The Crucial Drink Ordering Etiquette Tip When Someone Else Is Paying

Going out to eat is always an exciting event, but when you know that you won't be paying, it makes the occasion downright celebratory — even if it's dinner with the boss. But as much as you fantasize about ordering the premium aged steak and a $250 bottle of pinot noir, there are some etiquette rules that you should really follow. If you don't you could be labeled as someone who takes serious advantage of their host and is never invited out again.

To put it plainly, when it comes to ordering wine or cocktails, follow the lead of your host. Pay attention to what they order and, while you don't have to order exactly what they're drinking, choose something similar. As cliché as it sounds, you can't go wrong by following the golden rule and treating others how you'd want to be treated. You should act as if the tab was coming to you.

The easiest — and possibly most disappointing — scenario is if your host doesn't order alcohol at all. In this case, don't even think about ordering some for yourself. To do so would be downright rude and inconsiderate. Sip your Coke, smile, and buy yourself a drink later. If your host does order a glass of wine, a cocktail, or an aperitif, feel free to order one yourself. 

As long as you keep the price at (or under) what they've ordered, get what you want. This means that, if you prefer wine over your host's choice of an espresso martini, go for the wine. This is because this wine will likely be cheaper than the cocktail. Of course, you should always order something that you enjoy and is agreeable to you. If tequila makes you do embarrassing things, maybe don't order the margarita that your host has chosen for themselves.

Every situation is different. Don't panic if your host has decided to order a bottle of wine for the table. Use common sense; don't order an additional bottle just because you're trying to follow their lead. That would just be awkward. Unless you're abstaining from alcohol altogether, at least have a small glass of your host's choice of sauvignon blanc.

Dinners can vary greatly in mood and scenario. For instance, if you're eating spicy food, your host may order multiple drinks throughout the night, so that the cold beer keeps flowing. If you're out with the boss, you might want to make an effort to stay sober to avoid any awkwardness on Monday morning. The same goes for occasions like meeting your significant other's parents for the first time. Order a drink or two if that's what the host is doing and then switch to a club soda with lime.

If you're with close friends and someone has offered to pay, things can be a little more casual. You can suggest ordering a bucket of beers or a pitcher of sangria – just don't forget to repay said friend's generosity the next time you get together. It goes without saying that you should always thank your host for their hospitality and tell them how much you enjoyed the meal. Go into the situation with ease and simply let them take the lead. If you follow it, you'll be just fine.