The coffee date. Coffee shops are the perfect venue for a simple first date – unless you don’t drink coffee. You can tell a lot about a person based on what kind of coffee drink they choose, which makes choosing all the more stressful for non-coffee drinkers. I will even admit to ordering a cup of coffee just to order a cup of coffee on a date. Nevertheless, it is much easier to order an alternative beverage that you enjoy, rather than cringing every time you take a sip. Picking the appropriate non-coffee beverage in a coffee shop is slightly challenging, but I have finally consolidated a list of drinks appropriate for the non-coffee drinker on a coffee date.
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Chai Tea
Chai tea is a go-to for many non-coffee drinkers because of its warm, spiced taste and creamy consistency. While Chai tea contains a little caffeine, the beverage doesn’t have a strong coffee taste. Many coffee shops also offer a variety of Chai tea flavors, including vanilla, pumpkin spice, chocolate, and cinnamon (my favorite). Depending on your preference, you can order Chai tea as a hot latte or a cold iced drink.
Quick Tip: Chai tea lattes consist of one part water and one part milk. If you are a first-time Chai tea latte drinker and prefer creamier drinks, ask for no added water.
Herbal Tea
If you are feeling anxious while on a coffee date, herbal teas are there for you. Herbal teas naturally reduce your stress and anxiety levels while energizing you with an earthy, fruity flavor. If you have yet to try tea, herbal teas are a great introduction because of their soothing fruity flavor. Coffee shops always have an assortment of herbal teas year-round, and depending on your preference, you can order herbal tea brewed or iced.
Refreshers
You can’t go wrong with a sweet, iced refresher. Refreshers are particular to Starbucks, but many other coffee shops sell similar juice drinks in the refrigerated sections. Similar to its name, refreshers are refreshingly reminiscent of fruit juice but lightly caffeinated to offer you a light pick-me-up.
Fruit Smoothies
Fruit smoothies are a great way to go, especially if you are not a coffee or tea drinker. Many coffee shops offer simple and delicious smoothie options that will give your date the impression you are trendy and healthy – even though the majority of smoothies are packed with sugar. Plus, what’s not to like about a sweet, fruity drink on a first date.
Bonus: If you order a smoothie you automatically have a thought-provoking conversation-starter – what do you like in your fruit smoothies?
Lemon Water
Of course, if you panic at the register and completely blank on what to order, you can never go wrong with ordering a glass of water – just ask for a lemon slice to spice it up! While I wouldn’t necessarily approach a coffee date with the intent of ordering a glass of water, it’s comforting to keep in mind that good-ole H2O is always an option.
Avoid Overly Sweet Drinks
While on your first coffee date, make a good impression and avoid overly sweet, youthful drinks including frappuccinos, milkshakes, or hot chocolates. While these sugary drinks are delicious to indulge in, save the order for the second coffee date or after with your friends.
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At the end of the day, you are simply ordering a drink on a coffee date. If all is going well, you should be focused on the person sitting across from you rather the drink in front of you. Use my suggestions as guidelines, but just be yourself and order what speaks to you!