First night out with (hopefully) a new friend. How to not blow it?

[AlwaysSociallyAwkward]

I'm a bit socially awkward and struggle making friends. I have 2 close friends only because I think I can come off as quite standoffish and rude when really it's just anxiety and not knowing how to act. Once I get comfortable around someone I'm a very different person and my two friends are my friends because I've been around them so much the awkward stage passed.

Anyway! I've moved recently and one of my new neighbours has invited me for cocktails tonight, just the two of us. I really like her and would love for it to be a nice friendship and to be able to do this again but I'm worried about blowing it by being awkward. I'm more nervous than I would be for a date!

Have a couple of casual questions ready and listen carefully so you can respond appropriately - bet the conversation will flow then.
What about: ‘Ooooh I love… (this particular cocktail) but I have to say my all time favourite is a cherry mojito that I had in Spain a few years back. What’s your favourite? That kind of thing.

Some other questions you could use :

Once this pandemic is over (?!), where would you travel to if money was no object.

Lovely skirt you’re wearing. Where’s it from?

I think the trick is always to listen carefully to what someone is saying and ask questions along with snippets of your own opinions/thoughts etc .

Thank you. I want to pre drink so I'm not nervous but we're meeting at 5pm so I can't really do that It's just scary as if she doesn't like me we're still neighbours and it'll be so awkward.

Omg i am the same OP. Definitely note a few conversation pointers in your phone, and have a quick look at it when you nip to the loo! You can ask her how long shes lived in the area, what brought you to the area, then all the things like what does she do for a job etc. I think that the real challenge as well is making sure it flows like a conversation and not sounding like you are interviewing her!
It will be fine though, alcohol will definitely help.
Good luck