A first date is a delicate dance of impressions. You carefully choose your outfit and prepare some interesting conversation starters. But have you ever thought about what your drink order says about you? According to the people who see it all—bartenders—your choice of beverage can send some strong, and sometimes unintentional, signals.
While you should always drink what you enjoy, some choices might create a confusing or even negative first impression. We asked several seasoned bartenders for their take. As a result, they revealed the drinks that consistently raise a red flag or simply cause practical problems on a first date. Here are five drinks a woman should never order on a first date, according to the experts behind the bar.
1. The Long Island Iced Tea
This drink is the undisputed champion of “I’m here to get wasted.” It famously contains four to five different types of liquor and has a notoriously high alcohol content. Ordering one on a first date can send a signal that you’re not interested in a meaningful conversation. In short, it suggests your main goal is intoxication.
A bartender notes, “It’s just not a classy drink. It screams college party, not sophisticated date.” To stay sharp, in control, and focused on your date, it’s best to steer clear. A simple gin and tonic or vodka soda, for instance, has a much more measured and mature vibe.
2. Anything Frozen or Blended
Piña Coladas, Strawberry Daiquiris, and other frozen concoctions are delicious on a beach vacation. On a first date at a city bar, however, they can seem a bit juvenile. These drinks are often loaded with sugar, which can lead to a quick buzz followed by a crash. The bigger issue, though, is the noise.
The loud whirring of the blender interrupts the flow of conversation every time you order another round. “It’s just disruptive,” one bartender explains. “It breaks the atmosphere.” Therefore, you should stick to drinks that can be shaken or stirred for a smoother, more intimate experience.
3. A Shot of Hard Liquor
Ordering a shot of tequila or whiskey right off the bat can be intimidating. It can project a hard-partying image that might not be what you’re aiming for. It can also put pressure on your date to keep up, potentially leading to a much messier evening than either of you intended.
“Unless you’re both at a concert and it’s a mutual ‘let’s do a shot’ moment, it’s just aggressive for a first date,” a bartender shared. If you enjoy whiskey or tequila, order it neat or on the rocks. Sipping a quality spirit shows appreciation and control, whereas taking a shot is all about the immediate effect.
4. An Obscure, Complicated Cocktail
It’s great to be knowledgeable about craft cocktails. However, ordering something incredibly complex with ten ingredients can come across as pretentious. It can also put the bartender on the spot, especially if the bar is busy. Consequently, you might end up waiting a long time for your drink, creating an awkward pause in the date.
If you’re a cocktail aficionado, try reading the room. If the bar is slammed, for example, ordering a time-consuming drink can be inconsiderate. A better approach is to ask the bartender for a recommendation based on your spirit of choice. This shows curiosity and respect for their craft.
5. A Glass of Milk (Or Other Strange, Non-Alcoholic Choice)
If you’re not drinking alcohol, that’s perfectly fine. However, your choice of non-alcoholic beverage still matters. Ordering something truly bizarre, like a glass of milk at a cocktail bar, is memorable for all the wrong reasons. It’s so out of place that it can become the main topic of conversation, distracting from getting to know each other.
Fortunately, there are so many great non-alcoholic options available now. Opt for a club soda with lime, a non-alcoholic beer, or one of the many sophisticated mocktails that most bars now offer. These choices signal that you’re comfortable and engaged in the social setting, whether you’re drinking alcohol or not.
Your Drink Order Is Part of Your First Impression
Ultimately, your confidence and your conversation are what matter most on a first date. But being mindful of the small details, like your drink order, can help you craft the first impression you want. The goal is to choose a drink that facilitates connection, not one that becomes a distraction or a statement. By avoiding these drinks a woman should never order on a first date, you’re setting the stage for a smooth, enjoyable, and hopefully successful evening.
What’s your go-to first date drink? Let us know in the comments!
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The post Bartenders Reveal: 5 Drinks a Woman Should Never Order on a First Date appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
