From craft cocktails to classic concoctions, the world of drinks is filled with its own unique language. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking to impress your friends at the next happy hour, knowing the latest slang for drinks is a must. We’ve gathered a collection of the trendiest and most popular drink terms that will have you speaking the language of bartenders in no time. So grab your shaker and get ready to shake up your vocabulary with this refreshing listicle. Cheers!
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1. Booze
This term is a colloquial and informal way to refer to any type of alcoholic drink. It can be used to describe a wide range of alcoholic beverages, from beer and wine to spirits and cocktails.
- For example, someone might say, “Let’s grab some booze and have a party!”
- In a conversation about different types of alcohol, one might say, “I prefer hard booze like whiskey and vodka.”
- A person discussing their drinking habits might admit, “I tend to drink too much booze when I’m stressed.”
2. Brew
This term specifically refers to beer, especially when it is homemade or craft-brewed. It can also be used more generally to describe any type of alcoholic drink, but it is most commonly associated with beer.
- For instance, someone might say, “I’m going to the brewery to try their latest brew.”
- In a discussion about different beer styles, one might say, “I love a good hoppy brew like an IPA.”
- A beer enthusiast might comment, “Craft brews have really taken off in popularity in recent years.”
3. Hooch
This term is slang for homemade or illegally produced alcohol, especially high-proof spirits like moonshine. It can also be used more broadly to refer to any type of strong alcoholic drink.
- For example, someone might say, “He makes his own hooch in the basement.”
- In a conversation about prohibition-era drinks, one might mention, “Moonshine was a popular choice for bootleggers.”
- A person discussing their preference for strong drinks might say, “I like my hooch to pack a punch.”
4. Juice
This term can be used to refer to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It is often used in the context of mixed drinks or cocktails, but can also be used more generally to describe any type of beverage.
- For instance, someone might say, “I’m going to make a fresh juice cocktail.”
- In a discussion about healthy drinks, one might say, “I start my day with a green juice.”
- A person discussing their favorite mixed drinks might mention, “I love a good tropical juice blend in my cocktails.”
5. Sip
This term can refer to the act of drinking slowly or taking small sips of a drink. It can also be used more generally to describe a small quantity of any type of drink.
- For example, someone might say, “I like to sip my whiskey to savor the flavor.”
- In a conversation about wine tasting, one might say, “Take a sip and let the flavors linger on your palate.”
- A person discussing their drinking habits might admit, “I’m not a big drinker, I prefer to take small sips.”
6. Swig
To take a large gulp or swallow of a beverage. “Swig” is often used to describe quickly consuming a drink, usually in one motion.
- For example, “After a long day, he took a swig of cold water to quench his thirst.”
- Someone might say, “I need to swig this coffee before it gets cold.”
- In a party setting, a person might exclaim, “Let’s swig these shots and get the night started!”
7. Chug
To consume a drink quickly and in large quantities. “Chug” typically refers to drinking a beverage in a continuous flow, without stopping or pausing.
- For instance, “He chugged the entire can of soda in one breath.”
- During a drinking game, participants might be encouraged to “chug” their beer.
- A person might say, “I can chug this entire glass of water in under 5 seconds!”
8. Libation
A formal or ceremonial drink, often used in religious or spiritual contexts. “Libation” can also refer to any alcoholic beverage.
- For example, “The priest poured a libation of wine as an offering to the gods.”
- During a wedding ceremony, a couple might pour a libation of champagne to symbolize their union.
- A person might say, “Let’s raise a libation to celebrate this special occasion!”
9. Nectar
A sweet, delicious, or highly pleasurable drink. “Nectar” is often used to describe a beverage that is exceptionally enjoyable or satisfying.
- For instance, “The fresh orange juice tasted like nectar on a hot summer day.”
- A person might say, “This smoothie is pure nectar for the taste buds.”
- In a restaurant review, someone might describe a cocktail as “nectar-like in its sweetness and flavor.”
10. Tonic
A carbonated beverage, often mixed with alcohol, that is believed to have medicinal properties or provide a refreshing effect. “Tonic” can also refer to a non-carbonated drink used as a mixer in cocktails.
- For example, “Gin and tonic is a classic cocktail made with gin and tonic water.”
- A person might say, “I need a tonic to soothe my upset stomach.”
