A British tourist's simple order for a cocktail at a Dubai bar turned into a moment of viral disbelief, after his pricey drink arrived dominated by a colossal block of ice.
The moment of cocktail shock
The man, who goes by @SuthDoesSports on TikTok, filmed the moment his drink was delivered earlier this month. In the now-viral clip, he can be heard exclaiming "They're taking the p***, there's no drink in there" as he inspects the glass. Carefully removing the enormous ice cube, he revealed the actual liquid content filled just a third of the vessel, leading him to quip "ice must be expensive in Dubai."
While he did not disclose the exact price or the specific bar's location, the visual evidence of the scant measure left him visibly unimpressed. The video, shared with his 1,200 followers, quickly resonated far beyond his own audience.
A viral stir and mixology debate
The TikTok post, uploaded in January 2026, has since amassed a staggering 445,000 likes and 1,600 comments, igniting a fierce online debate. Reactions were sharply divided between those defending bartending craft and those siding with the customer's frustration.
One commenter argued, "People not understanding mixology," suggesting the large ice was intentional to prevent rapid dilution. Another viewer simply advised, "Ask for no ice next time." However, many others expressed sympathy, with one user bluntly stating "Dubai is a scam," while another urged "Tell me you complained."
The reality of drinking in Dubai
The incident highlights the notoriously high cost of alcohol in the United Arab Emirates. In Dubai, a cocktail typically costs between 50 and 70 AED (£10-£14), with beer priced around 40-65 AED (£8-£13). These steep prices are due to high taxation and strict regulations.
Alcohol is only legally served in licensed venues such as hotels, bars, and certain restaurants. While tourists can now purchase alcohol from liquor stores without a licence, consumption is restricted to these licensed premises or private residences. The legal drinking age is 21, and laws against public intoxication and drink-driving are rigorously enforced.
For residents, purchasing alcohol for home consumption requires obtaining a personal liquor licence. The viral cocktail controversy serves as a potent reminder for tourists to be prepared for premium prices and distinctive serving styles when enjoying a night out in the emirate.
