If I knew it was something I wouldn't drink, I'd probably have to carry it over to the sender and tell him thank you very much, but this is not to my taste. I couldn't just let it sit there and go to waste, especially since I knew I was being watched. I'm not one who can force something down my throat if I find it distasteful; maybe that's why I'm so skinny.

If I wasn't familiar with the drink, I'd probably taste it out of curiosity and then if I didn't like the drink I'd offer it to a friend who was sitting at the same table with me. If they didn't want it, then I couldn't very well take it back to the sender since it's already been sipped at. I guess it would go to waste then, oh well. If you're gonna send a drink over to someone you don't know you should probably tell the serving person to give them one of whatever they're already drinking.

I'm married and don't hang out in restaurants that serve alcohol anyway, and certainly wouldn't without my husband, who doesn't like bars either and would wonder why some strange guy was sending me drinks. So I don't know why I'm even answering this question, except that you asked....
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This is a great question....and the answer is hard. But here are my thoughts.

When someone buys you a drink at your favorite restaurant or bar, they do not generally decide what you will be drinking. Generally they buy you a 'drink' and you now have a freebie and are free to order whatever you wish to drink.

This is a practice at most bar's/pubs I have ever been to. If you buy me a drink, the bartender puts an empty shot glass, upside down, to indicate that a free drink was purchased for me or given to me and that when I am ready for it I can order whatever I wish.

Bartenders often use the 'Buy-Back' technique as a gesture of their gratitude for good tips...while this is not directly related to your question it does show that an upside down shot glass is used:
--QUOTE--
"Bartenders: $1 - $2 per drink, or 15-20% of the total bill. If you tip well and consistently at bars and pubs, you are likely to recieve a drink on the house, known sometimes as a "buy back." This typically occurs after the 3rd drink you buy. Some bartenders will still use the "old school" signal of leaving an upside-down shot glass near your spot at the bar, especially if you are engaged in conversation or if the place is very noisy, but it's not that common anymore. Turn the shot glass over when you want the free drink. Even though the drink is free, the labor isn't. Don't forget to tip on the "buy back." "
--QUOTE--
Source(s):
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g191-s606/United-States:Tipping.And.Etiqu...

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I will never accept a drink from a stranger anywhere, especially in a bar or club. There are too many possibilities of the strangers trying to drug you, or he will expects something from me.

Call me paranoid, but I don't want to be found dead, naked, and raped, or my organs taken away.
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I would probably offer the drink to someone who would like it - if I don't find anyone, I would get the drink back to it's sender... and apologise in both situations for not liking the drink he paid.
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