Very odd question about drinks with shots 'on the side'

[Princesca]

So I work for a large spirits company, and we're given a certain amount of money each quarter to spend on company product. The problem is, I don't really drink. What are the odds that I could order a cocktail or dessert coffee and just ask for the liquor to be brought 'on the side' so I can basically expense these drinks? If I explain this to my dining room server, will they be able to assist?

From a company perspective, I don't think it would matter to them whether or not I actually drink the liquor as long as it was poured out/bought.

Also, can you get a printed receipt of all your drink purchases?

First world problems, I know... just trying to think of a way I can get my cappuccinos for free every day

 

[DLgal]

I mean, you can ask, but they might say no because that doesn't make any sense.

In particular, you will get a much smaller drink than you would otherwise as the alcohol is the bulk of the drink.

 

[lanejudy]

I want to say I've seen this asked before. I honestly don't know if that poster ever came back to say whether they were able to get separate checks for the "shot" on the side or not. Good luck!

 

[Princesca]

I mean, you can ask, but they might say no because that doesn't make any sense.

In particular, you will get a much smaller drink than you would otherwise as the alcohol is the bulk of the drink.

Maybe I just need to learn to like my coffee spiked :/

 

[DLgal]

Maybe I just need to learn to like my coffee spiked :/

I mean, I would learn to like it if it was free!

But honestly, a shot of whipped cream or vanilla vodka in coffee is chef's kiss.

 

[DLgal]

I want to say I've seen this asked before. I honestly don't know if that poster ever came back to say whether they were able to get separate checks for the "shot" on the side or not. Good luck!

I don't think she wants a separate check. She wants to drink billed as alcoholic but with the alcohol left out.

Although, OP, how would your company know their product is in the drink? The bill doesn't indicate which alcohol is being served. Are you sure the cruise line even uses your company's product in the onboard bars?

 

[tvguy]

I want to say I've seen this asked before. I honestly don't know if that poster ever came back to say whether they were able to get separate checks for the "shot" on the side or not. Good luck!

It was, and I was wondering if it was this same poster.
As I recall the issue that came up was the receipt did not list what brand liquor was poured.
I know bar and restaurant receipts can be lacking in information. I worked for a company that required an itemized receipt for expensed meals. And if they thought you bought an entree that was too expensive, they would reject the expense. They did nof reimburse for alcohol, and if you tipped more than 15%, they would only reimburse up to 15%.

 

[lanejudy]

I don't think she wants a separate check. She wants to drink billed as alcoholic but with the alcohol left out.

Ah, got it. I thought they wanted the alcohol charge separate from the coffee or mixer. Isn't coffee free, except at Cove Cafe? The majority of soda mixers for cocktails should be free.

And I found the other thread, it was OP's asking about bar menus - so presumably they know what brands are available onboard:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/liquor-selection-at-bars-onboard.3882706/

 

[DLgal]

It was, and I was wondering if it was this same poster.
As I recall the issue that came up was the receipt did not list what brand liquor was poured.
I know bar and restaurant receipts can be lacking in information. I worked for a company that required an itemized receipt for expensed meals. And if they thought you bought an entree that was too expensive, they would reject the expense. They did nof reimburse for alcohol, and if you tipped more than 15%, they would only reimburse up to 15%.

Yes, most restaurants that serve cocktails don't indicate the specific liquor type on the receipt, even when you upgrade the liquor when you order. I frequently upgrade to Grey Goose from well vodka, because some other brands give me a migraine. My bills always just say something like "premium vodka" or "top shelf liquor" along with a surcharge. I've never seen the brand listed on the receipt. You won't get that unless you order beer or wine.

 

[Princesca]

I don't think she wants a separate check. She wants to drink billed as alcoholic but with the alcohol left out.

Although, OP, how would your company know their product is in the drink? The bill doesn't indicate which alcohol is being served. Are you sure the cruise line even uses your company's product in the onboard bars?

Yep, we own some huge brands so no issues there.

 

[DLgal]

Ah, got it. I thought they wanted the alcohol charge separate from the coffee or mixer. Isn't coffee free, except at Cove Cafe? The majority of soda mixers for cocktails should be free.

