While my tendency is to hang with "masculine" drinks like a Martini, Bourbon and water or Scotch on the rocks, some of you probably know that my ultimate bar drink is considered a bit "girlie" by some. I've admitted it before but I just can't get enough Mojitos. Always sweet and refreshing. And frowned upon by many of my male friends.
So, I was really interested to see the Wall Street Journal's take on He Drinks, She Drinks in this past weekend's edition. Unfortunately, I can't link to it but wanted to share a few snippets from the article.
Many guys eschew the cocktail list partly because they know what they want before they walk into the bar. But I also think men cling to what they know for a sense of social security - a Jack Daniel's is a safe, embarrassment-free drink, so why order anything else? Thus a vicious circle: With men hesitant to venture onto the cocktail list, menus skew even more heavily toward female tastes.
Women who buck convention and drink gin Martinis or Scotch on the rocks raise no eyebrows - instead they are rightly applauded for the sophistication of their choices. If men think they are being judged by the drinks they order, they're right.
"I made it known to him that I have no regard for him as a man."
Again, a microcosm of the issues men face in broader societal trends. The more insecure we are as men and the more we conform to what others believe we should be, the harder it is for us to break out of traditional male stereotypes.
Listen, I say drink whatever you want. Women get credit for having a refined palate. Men get called whimps. It's time to take back happy hour. Enjoy a Mojito. Savor a fruity drink. Order something different. But, just as a precaution, have them hold the fruit garnish or paper umbrella. That can be embarrassing.