Here’s The Truth About Coffee In Interviews And Cocktails On Dates
The article discusses social etiquette and judgments related to beverage choices in professional and personal settings. It highlights a recent debate about whether bringing iced coffee to a job interview is appropriate, ultimately advising against it as it appears too casual and signals a lack of seriousness. Similarly, the author suggests that single men should avoid fruity cocktails on dates and in mixed company in this very way drinks can seem distracting or indicative of discomfort, whereas bourbon or beer are more suitable choices for men’s strength and simplicity. When in a committed relationship or at special events, fruity cocktails might potentially be acceptable, but generally, men should stick to straightforward spirits and avoid wine, which is frequently enough associated with women outside specific dining contexts. the piece emphasizes that beverage choices convey signals about one’s personality and preparedness.
We were talking at The Federalist on Thursday about the online debate over whether it was appropriate to bring an iced coffee to a job interview, and the conversation ventured into unexplored territory. Here’s the official conclusion, as determined by me: Don’t bring a coffee to a job interview, and single men shouldn’t order fruity cocktails on dates.
The iced coffee discourse started in recent days when a self-described job recruiter, who regularly shares tips on social media about employment interviews, advised her followers on TikTok that it “looks a little too casual” for prospective employees to attend interviews with an iced coffee in hand. “It is perceived … that when you show up with an iced coffee or an iced latte,” she said, “that this interview is just like a stop on your list of errands for the day.”
That’s perfectly logical, rational advice, but some dummies who saw it excused their inherent laziness and underachieving tendencies by arguing that an iced coffee at an interview is a nonevent of no concern to a potential employer.
That’s the type of mentality that keeps college graduates underemployed and dependent on their parents well into their 20s. In addition to what the recruiter said, showing up to an interview with a coffee in hand signals that the interviewee has prioritized his appetite and craving over his preparation for the meeting. If that weren’t true, he would have used the time spent swinging by Starbucks to instead read more about his potential employer, the company, its leaders, and ethos. He would have denied himself the pleasure of a latte and instead mentally walked through possible questions he would have to reply to with thoughtful answers.
What a person drinks, and when he finds it appropriate to drink it, says a lot. That’s what brings us to what alcoholic beverages men should and shouldn’t drink, depending on the scenario.
Single men should not drink fruity cocktails on dates nor in mixed company. It’s distracting. A single man ordering a fruity, sugary drink signals that he can’t take a little discomfort, which all potent alcohol delivers before the blissful buzz. Dogs won’t take their medicine if it’s not wrapped in bacon. Children expect a treat in exchange for doing their chores. Women want sugar on their rims. That’s expected. A man shouldn’t need novocaine to sip a cocktail, the same way he shouldn’t complain if a shivering lady needed his jacket.
Here is what’s appropriate for men:
On a date or with friends, it’s either bourbon or beer. To be sure, there are cocktails with bourbon, like an old-fashioned or a Manhattan. An old-fashioned might have an orange peel. A Manhattan comes with a cherry. They’re both sweetened. But those drinks are simple to make, and the spirit isn’t masked by a fruity, frosty, frozen slush or juice. It’s strong, just like the man who orders it. Other types of whiskey are acceptable.
Fruity cocktails are fine when a man has settled down with a significant other or when the special occasion calls for it. The difference here isn’t subtle. A man who is in a relationship has, in theory, already proven himself and his strength, which is what he’s worth. There is no one left to impress, and his significant other has accepted his shortcomings, which might be the occasional appetite for a piña colada or a sea breeze while on vacation. Likewise, a man might be invited to an event or outing where the explicit purpose is to either make or order a fruity cocktail, like a house party that has a margarita theme, or a trip to a tiki bar. In such a situation, a man would look ridiculous ordering a whiskey or beer.
In the event whiskey and beer aren’t your thing, there are other options. Tequila, rum, gin, and vodka are all fine spirits, but the key is not looking like a fool when choosing them. Again, no fruity cocktails. Keep it simple. Stick to one-mixer drinks, like a vodka-cranberry, tequila-soda, or gin-tonic. Rum and Coke is a classic.
Wine is for women, usually. The exceptions are sophisticated steak and seafood dinners, and the imploring of a significant other who suggests sharing a bottle. Otherwise, don’t do it.
Those are the rules. Follow accordingly.
Eddie Scarry is the D.C. columnist at The Federalist and author of “Traitors: The Democrat Party’s Collapse into Anti-American Filth.”
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
