261+ Useful Phrases for Drinking Alcohol When Socializing Abroad

You know how sometimes you’re hanging out with friends, maybe at a bar, a party, or even just chilling at home, and you want to sound more natural when talking about drinking?

That’s exactly why we’re here today. If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to say when it comes to ordering a drink, inviting someone for a beer, or simply talking about alcohol in English, don’t worry you’re not alone.

This guide is made especially for people who want to improve their English in social situations — maybe you’re learning English for travel, for work, or just to blend in more easily during conversations with friends.

We’ll go through the most common and natural phrases for drinking alcohol that native speakers actually use from casual hangouts to fancier get-togethers. So, grab a drink and let’s talk about how to sound confident and natural while doing it.

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🍻 Why Phrases for Drinking Alcohol Matter

Knowing phrases for drinking alcohol isn’t just about sounding cool—it’s about connecting with people. Drinks are often shared during celebrations, friendships, and business gatherings. Using the right words can help you fit in comfortably.

Imagine these moments:

• You’re at a wedding and want to say something before a toast.
• You’re at a pub with friends and need a fun way to start the round.
• You’re at a formal dinner and need a polite way to refuse a drink.

Each situation needs different phrases. The right words make you polite, confident, and part of the group. Let’s explore how to speak naturally and confidently in every drinking scenario.

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Cheers and Toasting Phrases

When people drink together, they often raise their glasses to make a toast—a short expression of goodwill. Here are some ways to join in!

🥳 Cheers!

Explanation: The most common and universal drinking phrase. It means happiness, friendship, and good times.
Use When: You clink glasses with friends or new people.
Example: Cheers to a great night and even better company!

🍾 To us!

Explanation: A simple, heartfelt toast celebrating the people present.
Use When: You want to show appreciation to your group.
Example: To us—always together through thick and thin!

🥃 Bottoms up!

Explanation: A fun way to say “Let’s drink!” often used in casual or party settings.
Use When: You’re with friends and want to start the round.
Example: Alright everyone, bottoms up!

🍸 Here’s to (someone/something)!

Explanation: A toast to a person or occasion.
Use When: Celebrating someone’s success or a special event.
Example: Here’s to Sarah’s new job—congratulations!

🍺 Salud! / Santé! / Prost!

Explanation: “Cheers” in Spanish, French, and German. Great for showing cultural flair.
Use When: You’re in international company or traveling.
Example: Salud! Let’s enjoy this evening together!

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Inviting Someone to Drink

Sometimes, you want to offer or suggest a drink. These phrases for drinking alcohol help you sound natural and friendly.

🍷 Would you like a drink?

Explanation: A polite and common way to offer a beverage.
Use When: Meeting someone for the first time or at formal events.
Example: Would you like a drink? I’m heading to the bar.

🍸 Let’s grab a drink!

Explanation: Casual and friendly way to suggest drinking together.
Use When: Inviting a friend or colleague after work.
Example: Hey, let’s grab a drink after work—it’s been a long day.

🍾 My treat!

Explanation: Means “I’ll pay for it.” Shows generosity.
Use When: You’re offering to buy someone a drink.
Example: You’ve had a tough week. Come on, it’s my treat!

🍺 How about a round?

Explanation: A “round” means buying drinks for everyone in your group.
Use When: You want to buy or suggest another round.
Example: Let’s get another round for the table!

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Accepting a Drink Politely

If someone offers you a drink, here are ways to say yes politely and naturally.

🍻 Sure, I’d love one!

Explanation: Friendly and enthusiastic acceptance.
Use When: You’re happy to accept a drink offer.
Example: Sure, I’d love one. What are you having?

🍸 Why not?

Explanation: Casual and easy-going response.
Use When: You’re in a relaxed social setting.
Example: Why not? It’s Friday night after all!

🥂 That sounds great!

Explanation: Positive and polite.
Use When: Someone offers a specific type of drink.
Example: That sounds great, I’ll have what you’re having.

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Refusing a Drink Politely

Not drinking? No problem! These phrases for drinking alcohol help you say no gracefully.

