posted 10-20-2005 08:37 PM                    

quote:

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Zima:
Women think you're the type who will invite them back to your double-wide to watch the "Dukes of Hazzard" marathon.

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I thought only under-age girls drank that Zima crap! I don't know about other places, but in my part of Oklahoma a fellow being seen in public with a Zima in his hand would be one way for him to say he's coming out of the closet.

I'm no great, sophisticated drinker. Pretty much just a beer guy. Michelob or Bud Dry is decent for football games. I seem to enjoy lots of different Mexican beer, whether it's Sol, Dos Equis (amber or dark) or Corona. Tecate is even great. One lady warned me, "you'll get mono drinking that." I replied, "don't worry, I've had my shots." Dark beer is great at parties. That's because I drink them more slowly. That allows me to watch everyone else get hammered well before I get drunk. Then the practical jokes and video making can ensue.

Hard drinks are scary. For some reason, I think it's easier to do Tequila shooters than shots of Crown or Makers. But I can't pace myself doing shots or even mixed drinks for that matter. It's a bad deal if a friend has to drive you home and you vomit all over the passenger side of your vehicle. Not the vehicle I own now, but the one I used to have years ago.

posted 10-20-2005 08:38 PM                       

quote: The Far More Important Article

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October 13, 2005

NIGHT LIFE
I'll have a first impression, with a twist
*If there's truth in wine, then what about tequila? Or a Cosmo? To your date, that drink order may speak volumes.

By Nicole Roberge, Special to The Times

The request seems innocent enough: "We should go for a drink sometime," he says. Happy he even asked you, you pretty yourself up. Hair is perfect, just-so-subtle makeup, and of course a great new outfit. Sure, you may have the typical first-date jitters, but that should all be secondary to the one looming danger of first-date drinks: What should you order to drink?

Like it or not, ladies, that initial drink order speaks more to your date than your perfect hair. Though most guys I've talked with agree that it is better to go for drinks first because it helps to loosen things up a bit, they also admit that they make assumptions about their date based on what she orders to drink.

The second you order your drink, he forms an opinion of you. And from that second on, he knows if it's going to be a bad night, a good night or a really good night (see: tequila).

Before you start downing those shots — or gingerly sipping your wine — here are some drinks decoded, so the next time a guy asks you out for a drink you can check your jitters at the bar.

Beer: It doesn't matter what kind you drink, most guys approve and it shows you are laid-back and comfortable in your surroundings, not trying to impress anyone.

But they advise that if it is a first date and you're going for drinks somewhere other than a sports bar, it's probably not the best choice.

Wine (red or white): A bit refined, or at least pretending to be.

Margarita: A fun-loving girl with lots of personality.

Gin and tonic: Guys are split on this one. Some say it signifies a sophisticated woman; others say it is someone looking to get drunk.

Either way, it signals that you may have hit your grandma's liquor cabinet early on. Use sparingly.

Martini: Somewhat classy — or you just like the fun glass.

Cosmopolitan: A bit trendy, and some guys view it as snobby. Also, it shows someone with expensive taste. So if the guy's paying the bill, steer clear of this one, especially if the date's going badly. He doesn't want to have to take out a loan to buy you drinks.

Long Island iced tea: He knows how much alcohol is in it — and that you might end up spending the night feeling very, very ill.

Rum and Coke: This is a basic, and fairly safe, drink choice. Someone who likes to have fun but can keep herself in check.

Whiskey and Coke: Borderline alcoholic. Someone who is a bit sassy, will speak her mind and won't care what anyone thinks.

Vodka cranberry: Someone not familiar with many drinks, but who still likes to have fun and knows that vodka will do the trick without tasting too bad.

Red Bull and vodka: An absolute party girl. Save this one for the club.

Smirnoff Ice/Mike's Hard Lemonade/wine cooler: He probably won't appreciate this drink choice; unless your date is at the 7-Eleven, get a real drink.

Mudslide/white Russian: Any drink with milk in it scares guys.

Sea breeze/Midori sour/amaretto sour: A bit of a good girl. Someone who likes to drink but doesn't like the taste of alcohol.

Tequila: Guys dig a tequila drinker, but some claim "she is a keeper — just for the night though." Avoid at all costs if you don't want to end up seeing his sheets. Otherwise, bottoms up.

Despite the differences in drinks, the message remains the same — he sizes you up by your preference in alcohol.

But don't change your typical drink order to give a different perception of yourself. If your martini and his Bud don't mesh well, then so be it. When you move in together, at least your liquor cabinet will have lots of variety.

Nicole Roberge can be reached at weekend@latimes.com.

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