What kind of drinks should I order?

[BigRedBeta]

You need to find a simple drink that you enjoy and that won't be screwed up, regardless of where you travel. Whether it is vodka and club, gin and tonic, or a rum and coke, make it easy for others. You also won't get caught with something very very untasty.

[jillybean]

can't go wrong with a classic tanqueray and tonic!

[Peaches-n-Cream]

I suggest a glass of champagne or wine.

I have heard stories of people who got drunk at work related events and suffered consequences including being fired so know your limit.

[honeychile]

Originally Posted by Peaches-n-Cream

I suggest a glass of champagne or wine.

I have heard stories of people who got drunk at work related events and suffered consequences including being fired so know your limit.

I would only have a drink at a work related event if the other women were drinking, and then, keep it light - like champagne, wine, or a champagne cocktail. Think Bridget Jones.

I love good Scotch, and like to try different drinks, but not at a work related function - you don't know how it will affect you, and it's best to find out when your future isn't at stake!

[Taualumna]

I'd order wine. If you don't feel like drinking, you can always have some sparkling mineral water with lime.

[sdbeta1]

You definitely have to go with Amaretto Sour. A martini or vodka tonic would be the only other exceptions, depending on the situation. The amaretto sour is extremely classy, tastes delightful and will be available everywhere. I would be taken aback if a lady I was doing business with ordered harder alcohol such as scotch, rum, whiskey, or gin. Wine has side effects such as adding a lot of color to the face, and causing tiredness.

[RU OX Alum]

vodka and club with lime is good

[tunatartare]

A word of good advice, if you're going to order drinks and want to look like you know what you're doing, go to a bar here in the States before you leave and order them here to see if you like them and get used to the taste. It's not going to look very attractive if the drink you order ends up being rancid and you nearly spit it out.

[Im_just_me]

This might not be for you, but, try ordering what I call a "conversation starter". An Oompa Loompa martini, Grand Theft Auto, an Alf cocktail, or a Scarlett O'Hare--you know, something to make them say "What's That? Where'd you hear about that drink? What's it taste like?" At least that way you'll have some interesting conversation.

[Scandia]

Do you like wine at all? Drinking wine will usually make you look sophisticated. Especially if you match the type of wine to the meal you are eating- though that may not always be necessary.

I love wine, but I do not drink many other kinds of drinks anymore. The other kinds I like are: pinas coladas, fuzzy navels, and mudslides.

[RedRoseSAI]

NO: Shots of any kind.
Anything straight from the bottle.
White Zinfandel.
Wine Spritzers.
Amaretto Sours, Long Island Iced Tea, Sex on the Beach, Tequilla Sunrises, Mudslides, Alabama Slammers, Fuzzy Navels, or anything else with a cute name. For that matter, don't order anything you may have drunk in college.

QUESTIONABLE: Rum and coke, vodka cranberry, apple martinis, cosmopolitains, screwdrivers, and anything else that's super sweet or brightly colored. The exception to this is if you're in a themed restaurant. There's nothing wrong with ordering a margarita at a mexican place.

YES:
My job is similar to yours, although I don't get to travel internationally. I understand meeting with clients and higher-ups over drinks and dinner. You want to order something sophisticated and unfussy. That means no drinks that come in bright colors, huge glasses, or require explanation to the bartender. I like gin, so my "usual" is Tanqueray and tonic. It's classic, straightforward, and really hard to screw up. Bombay and tonic is a good alternative. A similar drink would be my friend's favorite, Grey Goose vodka on the rocks with a twist of lemon ("Grey Goose, rocks, twist"). If hard alcohol isn't your thing, order some wine BUT NOT WHITE ZINFANDEL! A lot of people still think of champagne as a prelude to celebration/romance, so you might want to stay away from that. If you don't want to drink alcohol, sparkling water and a lime is a good choice.

BTW, if you do end up ordering a drink that refers to a brand name of hard alcohol, make sure it's a better brand. No one requests a Popov and soda. That may sound snobby, but keep in mind you're trying to impress.

Order wine with dinner. Drinking hard alcohol with your meal will dull your tastebuds, whereas the right wine will enhance the flavor of your food.

After dinner is a bit more flexible. At that point, generally no one will care if you order a Godiva martini.