Advice for a "non-drinker"

[Abstract]

The worst thing to do is to order some fancy virgin coctail type drink because it looks like it may have alcohol in it. Forget it. Just order a Coke if you want a Coke, and order a cappuccino if you want a cappuccino. Don't ask for a Coke in a small glass to make it look like there's alcohol in it. I'd probably get a Coke or a coffee if I was in a bar and was designated driver.

Just order the drink you want and be confident about it. Don't say, "Um....I'd uh.....like a Sprite please.". Just ask for a Sprite because that's what you want.

 

[Jaffa Cake]

Wait, you're supposed to tip at a bar? First I've heard of that...

It's common practice over in the States and Canada. here, we'd rather put our money towards more booze.

Adrian – I hate to sound like an echo but you drink what the hell you want to. If anyone has a problem with that – and if they're proper grown-ups they shouldn't – then it's their problem, not theirs. The whole idea of popping out for a drink (be it alcoholic or otherwise) is to relax, socialise and get to know your colleagues better. What's actually in your glass has no bearing on your enjoyment of the evening whatsoever.

 

[adrianblaine]

Thanks again to everyone!

to kind of address everyone at once... I never thought my co-workers would think less of me because I don't drink, it's just before this 95% of my friends and family didn't drink either, so I'm kind of entering a whole new world. My biggest concern of course was getting a feel for how a bar works before I did something dumb. My only real knowledge of bars before this was from watching Cheers, and I never once saw any of them pay and no one drank anything other than beer!

Anyway, I will be confident when I order my Coke when I go with them. I don't know when that will be quite yet, but I'll give an update when I do.

Thanks again everyone! This was very helpful