Best Drinks to Order on a Date
Published Date: December 1, 2024
Going on a date is often filled with a mix of excitement and a few nerves. Whether it’s your first outing or you’ve been seeing someone for a while, the setting, mood, and even the drinks you order play an important role in shaping the evening. While conversation and chemistry are key, your drink order can subtly enhance the atmosphere. The right drink says a lot about your taste and style and can be a great conversation starter. Here’s a guide to the best drinks to order on a date, tailored to various types of venues and moods.
1. The Classic Cocktail: Martini
Few drinks convey timeless sophistication like a martini. Whether you prefer gin or vodka, a martini is always a refined choice. A perfectly chilled martini, garnished with olives or a lemon twist, exudes class and confidence. It’s a great option for an upscale bar or restaurant. Not only does it make a visual statement, but it can also spark a conversation about personal tastes in cocktails.
For her: A traditional gin martini (or a slightly sweeter vodka martini) with a lemon twist or an olive garnish.
For him: A dirty martini adds a savory touch, reflecting a bolder taste.
2. Whiskey Neat: Simple and Bold
Ordering whiskey neat is an excellent choice if you want to keep things simple, strong, and elegant. Whiskey lovers appreciate the complexity and depth of this spirit, making it a drink that often invites interesting discussions. Whether it’s bourbon, scotch, or rye, a good whiskey suggests confidence and appreciation for the finer things in life.
For her or him: Order a smooth bourbon like Maker’s Mark or a refined scotch like Glenlivet. The type of whiskey can also spark conversation, from different regions’ distilling processes to flavor profiles.
3. Wine: A Universal Date Drink
Wine is the quintessential drink of romance. Sharing a bottle can create a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, especially if you’re dining at a wine bar or restaurant. Depending on your date’s preferences, you can opt for a rich red or a crisp white. Understanding wine (even just a little) adds an air of sophistication and can impress your date, without feeling pretentious.
Red Wine: Perfect for cooler weather or with hearty meals. A Pinot Noir or a Cabernet Sauvignon offers depth and complexity.
White Wine: Great for a casual or light meal, especially seafood or salads. A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay is an excellent option.
Rosé or Sparkling Wine: Ideal for a daytime or summer date. It’s light, refreshing, and fun—perfect for setting a more playful tone.
4. The Craft Beer Connoisseur
If your date is at a laid-back brewery or gastropub, craft beer can be a perfect fit. Craft beers come with a wide range of flavors, styles, and strengths, allowing you to experiment with your order. Whether you like a hoppy IPA, a rich stout, or a crisp lager, beer can communicate that you’re down-to-earth and appreciate good craftsmanship.
For her or him: Ask for a beer flight if you’re at a brewery. It’s a great way to try several styles, and tasting each one together can be a fun, shared experience.
5. The Margarita: A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite
Margaritas can bring a festive vibe to any date. Whether you prefer it classic on the rocks, frozen, or with a twist (like mango or jalapeño), this cocktail is versatile, fun, and flavorful. It’s an excellent choice for dates with a casual or celebratory mood, such as going to a Mexican restaurant or a beachside bar. Margaritas offer the perfect combination of refreshing and bold.
For her or him: If you’re both fans of tequila, experimenting with different types of margaritas can be a fun way to bond. Classic lime, spicy jalapeño, or a sweet fruity variation like strawberry can suit a variety of tastes.
6. The Cosmopolitan: Playful and Chic
Popularized by shows like Sex and the City, the Cosmopolitan is a fun, fruity, and stylish drink. Its bright pink color and tart-sweet balance of cranberry and lime make it visually appealing. It’s a great conversation starter as well—it can open up topics like favorite shows, pop culture, or even quirky, light-hearted stories.
For her: A Cosmopolitan is traditionally seen as a feminine drink, but it’s a classic for anyone who enjoys a bit of flair in their cocktail.
For him: If a fruity cocktail doesn’t seem like your first choice, order a classic like a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned, but don’t shy away from sharing sips of different drinks.
7. The Espresso Martini: A Stimulating Choice
An espresso martini is an elegant and delicious combination of coffee and alcohol, ideal for a date that extends into the late evening. It’s a fantastic option for those who enjoy the richness of coffee flavors but still want something energizing with a bit of a kick. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso makes it both sophisticated and fun, offering the best of both worlds.
For her or him: Order this if you need a little pick-me-up as the night goes on. It’s also a great way to lead into dessert, especially if your date loves coffee.
8. The Aperol Spritz: Light and Refreshing
The Aperol Spritz is perfect for outdoor dates, especially during spring or summer. This Italian aperitif has a light, slightly bitter taste, but it’s also bubbly and refreshing. The orange hue adds a touch of vibrancy to your drink, making it as visually striking as it is delicious.
For her or him: If you want a drink that feels bright and casual, an Aperol Spritz is the way to go. Its low alcohol content makes it a good option if you’re aiming for a longer evening without feeling too heavy.
9. The Mojito: Fresh and Flirtatious
The mojito is another versatile cocktail that works well in a variety of settings, from a beach bar to a fancy rooftop lounge. With its refreshing mix of mint, lime, and rum, it’s a great drink for someone who enjoys a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It also has an air of freshness that can lighten the mood of any date.
For her or him: This classic Cuban cocktail is a great conversation starter, especially if you or your date enjoys travel or has a taste for tropical flavors.
10. Mocktails: Sophisticated and Alcohol-Free
If you or your date prefers not to drink alcohol, mocktails offer a fantastic, sophisticated alternative. Many bars and restaurants have started to create carefully crafted non-alcoholic beverages that feel just as special as any cocktail. This choice shows that you’re thoughtful and mindful, whether you’re the one skipping the alcohol or accommodating your date’s preferences.
For her or him: Look for mocktails that use fresh ingredients, such as citrus, herbs, or flavored syrups. You can also ask the bartender for recommendations if the menu doesn’t offer something specific.
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