Drinking Culture in Chinese

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jiǔ酒jiǔ – alcohol/liquor in general

• 啤酒píjiǔ啤酒píjiǔ – beer

If you’re curious about trying a local Taiwanese beer, Taiwan Beer (台灣台湾啤酒 táiwān píjiǔ) and 18 Days Draft Beer (18生 shēng) are the ones I’d recommend. Taiwan Beer has this light, slightly sweet taste thanks to the addition of locally grown rice. It’s refreshing and pairs perfectly with Taiwanese food, and they even have fun flavors like pineapple and mango that are super popular with visitors.

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 (青島岛啤酒 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hóngjiǔ红酒hóngjiǔ – red wine

• 白bái葡萄酒pútáojiǔ白bái葡萄酒pútáojiǔ – white wine

• 白酒báijiǔ白酒báijiǔ – Chinese white liquor

Erguotou (二鍋頭二锅头 èrguōtóu), a well-known baijiu (Chinese white spirit) originating from Beijing, is a classic and popular liquor in China. Typically with an alcohol content of 50-60% ABV, it is celebrated for its bold, fiery kick. Erguotou has a grainy, earthy flavor, with a subtle sweetness that balances out its strong profile. Often enjoyed with hearty foods like lamb, beef, or traditional street snacks, it’s an essential part of Beijing’s food culture.

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xiāngbīn香槟xiāngbīn – champagne

• 伏特加fútèjiā伏特加fútèjiā – vodka

• 威士忌wēishìjì威士忌wēishìjì – whiskey

If you’re looking for a Taiwanese whiskey to try, Kavalan (噶瑪蘭噶玛兰威士忌 gémǎlán wēishìjì) is the standout! Known for its smooth, rich flavors, it’s aged in Taiwan’s hot and humid climate, which speeds up the maturation process and gives it a bold character with unique tropical notes. Kavalan often has fruity hints like mango, passionfruit, or even coconut, which makes it a really intriguing choice compared to Scotch or Japanese whiskey.

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lánmǔjiǔ朗姆酒lǎngmǔjiǔ – rum

• 龍舌蘭lóngshélán龙舌兰酒lóngshélánjiǔ – tequila

• 琴酒qínjiǔ金酒jīnjiǔ – gin

• 白蘭地báilándì白兰地báilándì – brandy

• 雪莉酒xuělìjiǔ雪莉酒xuělìjiǔ – sherry

• 燒酒shāojiǔ烧酒shāojiǔ – Korean soju/Japanese shochu

• 清酒qīngjiǔ清酒qīngjiǔ – Sake (Japanese Rice Wine)

• 高粱酒gāoliángjiǔ高粱酒gāoliángjiǔ – sorghum liquor (popular in Taiwan)

If you’re into strong, bold flavors, Taiwanese Gaoliang (台灣湾高粱酒 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tiáojiǔ调酒tiáojiǔ – cocktail

Common Drinking Phrases

乾杯gānbēi干杯gānbēi – “Cheers!” (literally “dry cup” – often means bottoms up!)

隨意suíyì随意suíyì – “As you wish” (a polite response when someone says 乾杯gānbēi干杯gānbēi)

敬酒jìngjiǔ敬酒jìngjiǔ – to toast/propose a drink

Different Level Of Drunk

Cultural Tips

1. 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

2. 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

3. Drinking Customs:

• Toasting order matters (seniors first)
• It’s polite to toast everyone at your table
• “Bottoms up” is common but not mandatory