Learning French is an exciting journey, and knowing how to order drinks in French is essential. Whether you’re sitting in a quaint Parisian café or sipping wine in Provence, drinks are a crucial part of French culture. From sparkling water to a glass of rosé, mastering beverage vocabulary allows you to immerse yourself in the experience.
Drinks play a major role in everyday interactions in France, from sharing a morning coffee to enjoying an apéritif with friends. By learning these words and phrases, you’ll be ready to join in these important cultural moments. Let’s explore over 50 words and phrases related to drinks that will help you order like a local!
Water in French
Water is the most fundamental and essential drink for human life, regardless of the country! It quenches our thirst, aids in bodily functions, and is a vital part of our daily routine.
Here are some common French words and phrases related to water, along with their English translations:
| English Translation | French Word/Phrase |
|---|---|
| Water | Eau |
| Still water | Eau plate |
| Sparkling water | Eau gazeuse |
| A glass of water, please | Un verre d’eau, s’il vous plaît |
Hot Drinks in French
Hot drinks, especially coffee are a vital part of the daily French lifestyle. From the morning petit déjeuner to an afternoon break, these beverages are deeply ingrained in the French way of life. You’ll find people enjoying them in bustling cafés, cozy bistros, and in the comfort of their homes. Herbal tea (tisane) is also a popular hot drink option in France, often served in restaurants and cafés alongside coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
Here are some common French words and phrases for hot beverages and their variations:
| English Translation | French Word/Phrase |
|---|---|
| Black coffee | Café noir |
| Coffee with milk | Café au lait |
| Americano | Allongé |
| A coffee, please | Un café, s’il vous plaît |
| Black tea | Thé noir |
| Green tea | Thé vert |
| Tea with milk | Thé au lait |
| A tea, please | Un thé, s’il vous plaît |
| Hot chocolate | Chocolat chaud |
| Would you like a hot chocolate? | Voulez-vous un chocolat chaud? |
| Herbal tea | Tisane |
Coffee and Cafe Culture
Coffee and cafe culture are at the heart of daily life in France. Whether you’re in Paris or a small village, you’ll find locals starting their morning with a strong espresso or a creamy café au lait. French people often enjoy their coffee at a leisurely pace, sitting at a sidewalk café, watching the world go by, and catching up with friends. The ritual of ordering a petit coup (a small cup of coffee) or a grand coup (a large cup) is a cherished part of French culture.
If you prefer something a bit different, try a chocolat chaud, French hot chocolate made with rich, dark chocolate and steamed milk, perfect for a cozy afternoon. For those who like a refreshing start to the day, fresh orange juice (jus d’orange) or apple juice (jus de pomme) are popular choices, often served alongside a croissant or pastry. In France, you’ll also hear people ordering a jus de (juice of) various fruits, reflecting the French love for simple, high-quality beverages.
Whether you’re sipping a classic café, indulging in a creamy café au lait, or enjoying a glass of fresh orange juice, embracing the French way of drinking is a delightful way to experience everyday life in France.
If you’re visiting France soon, read this helpful guide on how to order coffee in French to sound more natural.
Cold Drinks in French
There are different kinds of cold drinks available in France, so if you’re more into juices or fizzy drinks, France has got you covered! These drinks are widely available in cafés and restaurants, and you’ll find that the French love their fruit juices and soda too.
Here’s a list of the most common cold drinks:
| Drink | French Word |
|---|---|
| Juice | Jus |
| Orange Juice | Jus d’orange |
| Apple Juice | Jus de pomme |
| Grape juice | Jus de raisin |
| Soda | Soda |
| Lemonade | Limonade |
| Iced water | Eau glacée |
| Slushie | Granité |
| Iced coffee | Café glacé |
| Milk | Lait |
Indulge your sweet tooth with these 20 classic French desserts you must try from pastries to puddings and everything delightful.
Beer in French
While wine often takes center stage, beer is also significantly popular in France. You can experience a growing craft beer scene alongside more traditional brews. You’ll find a variety of styles available, from light and refreshing lagers to richer, darker ales.
Here are some common French words and phrases related to beer:
| French word | English Word |
|---|---|
| Bière pression | Draft beer |
| Bière blonde | Light beer |
| Bière brune | Dark beer |
| Bière blanche | Wheat beer |
| Bière ambrée | Amber beer |
| Bière artisanale | Craft beer |
| Une pinte de bière | A pint of beer |
| Un demi de bière | A half-pint of beer |
| Bouteille de bière | A bottle of beer |
| Bière fruitée | Fruit beer |
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French Drinking Phrases
Here is a list of French drinking phrases with their English translations:
| French Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Santé ! | Cheers! |
| À la vôtre ! | To yours! / Cheers! |
| Tchin ! | Cheers! (informal, sound of glasses clinking) |
| Cul sec ! | Bottoms up! |
| J’ai soif. | I’m thirsty. |
| Ce vin est excellent ! | This wine is excellent! |
| Prenons un verre. | Let’s have a drink. |
| Encore un ? | Another one? |
| Je vous offre un verre. | I’ll buy you a drink. |
| On va boire un coup ? | Shall we go for a drink? |
| À votre santé ! | To your health! |
| Trinquons ! | Let’s toast! |
| Un peu plus ? | A little more? |
The phrase ‘Tchin !’ is used because it mimics the sounds of glasses clinking together during a toast.
