I’ve noticed something about myself lately, I’m a big fan of a coffee date with a friend. To me it’s almost no different than grabbing drinks to an extent. You have to go drive somewhere, park, decide on a drink and maybe get a small bite to eat. Let’s be honest, you’ll probably pay too much for said drink and bite too, right? You can easily start a conversation with someone at either a coffee house or bar. Coffee shops have become social places where barista’s can chat for hours about their favorite espresso and roast, and hipsters and millennials are flocking to sit on their laptops at.
I end up going on lots of coffee dates with friends these days. From catching up with an old pal, to getting some work done with a fellow blogger in the area. Sometimes, I even like to just go solo to give me a reason to get up, dressed and out of the damn house on some days to get some work done (a struggle sometimes when you work from home). I’ve also been on a handful of actual dates over coffee. So today I’m sharing my three favorite reasons why you should suggest a coffee date over cocktails next time you want to get together with someone.
THREE REASONS TO CHOOSE A COFFEE DATE OVER COCKTAILS
1. It’s Simply Cheaper
Cocktails easily add up one of two ways. First, one single cocktail can range from $6 all the way to $15 depending on where you live or where you went. Plus, you usually have more than one, right? Before you know it you’ve ordered 2 drinks each and maybe a cheese plate to share. Easily that tab can be well over $50, hell even $100 in some places in the city. The great part about coffee is you usually just have one. Rarely would you ever keep ordering coffee unless you’re some crazy caffeine person. Plus, if you aren’t drinking and driving, you’re saving money on Uber too.
Sure some coffee shops are pricey, but if you’re on a budget and are trying to catch up with friends or go on a date, this is always going to be a much more affordable option in the grand scheme of things.
2. You Aren’t Wasting Your Day (Unless You Want To!)
One of my pet peeves about going to grab a cocktail, is that it’s usually never just one. I get that that’s entirely my fault, but that’s just how it goes, right? Plus, between waiting for a seat, ordering and sipping on your cocktail, you can be there for quite a while. Sure it’s fine if that’s what your plans were for the evening and you had all intentions of gabbing away for hours. But my favorite perk of a coffee date is that it can be quick, like really quick. Whether on a date or just catching up a with a friend, it’s nice to know that grabbing coffee won’t take forever.
Another nice part about grabbing coffee is that it isn’t at the end of the day. Which means, you can easily extend your meet up to another activity afterwards. Near a park? Go for a walk! Having a great time and want to chat more? Go grab lunch. When you’re out for a drink the next option is usually just more drinks because that’s all that’s open.
3. It’s Healthier
For a few reasons, grabbing a cup of coffee is just overall more healthy than indulging in cocktails. Drink for drink, you’ll likely consume less calories at the coffee shop (just don’t order the pumpkin spice latte). Mixed drinks have anywhere from 100-500 calories in them, add in the pretzels and nuts, and you’re looking at easily 1,000 calories adding up pretty quickly. If you head to a coffee shop you’re healthiest option is a cup of Joe for a solid 20 calories, to maybe a flavored full fat latte at under 300 calories.
On the other hand, coffee is usually enjoyed during daylight hours where as cocktails are a late night activity. Choosing an espresso over a martini will result in getting to bed earlier, not drinking and driving and probably getting more things done in the day afterwards. For me, these are all better options than a late bed time, crappy sleep and the potential of a dreaded hangover.
If you’ve got a friend you need to catch up with, try choosing coffee over drinks and see how it goes. Something tells me you’ll thank me later! If you’re in Atlanta, here’s a few of my favorite coffee shops around town that you can typically find me at!
