It’s said the you make your first impression on someone within the first 30 seconds of meeting them. If this is true, then what you hold in your hand (specifically a drink) during this encounter can hinder or help your first impression.
I recently came across an interesting study by Budweiser called the ‘First Impressions’ National Survey—a survey of 2,000 Americans (ages 21+) conducted by Learndipity Data Insights and Budweiser, that asked respondents to match common bar drinks (beer, wine, champagne, cosmopolitan, margarita, and gin & tonic) with perceived personality traits from the Five Factor Model (agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and openness to experience). There were some fascinating findings that revealed how your drink of choice at a bar can make a strong first impression. Read more about what people think about the drink in your hand below.
Mr./Ms. Easy Going (Domestic Beer)
Both women (70%) and men (59%) who drink domestic beer are perceived as more approachable. While imported beer also has a positive approachability effect for both women (36%) and men (29%), it’s not nearly as strong as a domestic beer (such as Budweiser). So if you choose to drink a beer, many people believe you to be approachable and genuine.
Mr./Ms. Focused (Wine)
Like fine wine, we are perceived to get better with time, right? In Budweiser’s study, 52% of respondents said they perceive a man drinking wine as more “serious and reserved,” while 31% believe the same thing for women. Gin & tonic drinkers come in second place for this personality trait, at 23% (men) and 22% (women). So if you want to come off as serious and reserved, go for the wine.
Mr./Ms. Trendy (Cosmo)
Want to look like a fashion-forward trendsetter? Reach for a cosmo. 48% of respondents believe a woman drinking a cosmo is “flashy and fashionable,” while 40% agree the same applies to a man. No other drink choice scores higher on this personality trait.
Mr./Ms. Free Spirit (Margarita)
Want to seem energetic and outgoing? Order a margarita on the rocks. Both women (50%) and men (41%) drinking margaritas seem more “energetic and outgoing.” Beer drinkers are also perceived as energetic and outgoing (29% for women and 27% for men), albeit to a lesser degree.
Mr./Ms. Practical (Gin & Tonic)
Going out to happy hour with coworkers? 30% of respondents believe a man drinking a gin & tonic seems more “analytical & calculating,” while 22% believe the same thing for women. Gin & tonic drinkers also rank high for being “cautious & conventional” (20% for men, 17% for women).
Mr./Ms. Fancy (Champagne)
Who doesn’t like a good bubbly to celebrate? According to the Budweiser survey, champagne drinkers seem significantly more “sophisticated and demanding” (57% for women, 41% for men). Wine drinkers also score high on this trait (29% for men and 25% for women).
While domestic beer makes you seem more approachable, it’s up to you to be interesting and maintain a conversation. Unless you don’t want to be bothered. If that’s the case, order the champagne.