How to Recommend Drinks in English Conversations ☕🍷

Intermediate Level | September 30, 2025

Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

Knowing how to recommend drinks in English conversations might sound simple, but it can be a powerful way to connect with people. Whether you’re at a work dinner, a networking event, or just chatting with colleagues, suggesting a drink politely and confidently shows friendliness and cultural awareness.

Why Recommending Drinks Matters

In many cultures, offering or suggesting a drink is part of building relationships. Imagine you’re at a business dinner and someone says, “Would you like to try the house wine? It’s very good here.” That small gesture makes the atmosphere warmer and more personal. Knowing how to recommend drinks in English conversations helps you connect more easily.

Phrases for Recommending Drinks in English Conversations

When you’re recommending drinks, you don’t have to sound like a bartender. Keep it simple and polite:

“You might enjoy the green tea—it’s very refreshing.”
“The café latte here is really smooth, I recommend it.”
“If you like wine, the Merlot is a good choice.”

These phrases are short, friendly, and easy to use in both casual and professional settings.

Grammar Point: Using Would and Might for Recommendations

When making recommendations, softening your language is polite. Instead of saying “Try this,” you can say:

“You might like this tea.”
“Would you like to try the iced coffee?”

This makes your suggestion sound like an option, not an order.

Business Context Examples

In a professional setting, you want to sound courteous and inclusive:

“Shall we order some sparkling water for the table?”
“Would you like me to recommend a light beer?”
“This café is famous for its cappuccino—you might enjoy it.”

These examples keep the tone polite and collaborative.

Cultural Note

Be aware that in some cultures, people may not drink alcohol. In that case, it’s best to offer non-alcoholic choices too: “They also have a great selection of juices if you’d prefer something without alcohol.”

Vocabulary List

Recommend (verb) — To suggest something as a good choice.
Example: I recommend the green tea—it’s refreshing.
Refreshing (adjective) — Pleasantly cool or energizing.
Example: Lemon water is refreshing on a hot day.
Smooth (adjective) — Having a pleasant, soft taste.
Example: This coffee is smooth and easy to drink.
Option (noun) — A possible choice.
Example: Sparkling water is a good option with dinner.
Gesture (noun) — An action that shows politeness or friendliness.
Example: Offering tea was a nice gesture.
Polite (adjective) — Showing respect and good manners.
Example: It’s polite to ask before ordering for others.
Inclusive (adjective) — Making everyone feel included.
Example: She offered both coffee and tea to be inclusive.
Courteous (adjective) — Respectful and considerate.
Example: The host was very courteous when recommending drinks.
Cultural (adjective) — Related to traditions, customs, or societies.
Example: Offering drinks is a cultural habit in many countries.
Atmosphere (noun) — The mood or feeling of a place.
Example: The café had a warm, friendly atmosphere.

5 Questions About the Article

Why is recommending drinks in English conversations important?
What is the difference between saying “Try this” and “You might like this”?
Give two polite phrases you can use to recommend drinks in English conversations.
Why should you be careful when recommending alcoholic drinks?
What does it mean to be inclusive when recommending drinks?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

Have you ever recommended a drink to a colleague or client? How did they respond?
What drinks are popular to recommend in your country?
How do you usually order drinks in a café or restaurant in English?
Do you think recommending drinks helps build relationships? Why or why not?
What non-alcoholic drinks would you recommend to someone visiting your city?

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