10 Drinks Men Should Never Order on a First Date
The drink you order on a first date can speak volumes about your taste, confidence, and judgment, or lack thereof. A bad drink choice might come off as flashy, awkward, or unthoughtful, and that’s not the kind of statement you want to make early. But pick smart, and your beverage complements your conversation instead of undermining it. Remember, your first date is all about playing it smooth. Don’t be too showy, and maybe reconsider these 10 drinks…
1. The Overly Fancy Signature Cocktail with a Silly Name
Ordering a drink with ten ingredients, neon color, or a tongue-twisting name draws attention for all the wrong reasons. It communicates that you’re more about show than substance, especially if you can’t even remember what’s in it. On a first date, you want a drink that supports conversation, not distracts from it. Swap the fancy façade for something simpler that still shows taste. That subtlety often impresses more than flash.
2. Anything You Can Shot Down in One gulp
Ordering a shot or two as your “ice breaker” might sound tempting, but it rarely ends well. It signals you want to get lit fast, not build a connection. On a first date, moderation looks better than bravado. Stick with something you’ll sip slowly, not slam quickly. Your goal is to stay clear, alert, and present.
3. The Maxed-Out Frozen Drink or Slushy
Frozen, overly sweet, or slushy drinks can feel juvenile on a first date. They also tend to melt, create a mess, drip, or force awkward sipping maneuvers. More importantly, it tells your date you prefer novelty over nuance. Instead, choose a clean, balanced drink you can enjoy without fuss. A thoughtful choice shows you care about how the evening flows, not just your sugar fix.
4. The Ultra-Strong Neat Spirit with No Mixer
Walking straight into a neat whiskey, scotch, or stiff spirit sends a message of serious intensity. That’s fine later, but on date one, you risk appearing too intense or inflexible. Worse, you might misjudge your limit and lose control. If you enjoy a strong spirit, temper it with a splash of water or ice. That way, your drink reflects composure, not bravado.
5. A Beer Style You Can’t Pronounce
Craft beer is cool, but ordering the most obscure brew on the menu can backfire. Your date may feel you’re trying too hard to impress or show off. You want a beer that’s recognizable and approachable, not confusing or pretentious. If you want to try something new, it’s better to ask for the server’s suggestion or go with a safe but high-quality choice. First date drinks should enhance connection, not draw barriers.
6. A Giant Wine Bottle (When You’re Only Getting One Course)
Ordering a large wine bottle right away is presumptuous and impractical. If the date doesn’t last or you’re just having one course, it can feel wasteful or awkward. Wine etiquette suggests starting with a glass unless both agree to share a bottle. Keep control over portion and pace, don’t overcommit to alcohol volume. Your date will appreciate you pacing the evening thoughtfully.
7. A “Rage Juice” Energy–Alcohol Mashup
Drinks that mix spirits with energy drinks or soda bombs (like “vodka monster concoctions”) might seem fun, but they’re often over the top. They signal you want to party, not connect. Plus, they can mask how much booze you’re consuming. That’s a poor look when emotional clarity matters. On a first date, opt for clarity over hyperdrive.
8. A Drink You Can’t Spell or Pronounce
When your order includes ingredients or names you can’t even say, you lose credibility. You might stumble when your date asks what’s in it. That creates awkwardness you don’t need early on. Choose a drink you know and can speak about casually. That displays comfort and confidence, two great first impressions.
9. A Bottomless Brunch Cocktail (Unless You Know the Vibe)
Bottomless mimosas or unlimited brunch cocktails can dangerously spiral fast. First date drinks should steer conversation, not induce recklessness. If your date is brunch-style and you both agree, it’s fine, but entering bottomless territory blind is risky. You might lose track, end up sloppy, or send mixed signals. In general, avoid going bottomless until trust and chemistry are solid.
10. A “Showy” Liquor You Use Only to Flaunt
Ordering an expensive bottle of Hennessy, premium cognac, or ultra-rare spirit purely to impress feels disingenuous. Some bartenders even consider certain liquors deal breakers when ordered too early. If you really love a fine spirit, you can hint or mention it before ordering, but don’t shock your date with your entire collection right off the bat. Respect your date’s comfort, and let your conversation impress more than your liquor label.
How to Navigate the First Date Drinks Landscape with Grace
Stay calm, pause, and consider your strategy before the menu lands. Begin by asking your date what kind of drinks they like or prefer. This shows respect and shared decision-making. Then choose something you genuinely enjoy but that’s also easy to sip and moderate. Avoid the ten pitfalls above so your drink doesn’t overshadow your personality. In the end, the right first date drinks accentuate your presence, not compete with it.
Do you think drink choices really change first impressions, or is personality everything? Which drink would you avoid, and which one would you confidently order? Share your take in the comments!
