Cocktails ordered from a table hit the table in 5 to 7 minutes. Beer and wine in 3 minutes. Cocktails ordered at the bar: 2 to 3 minutes.
Past 8 minutes, second-round conversion drops roughly 40%. The rhythm of the room depends on guests getting their first drink before the conversation stalls.
If the bar is slammed and you can't hit the window, send a server with an update: "Your cocktails are 3 minutes out, here's some sparkling water in the meantime."
See the Corrective Action Framework.