5 Drinks To Have Before A Date Slideshow

Bartender Laura Lashley of Madam Geneva in New York City swears by the tequila shot as the perfect pre-date shot of courage. "It's quick and it gives you energy and courage."

 

If you're taking a shot for pre-date courage, save yourself a hangover and splurge for a top-shelf brand. It's potent, but won't go straight to your head. Also, be sure to take your shot well before your date arrives, or at an entirely different bar altogether — there's nothing more disheartening than showing up and seeing your date downing shots at the bar.

Dry Martini

No one in the world has ever looked uncool drinking a dry martini (that's one with very little vermouth). This popular apertif has other benefits, too: it's clear, it's strong, it whets the appetite (if you're meeting for dinner), and if you stick to just one, it won't smell on your breath.

 

Do make sure to order it stirred: for one thing, they're better that way, for another, you don't want to sound like you're actively trying to imitate James Bond. Save that for later in the relationship.

Sparkling Wine

Douglas Piccinnini, bartender at White Star, suggests sparkling wine as the perfect pre-date potable. It's not too boozy, it doesn't stain your teeth, and you can finish a small glass pretty quickly. Try a prosecco or any other frizzante drink on the menu. Added bonus: there's something about holding a glass of sparkling wine that makes you look that much more elegant: not a bad first impression.

Old-Fashioned

If it's good enough for Don Draper, it's good enough for you! Lashley recommends ordering an Old-Fashioned if you have to wait for your date at a bar: it's a classic drink, every bartender will know how to make it, and though it's strong, it doesn't reek of "pre-date nerves" as much as, say, ordering a Jack and soda would.

Green Tea

Non-alcoholic: shocking! But for teetotalers (or mere moderate drinkers), green tea is the perfect pre-date drink. It has just enough caffeine to keep you energized without making you jittery. Plus, it won't stain your teeth, upset your stomach, and it won't go to your head. You'll arrive at your date feeling fresh and zen.

Avoid: Red Wine

Stains your teeth, and mouth, and you won't even know it's happening until you go to the bathroom halfway through dinner and AGGHHH! Purple lips and teeth.

Avoid: Red Bull/Five Hour Energy

If you're already nervous before your date, this will merely make you out-of-your-mind jittery.

Avoid: Sangria

You will become so distracted by trying to get the fruit at the bottom of your cup with your straw that you may miss your date entirely.