Just mineral water, please.
mi-ne-RA-le — four syllables, stress on third.
When you want water without alcohol — perhaps you are the designated driver, or simply prefer water.
'Minerale' = mineral water. In Italian bars, asking for water without a drink can sometimes get a puzzled look — but it is perfectly acceptable. 'Sono autista designato' (I'm the designated driver) explains the choice without further questioning.
Sono autista designato — solo acqua.
I am the designated driver — just water.
Clear explanation — immediately understood and respected
Un'acqua tonica, per favore.
A tonic water, please.
Tonic water is a legitimate non-alcoholic bar order that looks like a gin tonic
Un succo di frutta, per favore.
A fruit juice, please.
Alternative non-alcoholic option always available in Italian bars
Italy introduced strict drink-drive laws and random breathalyser checks in 2010. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/litre (lower than the UK's 0.8). Young drivers under 21 have a zero-tolerance limit. The concept of the 'guidatore designato' (designated driver) is now well established.