What should a non-drinker order?
I don't drink but a colleague from a different regional office has asked me to meet him for a drink tonight. What should I order?
Drink what you normally would drink at a bar (Tea, Water, Cola, etc.). Just state that you don't drink.
11 Answers
I agree with Chris, you don't have to drink if you don't want to or can't.
Though if you'd like to try, I suggest common drinks that aren't that strong. Such as Rum Coke, Vodka 7, or perhaps a light beer. Just have a one or two so that you don't shock your system.
An Arnold Palmer - 50% iced tea, 50% lemonade
I agree with EBone on the Arnold Palmer. You can also do the Virgin Bloody Mary if you want to look like you have alcohol, but don't want the buzz.
I find it rare that bars will have iced tea or lemonade (unless they are also a restaurant).
If that's the case, I go with club soda and a little bit of cranberry (and/or Rose's lime juice).
Every bar should have that and not as many calories as cola's
I'm a Mormon and don't drink, but have many friends who do. So I'm the designated driver. Every bar I've ever been in has Coke or Diet Coke as a mixer, so you can always order those. I rarely get any pressure to drink from friends/colleagues because they know me.
As a fun additional answer, if you're ever in Germany, you can order a "Spezi" in almost any bar/restaurant. A Spezi is half Coke/half orange soda. Looks kind of army green in color, but tastes pretty good and makes you sound cool when everyone else is ordering German beers and you just say "Spezi".
In these days of social responsibility and rampant alcoholism most bars have a semi decent non alcoholic selection, some even offer free soft drinks if you mention that you're the designated at the start of the night.
Before i started drinking i used to order a St Clements - Orange Juice & Bitter Lemon. Very refreshing and most bars with those little bottles of mixers should be able to knock it up for you.
Drink what you normally would drink at a bar (Tea, Water, Cola, etc.). Just state that you don't drink.