The difference between a call drink and a rail drink lies in the quality and price of the alcohol used in the drink. A call drink refers to a beverage where the customer specifies a particular brand or type of alcohol to be used, while a rail drink is a generic term for a drink made with the most affordable and commonly available alcohol from the “rail” or “well” section of the bar.
When a customer orders a call drink, they are requesting a specific brand or type of alcohol to be used in their cocktail. For example, if a customer orders a “Glenlivet and soda,” they are asking for Glenlivet Scotch whisky to be used in their drink. This indicates a preference for a higher quality, premium liquor. The bartender would then use Glenlivet, which is usually priced higher than the generic rail/well Scotch whisky, and the drink would be priced accordingly.
On the other hand, when a customer orders a rail drink, they are simply asking for a standard, well-known brand of alcohol to be used in their cocktail. The rail section of the bar typically consists of the most affordable and commonly used brands of alcohol. For example, if a customer orders a “Scotch and soda,” the bartender would use a generic rail/well Scotch whisky, which is usually less expensive than premium brands. This allows the drink to be priced as a well drink, which is typically more affordable compared to call drinks.
The difference between a call drink and a rail drink goes beyond just the brand or type of alcohol used. It also affects the overall quality and taste of the cocktail. Call drinks often provide a more refined and specific flavor profile, as the customer has chosen a particular brand they enjoy. On the other hand, rail drinks may have a more generic taste, as the focus is on affordability rather than specific flavor preferences.
It's important to note that the availability of call drinks can vary depending on the establishment. Some bars may have a wide selection of premium brands available for call drinks, while others may have a more limited selection. The pricing of call drinks also varies based on the cost of the chosen brand, with higher-end brands typically being more expensive.
A call drink is a cocktail made with a specific brand or type of alcohol chosen by the customer, while a rail drink is made with a generic, affordable brand from the well section of the bar. The choice between a call drink and a rail drink impacts the quality, taste, and price of the cocktail.