Culturally, it seems appropriate to ask someone to join you for coffee, even if that's not what you want.Maybe that's because coffee is considered to be a universal beverage.
Just look around the places you go today and tomorrow, and you'll see coffee's near-monopoly of the hot drink market.
It's offered in pots of "leaded" and "de-caf" after church services. It's the first question the hostess or server asks when you enter a restaurant... "May I get you a cup of coffee?"
Looking for an alternative? Tea and cocoa may be available, but frequently at a premium price. Good luck getting a refill of hot cocoa.
You may have to look all the way back to the first European settlers who came to this hemisphere and discovered the beans in Central and South America. Not long after Columbus returned to Spain, the first Starbucks opened.
So, if we want to meet a friend or potential client we pick up the phone to arrange a meeting by asking if they want to meet for coffee.
When I'm asked about coffee... my standard reply is that I only drink it professionally.
As a reporter, if a cop offered you a cup of coffee on a visit you better take it.
Working as a representative in sales and service for insurance and investments - I also would take a cup when offered by a potential customer. The reason? In a sales situation where you hope to make a sale you want the word "yes, please" and "thank you" to be heard and you don't set a good vibe with an early "no, thank you."
I drank it black, because it was the easiest way for someone to serve it. And I never figured out how I might like it.
Have a cup... but try to break the cliche and invite someone to meet over something else (since asking someone to join you for drinks really won't fly for a 10:30am get together).
Next time I call you, maybe we can meet over some Diet Dew.
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