Learning a new language opens up a whole new world of possibilities, and what better way to dive into the conversation than ordering a drink in Greek? Here’s a list of beverages and drinks vocabulary in Greek to help you place your order with confidence the next time you find yourself at a Greek café or taverna.
Νερό (neró) – Water
Water is essential, and it’s often the first word in the drinks vocabulary. In Greece, when you ask for “neró,” you will typically be asked if you want it “με αέριο” (with gas) or “χωρίς αέριο” (without gas), meaning sparkling or still water.
Θα ήθελα ένα ποτήρι νερό, παρακαλώ.
(I would like a glass of water, please.)
Καφές (kafés) – Coffee
Coffee culture is huge in Greece, with many types of coffees available. When you mention “kafés,” it’s good to know whether you’d like an “ελληνικός” (Greek coffee), “φραπέ” (frappe), “εσπρέσο” (espresso), or “καπουτσίνο” (cappuccino).
Θέλω έναν καφέ φραπέ με γάλα, χωρίς ζάχαρη.
(I want a frappe coffee with milk, no sugar.)
Τσάι (tsái) – Tea
Tea may not be as popular as coffee in Greece, but it’s available in most places. You might need to specify the type, such as “τσάι βουνού” (mountain tea) or “τσάι του τσάι” (black tea).
Ένα τσάι του χαμομηλιού παρακαλώ.
(One chamomile tea, please.)
Χυμός (chymós) – Juice
Fresh juice is popular in Greece, especially orange juice, which is called “χυμός πορτοκάλι.”
Θα ήθελα ένα ποτήρι φρέσκο χυμό πορτοκάλι.
(I would like a glass of fresh orange juice.)
Μπύρα (býra) – Beer
Whether at the beach or a local taverna, “μπύρα” is a favorite, especially during the hot summer months. Be sure to ask for a “ξανθιά” (blonde) or “μαύρη” (dark) to specify your preference.
Μια μπύρα ξανθιά, παρακαλώ.
(A blonde beer, please.)
Κρασί (krasí) – Wine
Greece has a rich history of winemaking. When ordering “krasí,” you might opt for “κόκκινο” (red), “λευκό” (white), or “ροζέ” (rosé).
Θα ήθελα ένα ποτήρι κόκκινο κρασί.
(I would like a glass of red wine.)
Αναψυκτικό (anapsyktikó) – Soft drink
Soft drinks are commonly referred to as “αναψυκτικά” in Greek. These include sodas and other non-alcoholic fizzy drinks.
Ένα αναψυκτικό με λεμόνι, παρακαλώ.
(A lemon soft drink, please.)
Ποτό (potó) – Alcoholic drink
When you’d like something stronger, “ποτό” covers all spirits, such as “ουίσκι” (whisky), “βότκα” (vodka), and Greek specialties like “ουζό” (ouzo) and “τσίπουρο” (tsipouro).
Ένα ποτό ουζό στο παγωμένο παρακαλώ.
(One chilled ouzo, please.)
Remember, when you’re out and about exploring the vibrant venues of Greece, a polite “παρακαλώ” (please) after your order can go a long way. These basics in beverage vocabulary will surely enhance your experience and perhaps even impress native speakers with your Greek language skills. Στην υγειά σας! (Cheers!)