C221 words · Proficient

Drinks vocabulary — C2

Drinks vocabulary for expert-level discussion of beverages, covering how a connoisseur might quaff a dram or note a wine's bouquet, and contrasting temperance with carousing and inebriation.

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Words in this set

parched
/pɑrtʃt/
So dry in the mouth that you badly need something to drink.
Example: Any chance of a cup of tea? I'm parched.
nightcap
A small alcoholic drink taken just before going to bed.
Example: He poured himself a small whisky as a nightcap.
teetotal
Never drinking any alcohol at all, as a matter of firm personal choice.
Example: He's been completely teetotal since his thirtieth birthday.
aperitif
/əˌpɛrəˈtif/
A small alcoholic drink taken before a meal to sharpen the appetite.
Example: They served an aperitif on the terrace before dinner.
distil
/dɪˈstɪl/
To make a strong spirit by heating a liquid until it turns to vapour and then cooling it back.
Example: They distil their own gin in a copper still.
libation
a formal or humorous word for an alcoholic drink.
Example: Guests were offered a libation before dinner.
connoisseur
/ˌkɑnəˈsɜr/
a person with expert knowledge and refined taste in wine or other fine drinks.
Example: He's a real connoisseur of fine wine.
quaff
/kwɑf/
to drink something quickly and with enjoyment, especially alcohol.
Example: They began to quaff champagne at the party.
potable
/ˈpoʊtəbəl/
safe to drink, used especially to describe water.
Example: The camp only had a small amount of potable water.
dram
/dræm/
a small drink of whisky or another strong alcoholic spirit, especially in Scotland.
Example: He offered his guest a dram of whisky.
vinous
Relating to or tasting of wine.
Example: The sauce had a vinous depth the recipe never mentioned.
oenophile
/ˈinəˌfaɪl/
Someone who loves and knows a great deal about wine.
Example: Only an oenophile would notice the difference between the two years.
carouse
/kərˈaʊz/
To drink a lot and enjoy yourself noisily.
Example: They would carouse until three and open the shop at seven.
imbibe
/ɪmˈbaɪb/
To drink, especially alcohol.
Example: He would imbibe nothing stronger than tea after the accident.
inebriated
/ˌɪˈnɛbriˌeɪtəd/
Drunk.
Example: The report described the passenger as noisily inebriated.
abstemious
Eating and drinking only small amounts.
Example: An abstemious man, he took one glass and made it last.
bouquet
/buˈkeɪ/
The smell of a wine.
Example: The bouquet was described as smoke and old leather.
sommelier's note
A short written description of how a wine smells and tastes.
Example: Every bottle came with a sommelier's note tucked under the label.
temperance
/ˈtɛmpərəns/
The practice of not drinking alcohol at all.
Example: The old temperance hall is a community centre now.
potation
A drink, especially an alcoholic one.
Example: The diary records a nightly potation of rum and hot water.
tipple
/ˈtɪpəl/
An alcoholic drink that someone regularly enjoys.
Example: Her tipple was sherry, and only ever before lunch.