When you’re trying to impress someone on the first date, is fully being yourself really an option? Let us recommend you what drinks to start off with at the bar on your first date.
It’s undeniable that there’s at least a little bit of pressure on a first date. You’re meeting someone for the first time, you don’t want to appear cocky, you don’t want to arrive too early nor too late, and you want things to go down well. It’s all in the technique. If you meet at a bar, picking the right drink to order can be daunting. Here are a few cocktails tips for your first date. These ones will be easier to swallow.
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You’re at a bar: What drinks to order on your first date
Gin Sonic
For when you want to appear worldly, yet down to earth
Not a gin and tonic, not a gin soda; a gin sonic is half tonic, half soda, splashed on top of your favourite gin. It’s a popular drink in Japan that arguably took off in the 1990s because of veteran barman Takao Mori. The soda allows botanicals to pop more while lowering the amount of sugar compared to a usual G&T. Bonus points if you order with a gin of choice: Roku, Nikka Coffey, and Hendrick’s are great picks.
Aperol Spritz
For when you want to appear so European, so cultured
Made with Aperol, prosecco, club soda, it’s arguably one of Italy’s best exports. An Aperol Spritz is a very refreshing drink perfect for any time of day, with a bittersweet taste, notes of citrus and herbs, and a bubbly feel. It’s perfectly valid if you don’t want to travel for an Aperol Spritz, but you’ll definitely appear as if you have.
French 75
For when you want to show that you read, and you know history
The interesting thing about the French 75 is that it’s named after a 75-millimetre field gun the French used during WWI. We’ve seen that fact brought up on dates before, but it’s also a very good cocktail if you like yours topped with champagne (or sparkling wines). Feel free to choose between a base of gin or cognac; both make acceptable French 75s. An elegant drink for an elegant first date.
Old Fashioned
For when you’re a manly man who can’t touch a Cosmo
In all seriousness, The Old Fashioned is arguably the most well-known whisky cocktail ever, and there’s nothing wrong with liking them, but we’ve also heard tales of men who don’t order drinks because they come in a glass with a stem. If you’re in the mood for a twist, the Oaxaca Old Fashioned adds notes of agave from tequila, with some smokiness from mezcal, all while feeling like an Old Fashioned.
Negroni
For when you don’t know the bar and panicked when the bartender asked
An Italian staple — this spirit-forward drink is one of the safest drinks to order on a first date. The bar can’t possibly mess up a Negroni, right? Right? Bonus points if you’re impressing an Italian, are Italian, or the bartender is Italian.
Martini
For when you’re feeling classy, and are now in this date for yourself
The Martini is one of the classiest drinks you can order, yet it’s understandable if you’re steering clear of more boozy drinks when you’re on a first date. If it’s going bad and you’re in it for yourself, we fully understand those cravings for a good Martini. Otherwise, you can just order a 50/50 Martini; half gin, half vermouth, lower ABV.
Long Island Iced Tea
For when that Tinder profile looks nothing like what you’re experiencing
The Long Island Iced Tea is a mess of a drink that we all need every now and then, with nearly four ounces of alcohol and just a splash of cola. It goes down smooth, gets the job done, and is perfect for the first date that is not going well. Also see: Adios, Motherfucker.
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Written by
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day, skinny legend by night, "Kook" Vichayuth works closely with Bangkok's F&B industry. His hobbies include bar-hopping, catching up with friends, and silently judging you from across the room.
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