I’d venture to say that 99 of every 100 first dates blossom from this proposition: “Let’s grab a drink.” Why? Because naked body painting with someone you barely know might come off as clingy. But also, even if your right swipe ends up having questionable fashion choices or political views, at least the enjoyment of a cold adult beverage is something you’ll probably agree on.
But know this: when you mix first dates with alcohol, it can result in a Cocktail that’s more dangerous than a Long Island iced tea — that is, if you don’t follow a certain imbibing protocol. To guide you, here are seven dos and don’ts for Drinking on a first date to ensure that your first impression is a good one.
DO ask preliminary questions
Suggesting a bar for your initial romantic meeting can be daunting. But it’s also a great opportunity to feel out your date and learn her drinking preferences. Translation: her opinion matters to you, which is already a great start! Before choosing the Venue, ask for her drink of choice — she could be allergic to wheat, in which case, skip the beer hall. She could loooove wine, but really only French reds from the Languedoc region; so study up on those wine bar menus before selecting one.
