Beyond “Cheers!” – Your Guide to Drinking Culture in Chinese
Ever wondered how to talk about alcohol in Chinese? Whether you’re planning a business dinner in Shanghai or a night out in Taipei, understanding drinking culture in Chinese-speaking regions can be your secret weapon for better connections and memorable experiences.
Alcohol Vocabulary
- 酒酒 – alcohol/liquor in general
- 啤酒啤酒 – beer

If you’re curious about trying a local Taiwanese beer, Taiwan Beer (
Then there’s 18 Days Draft Beer, which is all about freshness. It’s unpasteurized and meant to be enjoyed within—you guessed it—18 days. Because of this, it has a crisp, clean flavor that’s really different from other beers. I’d say it’s a must-try if you’re in Taiwan and looking for something authentic!
On the other hand, Tsingtao (青 啤酒 qīngdǎo píjiǔ) is a smooth, light lager from Qingdao, China, and it’s one of the most popular beers worldwide. It has a crisp, clean taste with a slight malty sweetness and a hint of bitterness from the high-quality hops. Perfect with Chinese dishes like dumplings or hotpot, Tsingtao’s smooth finish makes it an easy-drinking beer for any occasion. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something refreshing and iconic!
- 紅酒红酒 – red wine
- 白葡萄酒白葡萄酒 – white wine
- 白酒白酒 – Chinese white liquor

Erguotou (
On the other hand, Moutai (茅台 máotái) is China’s top-tier liquor, often considered the country’s national drink. Made from a unique fermentation process with sorghum and wheat, Moutai is aged and has a complex, rich flavor with earthy, floral notes and a hint of sweetness. It’s famous for its smoothness and is often enjoyed during special occasions, business meetings, and big celebrations. With its premium quality, Moutai can fetch quite a high price, but if you’re looking to treat yourself to something uniquely Chinese, this is the one to try!
- 香檳香槟 – champagne
- 伏特加伏特加 – vodka
- 威士忌威士忌 – whiskey

If you’re looking for a Taiwanese whiskey to try, Kavalan (
Kavalan also offers special editions, like the Solist series, which is matured in different types of casks (sherry, bourbon, wine). Each one has its own distinct taste, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re already into whiskey or just curious, Kavalan is a must-try for anyone visiting or looking to explore Taiwan’s local spirits!
- 蘭姆酒朗姆酒 – rum
- 龍舌蘭龙舌兰酒 – tequila
- 琴酒金酒 – gin
- 白蘭地白兰地 – brandy
- 雪莉酒雪莉酒 – sherry
- 燒酒烧酒 – Korean soju/Japanese shochu
- 清酒清酒 – Sake (Japanese Rice Wine)
- 高粱酒高粱酒 – sorghum liquor (popular in Taiwan)

If you’re into strong, bold flavors, Taiwanese Gaoliang (台湾高粱酒 táiwān gāoliángjiǔ) is a classic! Made from fermented sorghum, it’s known for its intense, crisp taste and high alcohol content—usually around 58%, so it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Gaoliang is popular for its clean, slightly spicy flavor, with a smooth finish despite the strength. It’s often sipped slowly or shared as shots at celebrations. For anyone who loves exploring unique spirits, it’s a powerful experience that embodies Taiwan’s culture.
- 調酒调酒 – cocktail
Common Drinking Phrases
乾杯干杯 – “Cheers!” (literally “dry cup” – often means bottoms up!)
隨意随意 – “As you wish” (a polite response when someone says 乾杯干杯)
敬酒敬酒 – to toast/propose a drink
Different Level Of Drunk
Sober:清醒清醒
Buzzed:微醺微醺
Tipsy:有點醉有点儿醉
Drunk:醉了醉了
Wasted:爛醉烂醉
Pass out:喝掛了喝挂了
Blackout:斷片断片儿
Hangover:宿醉宿醉
Cultural Tips
- Business Drinking:
- Never pour your own drink
- Hold your glass with two hands when toasting seniors
- Wait for the host to drink first
- The most senior person usually leads the first toast
- Regional Differences:
- China: 白酒 báijiǔ culture, especially in business settings
- Taiwan: More relaxed, beer and whiskey are popular
- Both regions: Karaoke (KTV) and drinking often go together
- Drinking Customs:
- Toasting order matters (seniors first)
- It’s polite to toast everyone at your table
- “Bottoms up” is common but not mandatory