When cuffing season rolls around, the bar isn’t just where you grab a drink — it’s basically a dating confidence test.
New research from Talker Research, in partnership with Mi CAMPO Tequila and Tinder, surveyed 2,000 single millennials and Gen Zers (21+) and found a strong link between drink choice and how boldly people “shoot their shot.”
And apparently, those who take their drinks neat, knock back a shot, or order a classic margarita… are some of the most confident daters out there. Cheers to that. ?
? Shot Takers = Shot Callers
A whopping 78% of people who go for shots come across as confident — same for those who drink their liquor neat. And 70% of margarita lovers? Also bold.
But it’s the “on the rocks” crowd who win this confidence game with 79% saying they’re likely to make the first move. (Bonus: Tequila drinkers — 77% of them — are also out here initiating connections like it’s their job.)
“Confidence in dating isn’t just about being bold — it’s about being real,” says Devyn Simone, Tinder’s resident relationship expert. “Gen Z and millennial daters are showing us that authenticity is the new superpower.”
Translation: Whether you’re sipping a margarita or slamming a shot, it’s the confidence that does the flirting.
? First-Date Fuel
The most popular first-date drink orders?
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Margarita — 31%
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Shot — 28%
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Glass of wine — 24%
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Martini — 14%
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Mimosa — 13%
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Piña colada, daiquiri & on the rocks — 12% each
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Whiskey sour — 11%
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Old fashioned — 11%
No matter what’s in your glass, 57% of singles say they’ll have at least one drink on a first date. And yes, dinner (52%) and grabbing drinks (40%) remain the go-to date plans.
If sparks fly, 32% expect talk of a second date… and 26% are planning for a first kiss. (No pressure.)
? Cuffing Season = Confidence Season
This isn’t just about drinks. It’s about energy.
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56% of singles are excited for cuffing season.
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They’re planning an average of five first dates.
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53% say they feel empowered to take a chance on someone new.
When asked which drink matches their cuffing-season energy, 1 in 4 picked tequila-based cocktails:
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Straight tequila: Bold, emotionally open, spontaneous.
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Paloma: Bubbly and easygoing.
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Margarita: Adventurous and living without regrets.
Honestly? If my drink order could flirt for me, life would be a lot easier.
? Dating Trends You’ll Actually Recognize
Forget playing it cool. This generation is… loud about what they want.
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“Loud looking” — being upfront and direct — is in. (37%)
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“Future proofing” — asking the real questions early — is rising. (34%)
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Daytime dating is the new chill. (32%)
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Sadly, “nanoships” — blink-and-you-miss-it flings — are alive and well. (38%)
And yes, more people find it easier to make a move IRL (40%) than online (20%). Take that, algorithms.
? Final Sip
Whether your vibe is “margarita and manifesting” or “shots and seeing what happens,” this cuffing season is all about showing up confident — or at least faking it until the second round arrives.
So… what’s your drink order? ?
#StacyKnows #DatingTrends #CuffingSeason #TequilaTime #MargaritaMood #SingleAndSipping #MillennialDating #GenZDating #ShootYourShot
