Originally Posted by
platbrownguy
Exactly -- AC bartenders generally make one-ingredient and two-ingredient drinks, plus garnish. There are some well-established exceptions like margarita and bloody mary and whatever they have on their "featured cocktail" display or menu. But once you get into martini, old fashioned, manhattan, negroni territory, then you're that guy. If you know the bartender or if you have good reason to believe they're able to make that drink, and if there's not a long line behind you, then fine. But otherwise this just ain't that kind of joint.
Reminds me of a sign I saw at a bar, something like "1 ingredient, $5; 2 ingredients, $6. 3 ingredients, $10; 4 ingredients, $20; 5 or more, get out"
IMO, they're in the wrong profession if cherry + coke + lime is too much. The OP isn't asking some random person for help, this person is behind the bar with the sole job of bartending.
I can't see how ordering a basic drink makes you "that guy". Somehow the Amex Centurion lounge manages without issue as does every bar. Remarkably, AA manages to find a way to have it's staff underwhelm in every comparable position.