🚫 No thanks, I’m good.

Explanation: Polite and friendly refusal.
Use When: You don’t want to draw attention.
Example: No thanks, I’m good. Just water for me tonight.

🙅 I’m taking a break tonight.

Explanation: Simple and socially accepted reason.
Use When: You want to refuse without explaining too much.
Example: I’m taking a break tonight, but thank you!

💧 I’ll stick with soda/water.

Explanation: Casual and clear refusal.
Use When: You want to stay in the group but not drink alcohol.
Example: I’ll stick with water, thanks.

🕊️ Maybe later.

Explanation: A polite way to postpone.
Use When: You might drink later, but not right now.
Example: Maybe later, I just got here.

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Describing Drinking Situations

Sometimes you need to describe your experience. These phrases make your conversation more interesting!

🥳 We had a few drinks.

Explanation: Means drinking moderately, not too much.
Use When: Talking about a relaxed evening.
Example: We had a few drinks and caught up on old times.

🤪 We partied all night!

Explanation: Indicates heavy or energetic drinking.
Use When: Talking about a fun, wild event.
Example: We partied all night after the concert!

😌 Just a quiet drink.

Explanation: A calm and relaxed setting.
Use When: Referring to a peaceful evening.
Example: We just had a quiet drink by the beach.

🍾 Celebrating with a drink.

Explanation: Drinking for a happy reason.
Use When: Mentioning a success or event.
Example: We’re celebrating the promotion with a drink!

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Complimenting and Commenting on Drinks

Want to talk about the taste or quality? Try these!

😋 This is delicious!

Explanation: Simple compliment.
Use When: You like the drink.
Example: This cocktail is delicious! What’s in it?

🍹 That’s strong!

Explanation: Used when a drink has a lot of alcohol.
Use When: Noticing the strength of a beverage.
Example: Whoa, that’s strong but tasty!

🍷 Smooth and rich.

Explanation: Common way to describe wine or whiskey.
Use When: You’re tasting something refined.
Example: This wine is smooth and rich—perfect choice!

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Party and Celebration Phrases

Celebrations often come with drinks! Here’s how to express excitement.

🎊 Let’s toast to that!

Explanation: Encourages everyone to raise their glasses.
Use When: Celebrating something good.
Example: You got the job? Let’s toast to that!

💃 Drinks are on me!

Explanation: You’re paying for everyone’s drinks.
Use When: Celebrating or showing generosity.
Example: It’s my birthday—drinks are on me!

🎈 Time to celebrate!

Explanation: Simple and joyful phrase.
Use When: Kicking off a party.
Example: We finished the project—time to celebrate!

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Cultural Drinking Phrases Around the World

Learning phrases for drinking alcohol in other languages can impress people!

Language	Phrase	Meaning
Spanish	¡Salud!	To your health
French	Santé!	Cheers
Italian	Cin cin!	Cheers
German	Prost!	Cheers
Japanese	Kanpai!	Cheers
Korean	건배! (Geonbae!)	Cheers

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💬 Bonus Recap Table

Category	Example Phrase	When to Use	Example Sentence
Cheers	Cheers!	Toasting	Cheers to new adventures!
Invitation	Let’s grab a drink!	Inviting	Let’s grab a drink after work.
Acceptance	Sure, I’d love one!	Accepting	Sure, I’d love one, thank you!
Refusal	No thanks, I’m good.	Refusing	No thanks, I’m good tonight.
Description	We had a few drinks.	Describing	We had a few drinks and talked.
Compliment	That’s strong!	Commenting	That’s strong but nice!

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🧠 Final Thoughts

Drinking isn’t just about the liquid—it’s about connection, culture, and communication. Knowing these phrases for drinking alcohol helps you feel comfortable in any setting, whether you’re at a fancy dinner, a friendly bar, or a global celebration.

Remember to drink responsibly, stay aware, and enjoy the moment. The right words make every drink more meaningful, every toast more memorable, and every conversation more fun. So next time you raise your glass—do it with confidence, style, and the perfect phrase. 🍸✨

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