And I found the other thread, it was OP's asking about bar menus - so presumably they know what brands are available onboard:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/liquor-selection-at-bars-onboard.3882706/

Most cocktails aren't made with soda. They are elaborate drinks made with fruit juices and syrups along with the alcohol. There are also things like Virgin Pina Coladas and Daiquiris on board, and you have to pay for those.

 

[Princesca]

Yes, most restaurants that serve cocktails don't indicate the specific liquor type on the receipt, even when you upgrade the liquor when you order. I frequently upgrade to Grey Goose from well vodka, because some other brands give me a migraine. My bills always just say something like "premium vodka" or "top shelf liquor" along with a surcharge. I've never seen the brand listed on the receipt. You won't get that unless you order beer or wine.

It's basically honor system... so like theoretically my boss could look up the drink or I would note 'sub our product'. I wanted to actually get the shot poured to fulfill the point of the benefit (on premise demand) but I don't want to drink it.

 

[Tenkawa]

Heh. Diageo or AB InBev is my guess, leaning on the Diageo since liquor is mentioned more.

It entirely depends on the company policy if they need a named receipt, or just a note it was "premium liquor" or some such.

(I used to work for a much smaller wine/beer company, which often dealt with these big brands for imports of certain things)

 

[Princesca]

Heh. Diageo or AB InBev is my guess, leaning on the Diageo since liquor is mentioned more.

It entirely depends on the company policy if they need a named receipt, or just a note it was "premium liquor" or some such.

(I used to work for a much smaller wine/beer company, which often dealt with these big brands for imports of certain things)

Actually, neither of those! But the company policy is pretty loose. Like, if the receipt says just "martini" it's fine.

My thing is that the point of the benefit (which I appreciate) is to raise perceived and literal demand for the products on premise by having employees ordering them. So I do want to respect that, but alcohol of all sorts gives me heartburn pretty much most of the time, so I don't want to drink it. It won't matter to my company whether the liquor goes into my kidneys or down the drain, as long as it's ordered and paid for.

So that's why I was wondering if I could get like a spiked cappuccino of some sort and just ask for the liquor that would be put it in it to be served on the side. Then I'd just leave the liquor behind.

 

[Tenkawa]

Actually, neither of those! But the company policy is pretty loose. Like, if the receipt says just "martini" it's fine.

My thing is that the point of the benefit (which I appreciate) is to raise perceived and literal demand for the products on premise by having employees ordering them. So I do want to respect that, but alcohol of all sorts gives me heartburn pretty much most of the time, so I don't want to drink it. It won't matter to my company whether the liquor goes into my kidneys or down the drain, as long as it's ordered and paid for.

So that's why I was wondering if I could get like a spiked cappuccino of some sort and just ask for the liquor that would be put it in it to be served on the side. Then I'd just leave the liquor behind.

Heh. Alright then. Gift the shot to others to be nice

 

[MomOTwins]

Maybe u will find a tablemate or cruise friend who loves boozy after-dinner drinks. Then you order and pay for a boozy drink (which you expense), other person orders and pays for cappuccino and then you swap drinks. Problem solved!

 

[Princesca]

Maybe u will find a tablemate or cruise friend who loves boozy after-dinner drinks. Then you order and pay for a boozy drink (which you expense), other person orders and pays for cappuccino and then you swap drinks. Problem solved!

That would be great! Unfortunately, I'm traveling with a larger party and there's no one like that in our group, alas. It crossed my mind, though!

 

[gotomu212]

Ohhh I may be able to answer. I was pregnant on a cruise and it was still pretty early and we weren’t telling our extended family traveling group yet. I was able to discretely order a few cocktails virgin but just ask that they be rung up as regular drinks. The bartenders found it hilarious and were fully accommodating and gave my husband the “extra” shot.

That said I did it with a direct conversation with the bartender. I’m not sure if the assistant server in the dining room would be able to communicate it clearly and make sure it was done right.

 

[happycamper47]

The ships receipts do list the brand so you would need to ask for a 2nd copy. Not sure about "on the side" though.

 

[mmouse37]

I don't see why the bartender or server in Cove Cafe would care. I am sure they get all kinds of outside the box requests.

MJ