I drink lime and soda most times I go out and I find that prices vary considerably. A lot of places no longer have soda on tap but use little bottles which are expensive. Even when the soda is from a tap, I have paid over £2 for a half pint but as I then go on to drink free tap water with my meal, I don’t mind too much. After all, I still use a glass for my tap water, it’s often served in a jug with ice and lemon and everything is cleared away and washed afterwards.
I feel guilty and a cheapskate if I only drink tap water so I always buy one drink, either at the bar before the meal or a coffee afterwards.
I am a very generous tipper though to make up for my low spending on drink as all my children have worked in hospitality when students and I know how important tips were to them. I often tip 20% if the food and service were very good.