Few weeks ago, my friend and I decided to meet at Starbucks but I was a bit early so decided to order and wait for him. I’m not a coffee person but no big deal for me if we’re meeting in a coffee shop cause you know, Starbucks (like other shops) have non-coffee drinks. But i felt awkward when I asked the cashier for a hot choco - some people in that shop looked at me. No over reactions, but i feel like they were surprised with what i ordered.
I kind of associate hot chocolate with kids and winter, so maybe that’s where the reaction came from? That said, I would and have quite happily drunk hot chocolate in public as an adult, regardless of season.
If you’re really worried that someone will look down on you and you don’t like coffee, maybe order a tea or a refresher. Chai lattes and matcha lattes also don’t have coffee. Or just get food and a water.
As for your title question, It has literally never occurred to me to think anything about someone not drinking coffee or expressing a dislike for coffee.