The rule
If someone says they're not drinking, or not having another, that's the end of the matter. Don't ask why, don't tease them, and don't put one in front of them anyway. Offer something else, and offer it just as warmly.
Why it matters
You don't know why someone has said no, and it's none of your business. They may be driving, pregnant, unwell, on medication or a long way into a hard decision. Pressing them is bad manners at best, and it can be a good deal worse than that.
How to do it well
- Always have something good without alcohol, and not just a glass of tap water.
- Hand it over without comment.
- Quietly stop anyone else at the table from making a thing of it.