@thetakeout.com. Hello Salty, Im in recovery for substances. Im secure enough in my recovery that I never mind going out with people for drinks and to socialize, especially with patio season approaching. However, I always feel embarrassed that my bill is just a coffee or soda and it limits the tipping percentage, but at the same time it looks weird when I leave a big tip on just a basic beverage. I dont enjoy ordering mocktails, it feels condescending. Signed, Sober and also salty  First of all, doll, Im thrilled to hear that your recovery is going well, and Im glad youre feeling good about going out again. You should be proud of yourself, and I mean that from the bottom of my briny heart. Advertisement  And now on to your question: While yes, you are correct that its a dick move to leave a 20-cent tip on a dollar cup of Sprite, Ive never met a server who turned down a large tip or laughed at someone for leaving a dollar or two or five for that same cup. Money is money, honey, money is life, and were happy to take it. Also, sometimes your basic beverage isnt so basic. It doesnt take that much effort to pop open a bottle or pull a pint from the tap, but it does take some time and a little more work to fulfill an unusual request like, say, brewing a fresh pot of coffee if there isnt already one on the burner or if the old one has gotten a little, shall we say, caramelized. It also takes some effort to dig out the old cream and sugar. What Im saying, sugar pie, is that even a cheap non-alcoholic drink is still work for somebody. I dont know how much two cocktails cost where you live, but it sounds to me like your instincts are sound: leave a couple of bucks, leave more if there was extra effort involved, and enjoy your time with your friends.