- In a bar, someone might order a “vodka tonic” as their drink of choice.
11. Cuppa
This term is used to refer to a cup of tea or coffee, usually indicating a casual and relaxed drink.
- For example, “I’ll make us a cuppa while we catch up.”
- A person might say, “I need a cuppa to start my day.”
- Another might ask, “Would you like a cuppa before we leave?”
12. Grog
Originally used to refer to a diluted rum drink in the British Navy, “grog” now encompasses any alcoholic beverage.
- For instance, “Let’s go grab some grog at the bar.”
- A person might say, “I had a bit too much grog last night.”
- Another might ask, “Do you prefer beer or grog?”
13. Sipper
This term is used to describe someone who drinks slowly and savors their drink.
- For example, “He’s such a sipper, it takes him forever to finish a drink.”
- A person might say, “I’m a sipper, I like to enjoy my drink.”
- Another might comment, “She’s a fast drinker, definitely not a sipper.”
14. Quencher
This term refers to a drink that quenches thirst and provides refreshment.
- For instance, “After a long run, I need a quencher to rehydrate.”
- A person might say, “A cold lemonade is the perfect quencher on a hot day.”
- Another might ask, “Do you have any quenchers in the fridge?”
15. Shooter
A “shooter” is a small amount of alcohol typically consumed in one gulp.
- For example, “Let’s do a round of shooters to start the night.”
- A person might say, “I can’t handle shooters, they’re too strong.”
- Another might suggest, “We should try some different flavored shooters.”
16. Sizzurp
A recreational drug that consists of a mixture of prescription-strength cough syrup, soda, and candy. It is often consumed for its sedative and euphoric effects.
- For example, “Lil Wayne is known for his love of sizzurp.”
- A person discussing drug abuse might say, “Sizzurp is a dangerous concoction that can lead to addiction and health problems.”
- In a conversation about recreational drug use, someone might ask, “Have you ever tried sizzurp?”
17. Bubbly
A term used to refer to champagne, a type of sparkling wine produced from grapes grown in the Champagne region of France. “Bubbly” is often used to describe the effervescence and carbonation of champagne.
- For instance, “Let’s pop open a bottle of bubbly to celebrate!”
- At a wedding, someone might propose a toast, saying, “Raise your glasses and cheers to the happy couple with some bubbly.”
- A person might say, “I love the taste of bubbly on special occasions.”
18. Cola
A generic term used to refer to carbonated soft drinks, particularly cola-flavored beverages. “Cola” is often used interchangeably with “soda” in many regions.
- For example, “Would you like a cola with your meal?”
- A person might say, “I prefer cola over other types of soda.”
- In a discussion about popular soft drinks, someone might argue, “Cola is the most widely consumed carbonated beverage in the world.”
19. Nip
A term used to describe a small amount of an alcoholic drink, typically referring to a small bottle or flask containing a single serving.
- For instance, “I’ll just have a nip of whiskey to warm up.”
- In a conversation about responsible drinking, someone might advise, “It’s important to know your limits and not exceed a nip of alcohol.”
- A person might say, “I like to keep a nip of vodka in my bag for emergencies.”
20. Gulp
A term used to describe the action of drinking a beverage quickly and in one large swallow.
- For example, “I was so thirsty, I took a big gulp of water.”
- A person might say, “I always gulp down my coffee in the morning to wake up.”
- In a discussion about drinking habits, someone might admit, “I tend to gulp my drinks instead of sipping them slowly.”
21. Swigs
This term refers to taking a large, quick drink of a beverage. It is often used to describe drinking alcohol in a casual or unrefined manner.
- For example, “After a long day at work, I took a few swigs of beer to relax.”
- In a party setting, someone might say, “Let’s all take swigs from this bottle and celebrate!”
- A person discussing their drinking habits might admit, “I tend to take swigs straight from the bottle instead of using a glass.”
22. Tipples
This slang term is used to describe taking small, frequent sips of a drink, especially an alcoholic beverage. It conveys a sense of leisurely enjoyment or indulgence in drinking.
- For instance, “She sat by the pool, tipples her cocktail and enjoyed the sunshine.”
- At a wine tasting event, a participant might say, “I’m going to tipples a bit of each wine to fully appreciate the flavors.”
- A person might describe their evening routine as, “I like to relax on the couch and tipples a glass of whiskey before bed.”
