Dating Tips: How To Be a Sexy (Not Sloppy) Drunk

I wish we could be as sensible as the New Yorkers and drink “cwofee” on dates.

But we’re not.

Alcohol is THE romance fixer for Brits and something we can’t seem to avoid when dating. And with good reason. Who doesn’t feel a bit sexier, funnier and less critical of your date when sipping a good red?

Well sadly with booze there’s a thin line between seductive and sloppy.

Here are five ways to make sure you get the balance right:

Drink Spritzers

People tend to sip wine a little too quickly on dates because they get nervous. So if you can’t alter your pace, try altering your drink.

Spritzers are so much more than watered down wine. Ask for a good soda like San Pellegrino, pour it over half of your favourite tipple and you’re on to a good start.

Check out these great spritzer recipes.

The Slur Test

The age old question is: How do you know when to stop, when you’re too pissed to know it’s time to stop?

The 'Slur Test' is a good one. Excuse yourself to the bathroom and catch yourself out by trying a phrase that takes meticulous execution, for example: Unique New York, Specificity or British Constitution.

If you can’t deliver it like a genius, stop drinking.

Arrive Early and Order a Mocktail

The one good thing about arriving early on a date is they won’t know what you’ve ordered.

Ask the barman for a Virgin Mary or a soda water in a tall glass with some garnish. Your date will assume you’re on the sauce and then you can switch to alcohol for the next order, but you'll be a drink behind, putting you at an advantage.

Swanky Small Plates

As a rule, you shouldn’t go for dinner on a first date. But you will need to eat something to line your stomach.

Pick somewhere that serves small portions. Spanish bars or European restaurants with upmarket bar food work well. Focus on carbs and avoid the garlic.

Now you’ll be able to draw the date out at least three hours without breaking a booze sweat.

Competitive Undercutting

You know how you’ll appear less drunk than you actually are? If your date is more drunk than you.

No need for peer pressure, just make sure your drink choice is less boozy than theirs. If they order a Hendricks martini, go for a gin and tonic. If they pick a wine, start with a Corona.

And there you have it, five tips for surviving a first date without needing your handsome catch to call you a cab and provide the sick-bag.

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Have you got any other tips we should know about? If yes, let us know in the comments!

Nana is a bit of a dating specialist. She's runs a bespoke dating service called Social Concierge.