14 Phrases for Ordering Coffee or Drinks
Ordering at a cafe or bar should be a pleasant experience, not a stressful one. Mastering these 14 phrases for ordering coffee or drinks will help you communicate your preferences clearly and politely. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or enjoying drinks with friends, these expressions will make you sound like a confident English speaker.
Common Phrases for Ordering Coffee or Drinks
Basic Coffee Orders
- Can I get a coffee, please? The most common and simple way to order a basic coffee. Can I get a coffee, please? Just black.
- I’d like a latte, please. A polite and direct way to order a specific drink. I’d like a latte, please. With oat milk, if you have it.
- Could I have a cappuccino? A slightly more formal and very polite way to make your request. Could I have a cappuccino? With an extra shot of espresso.
- I’ll have an Americano. A confident and common phrase used when you’ve decided what you want. I’ll have an Americano. To stay, please.
Customizing Your Order
- Can I get that with soy milk? A clear way to request a milk alternative. I’d like a latte. Can I get that with soy milk?
- Could you make that iced? The perfect phrase to turn any hot drink into a cold one. I’ll have a coffee. Could you make that iced?
- Can I have an extra shot of espresso in that? For when you need an extra caffeine boost. I’d like a mocha, please. Can I have an extra shot of espresso in that?
- Not too hot, please. A simple request to ensure your drink is the perfect temperature. I’ll have a latte. Not too hot, please.
Ordering at a Bar
- I’ll have a glass of red wine. A straightforward way to order wine. I’ll have a glass of red wine. Your house red is fine.
- Can I get a beer? A simple, universal way to order a beer. Can I get a beer? What local beers do you have on tap?
- What cocktails do you recommend? A great question to ask when you’re unsure what to order. I’m not sure what I want. What cocktails do you recommend?
- I’d like a gin and tonic, please. A clear and polite way to order a specific mixed drink. I’d like a gin and tonic, please. With lime.
General & Polite Phrases
- What’s your specialty here? A friendly question that shows interest in the establishment. This is my first time here. What’s your specialty here?
- Could I see your menu, please? The polite way to ask for a menu if it’s not immediately available. Excuse me, could I see your menu, please?
Real-Life Dialogues
Customer: Hi, I’d like a latte, please.
Barista: Sure, what size would you like?
Customer: Medium. And can I get that with oat milk?
Barista: Of course. That’ll be $4.50.
Customer: Hello. I’ll have a glass of red wine.
Bartender: We have a Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Customer: The Merlot, please. And could I see your menu, please? I might order some food.
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Busy coffee shop | Can I get a coffee, please? | It’s quick, direct, and efficient for fast service. |
| Fancy cocktail bar | What cocktails do you recommend? | Shows you’re interested in their expertise and special offerings. |
| When you have specific preferences | I’d like a latte with oat milk, please. | States your order clearly and politely from the start. |
Practice Tip
Next time you order a drink, try using a new phrase from this list. Pay attention to how the staff responds to build your confidence!
Why This Matters
- Gets You Exactly What You Want: Clear communication ensures you receive your drink prepared just how you like it.
- Builds Confidence in Social Situations: Knowing these 14 phrases for ordering coffee or drinks makes you feel more comfortable in cafes and bars.
- Makes Dining Out More Enjoyable: Smooth ordering experiences contribute to a more relaxed and pleasant time out.
Don’t hesitate to use these phrases on your next visit to a cafe or bar. The more you practice these 14 phrases for ordering coffee or drinks, the more natural and confident you will become. Happy learning! 😊
