What should servers consider when recommending drinks to customers?

When recommending drinks to customers, servers should prioritize understanding the customer's drinking preferences and dietary needs. This approach ensures that the recommendations are personalized and suitable for each individual. For instance, if a customer has specific dietary restrictions, such as avoiding gluten or needing non-alcoholic options, a server who is aware of these needs can suggest drinks that cater to those requirements. Additionally, understanding a customer's taste preferences—whether they enjoy sweet, sour, strong, or light beverages—enables servers to make thoughtful suggestions that enhance the overall dining experience.

Factors like clothing style, favorites from past visits, or the customer's age and gender may provide some context, but they don't directly address the key aspects of taste and dietary restrictions. Thus, focusing on preferences and needs is the most effective way to ensure customer satisfaction and safe choices.