By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
While Dry July may have ended, Aussies are reconsidering the role of booze in reshaping how we socialise and connect.
Surprisingly, the hottest date night spot isn’t a trendy bar or cocktail lounge - it’s your local café. Coffee dates are officially having their moment - especially among Gen Z and young Millennials who are embracing mindful drinking and a more balanced lifestyle.
With 1 in 5 Australians going alcohol-free during Dry July, it seems like the nation is waking up to the perks of sober socialising. Coffee catchups are on the rise as a low-pressure, hangover-free way to meet new people, hang out with mates…or have a first date.
Forget fashion choices. The ultimate first impression test comes from how they order their chai latte!
Shaun Kumar, Piazza D'Oro ANZ Brand Ambassador, sheds some light on why coffee dates are brewing up a new wave of connection and how cafe culture is evolving right alongside this shift.
Why the Rise in Coffee Dates?
Shaun explains that the Australian cafe and coffee shop scene has been growing steadily - partly thanks to people cutting back on alcohol. "More than 30% of Aussies participated in Dry July or similar initiatives recently,” he says.
"People still want to catch up and connect, but they’re leaning into more relaxed feel-good options. A coffee catch-up feels casual and genuine and it fits easily into your day without taking over your night.”
It’s not just about swapping a drink for a coffee; it’s a whole vibe change. Instead of gearing up for a boozy night out, more Australians want daytime socialising that’s low-key, meaningful and wellness-focused.
What Cafe Owners Are Seeing
From Shaun’s chats with cafe owners, there’s a clear shift happening. "Socialising over coffee is replacing the traditional after-work drink or weekend cocktail,” he says.
"People are choosing venues that offer a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere where the focus is on conversation, quality beverages and genuine connection - not alcohol.”
Cafes are also answering the call for healthier functional drinks. Cold brews infused with adaptogens, matcha and turmeric lattes, sparkling teas - these beverages offer flavour and a wellness boost, aligning perfectly with conscious drinkers’ tastes.
Coffee Dates…The New Romantic Norm?
When it comes to dating culture, Shaun believes coffee dates are stepping up as the go-to first meet. "More couples are choosing brunch or an afternoon espresso over drinks at a bar,” he says. "This aligns with broader wellness and lifestyle trends. People are prioritising health, clarity and real connection.”
It’s an exciting shift - romantic first impressions are no longer about who can hold their liquor or scream the loudest at a bar. Instead, they’re about sharing a good brew in a cosy spot where you can actually hear each other talk.
Cafes as Community Hubs
Good cafes today are so much more than caffeine pit stops. Shaun describes them as vital ‘third places’ where people connect, unwind and build communities outside of home and work.
A great example is the Bondi Beach Run Club, which meets up at a cafe after Monday and Wednesday runs. "The coffee moment is as important as the run itself,” Shaun notes. "It’s a social ritual that blends fitness, connection and mindful enjoyment.”
Globally, coffee brands are redesigning their spaces with softer lighting, more comfy seating and communal tables to encourage lingering and conversation. This thoughtful design, combined with quality coffee, makes cafes the perfect setting for meaningful alcohol-free interactions.
What Does This Mean?
Ultimately, the rise of sober socialising is turning cafes into cultural hotspots - places where community, conversation and connection come first. They’re no longer just about the caffeine hit but about creating welcoming, inclusive environments for people to engage without the pressure or hangover of alcohol.
If you’re thinking of going on a date or catching up with friends post-Dry July maybe skip the bar and head to a cafe instead. Judging your date’s coffee order might just be the best way to really get to know them and enjoy your morning without a fuzzy head the next day.
