How to Politely Turn Down a Drink From Your Host?

Answer 1

I simply say, "no thankyou".
If the host is insistant, I ask for the drink of MY choice, like "Have you got any fruit juice/ lemonade/ whatever?" or "I'll just make do on water, thankyou"
Only once in my life has a host then given me something I didn't want (it was a vodka diguised as water). One mouthful told me that it was not what I'd expected. I put the glass down immediately. Incidentally, I've never been back to that person's house.

Answer 2

When in a social situation, it is possible that you will be offered a drink. If you wish to refuse it, knowing how to respond politely to the person offering is an important skill to know.
Steps

1. Start with, "No thank you. I'm not drinking this evening." Or try, "No thank you. I'm not thirsty at the moment." Sometimes a polite word will do the trick, and there's no need to go into detail.
2. If they insist, then you must insist as well. "Thank you for the offer, but I'd really rather not."
3. Another line would be, "Thank you, but no. Perhaps another time."
4. Say, "I am fine right now, I may take you up on it in a little bit," thus ambiguously deferring the drink until a later time (or not at all.)
5. If what you are avoiding is alcohol, ask instead for soda, juice, coffee, tea, non-alcoholic sparkling cider, or water. Even bars keep these items around. Whether or not you drink it, having a drink can stop people from offering another.
6. In a bar or restaurant, discreetly inform the wait staff that you won't be drinking, or that you are avoiding alcohol.
7. Tell them you will have to drive later, or that you're the designated driver for a group. Better yet, volunteer as a designated driver in advance of drink offers. A sensible host should drop the issue right then and there.
8. Explain your reasons for not drinking, or make excuses. Say firmly that you can't drink because you're trying to lose weight, your doctor advised you not to, you're allergic, you have a big day tomorrow, you have to drive home, or that drinking goes against your beliefs. A firm reason, even a fabricated one, may persuade somebody that your refusal to drink is more than simple reluctance or indecision.
9. If you absolutely must take the drink, remember that you are not required to drink it. If you've already resisted the drink, then the fact that you carry the drink around without sipping or quietly abandon it untouched should come as no surprise to your host.


Tips

* Be polite but firm. Even if the social setting dictates that drinks are the norm, this is your decision. Find confidence in the knowledge that you are thinking for yourself.
* It's okay to ask your host whether a mixed punch or other drink offering contains alcohol.
* If you are interested in actually sipping the drink, think of something else while you're drinking it, or numb your taste buds by sucking on ice before drinking it.
* Any behavior to the effect of making you drink the offending drink on the part of your host should be met with a decisive, "No, thank you." It is not necessary to be rude, but you are in charge of yourself, not your host. After a few repetitions of "No thank you", most everyone can take the hint.
* In some cultures, to refuse a drink outright is often seen as ungrateful and insulting. You may prevent this by saying, "No thank you, but a coffee would be wonderful if you have any." They will still see you as being gracious, and will usually respect your preference. If you want neither, tread lightly.


Warnings

* If you do not trust the person offering the drink do not take it. Unscrupulous people can and sometimes do put things in drinks that should not be there.
* Trust your instincts. If you feel like a drink is being forced upon you by someone you don't trust, either don't take it or take it and ignore it or conveniently "lose" it, either into a plant or sink.
* At parties with people who are suspect, be sure to watch them pour any drink you are planning to drink and keep it firmly in your hand, and keep half a thought on it to prevent someone from slipping you a surprise. This may sound paranoid, but better safe than sorry.
* If you believe you are in any sort of danger, leave immediately and don't worry about minding your manners in the process.
* If you are not a drinker, don't hang around anyone who would force a drink on you.

Answer 3

Just say, "no thank you,I'm fine," and a good host will leave it at that. Anybody who keeps on is a very poor host.

Answer 4

No thank you. You don't owe them an explanation. I don't drink, but there are many excuses that could explain why you don't. You don't owe the hostess an explanation.

Answer 5

I'm assuming it's an alcoholic one. Say "no thank you, I'm driving and I don't drink and drive".

or "No thank you".

I've had alcohol pushed on me before, and if they won't get a "no thank you", I'll take it and not drink it.

Answer 6

Say no thank you

Answer 7

no -thank you