Wine in French
France is world-famous for its wines. They play a significant role in French cuisine and culture. Therefore, knowing how to order your favorite wine in French is a must.
Here’s a table of the major types of wines:
| Type of Wine | French Word |
|---|---|
| Red Wine | Vin Rouge |
| White Wine | Vin Blanc |
| Rosé Wine | Vin Rosé |
If you want to ask for a bottle of wine in a restaurant or wine shop, you can use the phrase: “Je voudrais une bouteille de vin, s’il vous plaît.” You can use this form when ordering to politely request a bottle of wine. In France, wine is often enjoyed with a meal, and it is common to pair different wines with different meals to enhance the dining experience.
How to Order Drinks in French? (Useful Phrases & Expressions)
Ordering drinks in French might seem intimidating at first, but with the right phrases, it becomes easy. Learning the language and key phrases helps you order drinks confidently in French settings, making social and dining experiences more enjoyable. Whether you’re at a café or a bar, these expressions will come in handy.
Here are some key phrases and how to pronounce them:
| Phrase | French Translation |
|---|---|
| I would like… | Je voudrais… |
| I will have… | Je prendrais… |
| What drink do you recommend? | Quelle boisson recommandez-vous? |
| Can I have the menu, please? | Puis-je avoir la carte, s’il vous plaît? |
| A drink, please. | Une boisson, s’il vous plaît. |
| A glass of wine, please. | Un verre de vin, s’il vous plaît. |
| I’ll have a bottle of water. | Je prendrai une bouteille d’eau. |
| What drink do you recommend? | Quelle boisson recommandez-vous? |
| The same again, please. | La même chose, s’il vous plaît. |
| Do you have any non-alcoholic cocktails? | Avez-vous des cocktails sans alcool ? |
| What beers do you have? | Qu’est-ce que vous avez comme bières ? |
Enhance your kitchen vocabulary by exploring common French cooking terms used by chefs worldwide.
Regional French Drinks You Must Try
France has many regional drinks that reflect its diverse culture and history. Many of these regional French drinks are spirits, such as brandies and liqueurs, which play an important role in French culture and are enjoyed in various settings.
Whether it’s cider from Normandy or pastis from Provence, each region has something unique to offer. Trying local drinks is a fantastic way to experience the flavors and traditions of France.
Here’s a list of must-try regional drinks:
| Drink | French Word | Pronunciation | Region | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cider | Cidre | seed-ruh | Normandy | A fermented apple drink, popular in Normandy. |
| Pastis | Pastis | pas-tees | Provence | An anise-flavoured spirit, often enjoyed as an apéritif. |
| Kir | Kir | keer | Burgundy | A cocktail made with white wine and blackcurrant liqueur. |
| Apple brandy | Calvados | cal-vah-doss | Normandy | Apple brandy made in the Normandy region from specific types of cider apples. |
| Gentian liqueur | Gentiane | zhon-tee-ahn | mountainous regions of France | A bitter liqueur made from the roots of the gentian flower. |
| Muscat of Rivesaltes | Muscat de Rivesaltes | muss-kah duh ree-vuh-salt | Roussillon | A sweet fortified wine made from Muscat grapes. |
| Armagnac | Armagnac | ar-man-yak | Armagnac | A brandy traditionally produced in the Armagnac region of Gascony in southwest France. |
| Floc of Gascony | Floc de Gascogne | flock duh gas-kohn-yuh | Gascony | A sweet mistelle (a type of fortified wine) made by blending Armagnac eau-de-vie with fresh grape juice. |
| Chouchen | Chouchen | shoo-shen | Brittany | A traditional Breton mead made from honey and cider. |
| Pommeau of Normandy | Pommeau de Normandie | pom-moh duh nor-man-dee | Normandy | An apéritif made by blending unfermented cider apple juice with Calvados. |
For a deeper understanding of French and to practice real-life conversations, consider joining our course at La Forêt French Class.
Did You Know?
- In the South of France, it’s common to have pastis as an apéritif, especially in the summer. It’s typically diluted with water and served over ice. Each region in France has its own traditions for drinks, which makes travelling through France even more interesting.
- Drinks, especially wine and spirits, play an important role in social gatherings in France, such as family dinners, parties, and celebrations.
- In France, it’s common to ask for “une carafe d’eau” (a carafe of tap water) in restaurants, which is free. It’s a polite and cost-effective way to stay hydrated, especially in summer!
- When ordering milk, you’ll often find it served cold, unlike in some countries where warm milk is more common. You can order “un verre de lait” (a glass of milk) for a refreshing, simple option.
If you’re a foodie, this guide on the different types of French cheese is a must-read.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do the French call beverages?
In French, the word for beverage is “boisson.” It refers to any drink, whether it’s water, coffee, or something alcoholic. Knowing the vocabulary for drinks is essential for getting around France, especially in restaurants or cafés.
2. What are famous French drinks or beverages?
France is known for its wine (vin), but there are many other drinks to try. Some of the most famous include champagne, pastis (an anise-flavored spirit), and cidre (apple cider). France’s coffee culture is also significant, especially the beloved espresso, often referred to as “un café.”