23. Sip of the good stuff
This phrase is used to describe taking a sip of a particularly delicious or high-quality beverage. It implies that the drink is special or worth savoring.
- For example, “After a long week, I treated myself to a sip of the good stuff – a rare and expensive scotch.”
- A person might exclaim, “Wow, this wine is incredible! Do you want a sip of the good stuff?”
- When describing a fancy event, someone might say, “They served champagne, and everyone got to have a sip of the good stuff.”
24. Bevvies
This slang term is a shortened form of “beverages” and is used to refer to drinks in general. It can be used to describe any type of drink, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
- For instance, “Let’s meet up for some bevvies after work.”
- At a party, someone might say, “I’ll grab a few bevvies from the fridge for everyone.”
- A person discussing their favorite drinks might say, “I love trying new bevvies, especially craft beers and fancy cocktails.”
25. Liquid courage
This phrase is used to describe alcoholic beverages, particularly when they are consumed to boost confidence or overcome anxiety in social situations. It suggests that alcohol can provide a temporary sense of bravery or boldness.
- For example, “He needed a shot of liquid courage before getting on stage to perform.”
- In a discussion about overcoming shyness, someone might say, “Sometimes a little liquid courage can help break the ice at parties.”
- A person might jokingly say, “I always keep a bottle of liquid courage in my bag for awkward situations.”
26. Swill
Swill refers to a drink that is considered to be of low quality or cheap. It is often used to describe cheap beer or other alcoholic beverages that are not highly regarded.
- For example, someone might say, “I can’t believe they’re serving that swill at the party.”
- A person discussing their dislike for a certain brand of beer might comment, “I wouldn’t touch that swill with a ten-foot pole.”
- In a bar, a customer might request, “Give me something better than this swill, please.”
27. Bevvie
Bevvie is a slang term for a beverage, usually an alcoholic one. It is commonly used in the UK and Australia.
- For instance, someone might say, “I’m going to grab a bevvie after work.”
- In a social gathering, a person might ask, “Who wants a bevvie?”
- A friend might suggest, “Let’s meet up for a few bevvies and catch up.”
28. Joe
Joe is a slang term for coffee. It is commonly used in the United States.
- For example, someone might say, “I need my morning joe to wake up.”
- A person might ask, “Want to grab a cup of joe?”
- In a coffee shop, a customer might order, “I’ll have a large joe, please.”
29. Pop
Pop is a term used to refer to soda or carbonated beverages in certain regions, particularly in the Midwest and parts of Canada.
- For instance, someone might say, “I’m going to grab a pop from the fridge.”
- In a restaurant, a customer might ask, “Do you have any diet pop?”
- A person discussing their favorite drinks might mention, “I love a cold can of pop on a hot summer day.”
30. Mixer
A mixer is a non-alcoholic beverage that is used to mix with alcohol, typically in cocktails or mixed drinks.
- For example, someone might say, “I need to buy some mixers for the party.”
- A bartender might ask, “What kind of mixer would you like with your vodka?”
- In a recipe for a cocktail, it might specify, “Add a splash of your favorite mixer.”
31. Nightcap
– After a long day at work, I like to unwind with a nightcap before going to sleep.
- Some people believe that a nightcap can help them sleep better, while others find it actually disrupts their sleep.
- When staying at a hotel, it’s common to find a complimentary nightcap in the room to help guests wind down.
32. Swizzle
– The bartender swizzled the cocktail to mix the ingredients and create a frothy texture.
- A classic example of a swizzled drink is the Caribbean favorite, the Rum Swizzle.
- If you want to enhance the flavor of your cocktail, try giving it a swizzle to incorporate all the ingredients.
33. Sip and savor
– The wine connoisseur took her time to sip and savor the expensive bottle of red wine.
- When trying a new craft beer, it’s important to take small sips and savor the various flavors.
- The bartender recommended sipping and savoring the aged whiskey to fully appreciate its complexity.
34. Bottoms up
– As the clock struck midnight, everyone raised their glasses and shouted, “Bottoms up!”
- When someone offers you a drink, it’s polite to say “Cheers!” or “Bottoms up!” before taking a sip.
- At a party, a friend might challenge you to a drinking game and say, “Bottoms up! Let’s see who can finish their drink the fastest!”