Café & Drinks

1. Can I have a glass of water, please?

   kæn aɪ hæv ə ɡlæs əv ˈwɔːtər pliːz

   Usage

   The standard way to order water; in some countries you may need to specify tap or mineral water

   Grammar Note

   Specify "tap", "still", or "sparkling" water to avoid surprises, especially in Europe

2. I'll have a coffee, black please.

   aɪl hæv ə ˈkɔːfi blæk pliːz

   Usage

   Orders coffee with a preference; replace "black" with "with milk", "with sugar", "oat milk", etc.

   Grammar Note

   "I'll have ~" is the classic order phrase; "Can I get ~?" is a casual American alternative

3. What beers do you have on tap?

   wɑːt bɪrz duː juː hæv ɑːn tæp

   Usage

   Used in pubs and bars to ask about draft beer options; "on tap" means served from a keg

   Grammar Note

   "On tap" contrasts with "bottled". "Draft" (US) and "draught" (UK) are equivalent terms

4. Is this alcoholic?

   ɪz ðɪs ˌælkəˈhɑːlɪk

   Usage

   Important for those avoiding alcohol due to health, medication, religion, or preference

   Grammar Note

   "I don't drink alcohol" proactively informs staff. "Non-alcoholic" describes alcohol-free drinks

5. Can I see the cocktail menu?

   kæn aɪ siː ðə ˈkɑːkteɪl ˈmɛnjuː

   Usage

   Used in bars and restaurants; "Can I see the drinks menu?" covers all beverages

   Grammar Note

   "Can I see ~?" is polite; "May I see ~?" is slightly more formal in register

6. Could I get another round?

   kʊd aɪ ɡɛt əˈnʌðər raʊnd

   Usage

   Orders another drink for the whole group; "a round" means one drink per person in the party

   Grammar Note

   "It's my round" means it is your turn to buy for everyone. Common especially with beer

7. I'd like a cup of tea, please.

   aɪd laɪk ə kʌp əv tiː pliːz

   Usage

   Standard way to order tea; in the UK you'll often be asked "milk and sugar?"

   Grammar Note

   "I'd like" is slightly more formal than "I'll have". Specify the type: "Earl Grey", "green tea", etc.

8. Cheers!

   tʃɪrz

   Usage

   The standard toast; in British English it also informally means "thank you" or "goodbye"

   Grammar Note

   "To your health!", "Bottoms up!" are alternatives. "Here's to [person/occasion]!" is a toast

9. Do you have any non-alcoholic options?

   duː juː hæv ˈɛni ˌnɑːnˌælkəˈhɑːlɪk ˈɑːpʃənz

   Usage

   Used by non-drinkers to find suitable beverages; helpful for drivers, pregnant guests, etc.

   Grammar Note

   "Soft drinks" (juices, sodas) and "mocktails" (non-alcoholic cocktails) are related terms

10. I'll take a large latte to go.

    aɪl teɪk ə lɑːrdʒ ˈlɑːteɪ tuː ɡoʊ

    Usage

    Orders a takeaway drink; "to go" is American English, "to take away" is British English

    Grammar Note

    "for here" is the opposite of "to go"; UK equivalent pair is "to take away" / "to have in"

11. No ice

    noʊ aɪs

    Usage

    For avoiding ice made from tap water — show it when ordering

12. Bottled water

    ˈbɑːtəld ˈwɔːtər

    Usage

    Sealed drinking water; ask for "still" or "sparkling"

13. Hot water

    hɑːt ˈwɔːtər

    Usage

    For boiled water for tea, baby formula, or instant noodles; say "warm water" if you want it cooler

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