The Psychology Behind Drink Choices: Reading Your Date Like a Book
First dates can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and full of subtle cues that reveal more about a person than they may intend to share. One of the most overlooked indicators of personality during a date is the drink someone chooses. While it may seem like a small detail, the choice of beverage can reflect deeper psychological traits, preferences, and even attitudes toward life.
This idea is not just speculation. Behavioral psychologists have long studied how seemingly minor decisions—like food or drink preferences—can serve as windows into a person’s inner world. While not all preferences offer a definitive psychological profile, patterns and correlations have been observed across cultures and age groups. Let’s dive into what your date’s drink order might reveal, based on existing psychological research and expert observations.
1. Wine – The Sophisticated Traditionalist
If your date opts for a glass of red or white wine, they might be signaling a preference for tradition, sophistication, and social ease. Wine drinkers are often perceived—and may perceive themselves—as cultured or refined. According to a study by the personality psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula, wine drinkers tend to score higher on traits related to openness and agreeableness. They are often more introverted but enjoy meaningful conversation and emotional depth.
Additionally, people who prefer red wine tend to be more analytical and serious, while white wine drinkers are often described as more lively and open to new experiences. Of course, these are general trends and should not be interpreted as strict rules.
2. Beer – The Laid-Back Companion
Ordering a beer often sends the message: “I’m relaxed and easygoing.” Beer drinkers are frequently associated with a down-to-earth and sociable personality. They may prefer casual settings and simple pleasures over complex experiences. Research from Dr. Michael A. Sayette, a psychologist specializing in alcohol and behavior at the University of Pittsburgh, suggests that beer drinkers are more likely to view alcohol as a social tool, emphasizing fun and bonding rather than indulgence or escape.
On a date, someone who picks beer may be showing that they value connection over presentation, and may not be trying to impress so much as to enjoy the moment.
3. Cocktails – The Creative Adventurer
Cocktails, especially the more elaborate or rare ones, are often chosen by people who are adventurous, curious, or interested in aesthetics. Dr. Jennifer Verdolin, an animal behaviorist who also studies human mating strategies, notes that drink choice can reflect how someone presents their identity. A custom cocktail choice—like a Negroni or a spicy margarita—can signal playfulness, creativity, or a desire to stand out.
These individuals may enjoy spontaneity and the unexpected. If your date orders a cocktail you’ve never heard of, they might be open to new experiences and enjoy taking calculated risks.
4. Non-Alcoholic Choices – The Intentional Thinker
If your date chooses a non-alcoholic beverage like sparkling water, soda, or juice, they could be someone who values control, health, or clarity of mind. According to research published in the Journal of Health Psychology, people who abstain from alcohol are often conscientious and may avoid impulsive behaviors. This doesn’t mean they’re boring—it often means they’re intentional about their choices and have clear personal boundaries.
Someone who drinks tea might be introspective or serene, while a coffee order might suggest a more energetic and focused personality. The key here is intentionality—what they choose not to drink can say as much as what they do.
5. Energy Drinks – The High Performer or the Edge-Seeker
Ordering an energy drink on a date is uncommon, but when it happens, it often comes with psychological implications. A study published in Appetite by psychologist Chris Alford found that energy drink consumers tend to score higher on measures of sensation seeking and risk-taking behavior. If your date chooses an energy drink—or even mentions that they regularly consume them—they may be driven, ambitious, or pushing their limits.
Interestingly, the branding of such drinks also plays a role. Someone who prefers a private label energy drink might value practicality over image, suggesting a pragmatic personality focused on performance rather than perception.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Judge Too Quickly
While drink choices can offer insight, they shouldn’t be taken as definitive judgments. Context matters—a beer on a hot day, wine at a fancy restaurant, or coffee on a morning date all carry different meanings. Moreover, personal values, culture, and health considerations may influence the choice.
Still, being aware of these subtle signals can enrich your dating experience. Paying attention to your date’s choices—and your own reactions to them—can offer a deeper understanding of compatibility, communication, and shared values. Ultimately, it’s not about the drink itself, but what it reveals about personality, priorities, and presence in the moment.
So the next time you sit across from someone on a date, take a moment to notice what they’re sipping. It might just give you a glimpse into who they are—before they even say a word.