What brands/cocktails do you normally request at bars?

For as much of a tequila and whiskey fan as I am, whenever I am at bars (especially if I’m already a little buzzed or at a dive bar), I can never think of a specific brand of liquor to order, or specific cocktails.

I’m also the guy who can never think of things to name when they’re put on the spot to name favorite bands or movies despite being a huge pop culture geek, so I think my ADHD brain is just wired that way.

That being said, I’m looking for some good bar liquors to order (especially for whiskey and tequila) as well as some good cocktails.

I do like old fashioneds and martinis but dive bars aren’t always ready to prepare those. I do order tequila ranch waters often, but they usually seem to give me well liquors if I don’t request specific liquor brands.

So just looking for a handful of suggestions for both – some solid cocktails and specific liquor brands that most bars would be able to make, especially “clean” ones without lots of added sugars.