Coming across as a classy individual on a date might be on your mind, but that doesn’t mean you HAVE to order an alcoholic beverage.

Too many people are convinced that it’s childish and immature to skip out on a cocktail at a restaurant.

Truth be told, some people are in the Alcoholics Anonymous program, which means they can’t consume alcohol at all – ever.

Others simply hate the taste of alcohol. Others hate the hangover they have to deal with after a night of drinking. And others would rather keep a clear mind to have control over their circumstances while interacting with others in public.

Whatever your reasons for avoiding alcohol, you are completely valid. You shouldn’t feel like you have to explain yourself, either.

You might feel too classy ordering a soda on date night, but that surely isn’t your only option.

Here are some non-alcoholic drinks to order during a date that are just as classy and delicious as a fancy-shmancy cocktail.

Flavored lemonades

Lemonade is always a great choice as a drink since it’s refreshing in the best way.

If you aren’t a huge fan of sour flavors, lemonade may not be for you, but you can always request your lemonade to be served on the sweeter side.

A few squirts of simple sweetener can turn a sour lemonade into a delight.

Flavored lemonades are usually the most fun, though. Strawberry lemonade is the most popular, but you can also order watermelon lemonade, cherry lemonade, pineapple lemonade, and other flavorful options depending on the restaurant you’re at.

Lemonade (whether it’s flavored or not) can be served with a garnish such as a mint leaf or lemon wedge on top.

Mocktail options

Your options are endless with mocktails. There are so many to choose from. Most regular cocktails can be served as mocktails, which means all ingredients remain the same – minus the liquor.

Experiment with Virgin Margaritas, Virgin Mojitos, Virgin Strawberry Daiquiris, Virgin Cosmopolitans, and Virgin Piña Coladas.

No one will be able to tell the difference between you sipping on the real thing or the Virgin-version.

Blended smoothies or milkshakes

Depending on the restaurant you’re dining at for date night, it’s possible the menu includes some delicious smoothies or milkshakes.

You can’t be expected to miss out on the thick fruitiness of a blended smoothie or the creamy deliciousness of a milkshake… right?

Sure, these drinks tend to pack far more calories than others, but they still get you off the hook from ordering an alcoholic drink.

Some popular smoothie flavors are strawberry banana, peach mango, acai berry, kiwi strawberry, and watermelon.

Some top-notch milkshake flavors are cookies & cream, peanut butter almond, salted caramel, plain vanilla, and mint chip.

Tea or coffee

Tea is one of the most mature drinks one can order at a restaurant. It’s known for offering a host of health benefits such as fighting off inflammation and boosting your immune system.

Ordering tea on a date is a sign that you’re someone who cares about your well-being.

Coffee doesn’t have as many health benefits as tea, but it’s known to jolt you awake with high levels of energy and excitement.

Drinking coffee with your meal during a date is a sign that you’re happy to maintain an alert sense of focus with your special someone.

Water

There’s nothing boring about water, no matter what anyone might tell you. Ordering water during a date isn’t your way of being unoriginal or cheap.

It simply showcases the fact that you prioritize your health and that you love feeling as optimal as possible.

Healthline says, “Alcohol is a diuretic. It causes your body to remove fluids from your blood through your renal system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, at a much quicker rate than other liquids. If you don’t drink enough water with alcohol, you can become dehydrated quickly.”

Water will always be the healthiest drink option. If your date wants to know why you’d rather sip a simple glass of water instead of an alcoholic cocktail, explain that you prefer to be hydrated by water instead of dehydrated by liquor.