Daily English Day 13: Common Drinks and Desserts

When you go to a café, restaurant, or even a friend’s house, drinks and desserts are always part of the experience. Learning how to talk about them in English will make you more confident in daily life, whether you are ordering at Starbucks, trying a new cake, or asking someone about their favorite beverage. This lesson will cover vocabulary, phrases, cultural notes, and practice dialogues.

Vocabulary: Common Drinks

Here are some drinks you will often hear in English:

• Water – still water, sparkling water, mineral water

• Juice – orange juice, apple juice, pineapple juice, mango juice

• Soft drinks / Sodas – Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, root beer

• Tea – black tea, green tea, iced tea, herbal tea

• Coffee – espresso, cappuccino, latte, Americano, mocha

• Milk – plain milk, chocolate milk, soy milk, almond milk

• Smoothies – fruit smoothies, green smoothies, protein shakes

• Alcoholic drinks (for adults) – beer, wine, cocktails, whiskey

Vocabulary: Common Desserts

Desserts are sweet foods eaten after a meal or as a treat. Here are some common ones:

• Cake – chocolate cake, cheesecake, carrot cake, birthday cake

• Pie – apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie

• Ice cream – vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream

• Cookies (UK: biscuits) – chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies

• Donuts / Doughnuts – glazed donut, jelly donut

• Pudding – chocolate pudding, rice pudding (UK: pudding can mean dessert in general)

• Pastries – croissants, muffins, Danish pastries

• Local desserts (examples) – flan, churros, mochi, halo-halo

Useful Phrases for Drinks

• Ordering:

  • “Can I have an iced coffee, please?”

  • “I’d like a glass of water.”

  • “Do you have fresh orange juice?”

  • “Could I get a large latte to go?”

• Asking about choices:

  • “What kind of tea do you have?”

  • “Do you serve alcohol here?”

  • “Is this soda sugar-free?”

• Talking about preferences:

  • “I usually drink tea in the morning.”

  • “My favorite drink is mango smoothie.”

  • “I don’t like coffee because it’s too bitter.”

Useful Phrases for Desserts

• Ordering:

  • “Can I have a slice of chocolate cake?”

  • “I’d like two scoops of vanilla ice cream.”

  • “Do you have any gluten-free desserts?”

• Asking about ingredients:

  • “Does this pie contain nuts?”

  • “Is this cake made with eggs?”

  • “Is the ice cream dairy-free?”

• Expressing preferences:

  • “I love cheesecake.”

  • “I don’t really like donuts.”

  • “My favorite dessert is apple pie with ice cream.”

Cultural Notes

• In Western countries, dessert is usually eaten after the main meal. In many Asian cultures, sweet snacks are often eaten in the afternoon or with tea.

• Coffee culture is strong in the US and Europe, while tea culture is strong in the UK, Japan, and China.

• Ordering size matters in American cafés: small, medium, large are common, but Starbucks uses tall, grande, venti.

• Some countries offer unique drinks and desserts: bubble tea in Taiwan, halo-halo in the Philippines, churros in Spain, matcha desserts in Japan.

Mini Dialogues

Dialogue 1: At a café

• A: Hi, can I help you?

• B: Yes, I’d like an iced latte, please.

• A: What size?

• B: Medium, please. And could I also have a blueberry muffin?

• A: Sure. Anything else?

• B: No, that’s all. Thanks.

Dialogue 2: Asking about desserts

• A: Do you want some dessert?

• B: What do they have?

• A: Chocolate cake, apple pie, and ice cream.

• B: I’ll take the apple pie. Do you want to share?

• A: Sure, let’s get two spoons.

Dialogue 3: Talking with friends

• A: What’s your favorite drink?

• B: I love mango smoothies.

• A: Really? I prefer iced coffee.

• B: I don’t drink coffee. It makes me too nervous.

Practice Exercise

Try answering these questions in English:

1. What do you usually drink in the morning?

2. Do you like soda? Why or why not?

3. What dessert do you usually eat on your birthday?

4. How do you order your favorite drink at a café?

5. Imagine you are at a restaurant. Order a drink and a dessert.

Extended Example Sentences

• “I’ll have a bottle of sparkling water, please.”

• “Could you make my smoothie without sugar?”

• “I always drink green tea after dinner.”

• “This ice cream tastes amazing!”

• “We usually bake a cake for family celebrations.”

• “Do you want coffee or tea with dessert?”

• “She brought cookies to the party.”

• “Let’s try the local dessert—it looks delicious.”

Tips for Learners

• Practice ordering aloud: Next time you go to a café, say the whole sentence clearly.

• Learn menu vocabulary: Menus often use words like “slice,” “scoop,” “glass,” “cup,” “bottle.”

• Notice cultural habits: For example, in the US, free refills of soda are common; in Europe, they are rare.

• Use adjectives to describe food: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, creamy, crunchy, refreshing, rich.

Example:

• “This cake is too sweet for me.”

• “Iced tea is very refreshing in summer.”

• “The cheesecake is creamy and delicious.”

Summary

Drinks and desserts are part of daily life, and learning how to talk about them in English will help you in restaurants, cafés, and social conversations. Practice vocabulary, ordering phrases, and small talk about preferences. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.

Homework: Write 5 sentences about your favorite drink and dessert. Then practice ordering them out loud.

FAQ:Common Drinks and Desserts

What are the most common drink categories I’ll see on an English menu?

You will usually see water (still or sparkling), soft drinks (sodas), juices, teas (hot or iced), coffee drinks (espresso-based or brewed), milk-based options (regular and plant-based), smoothies and shakes, and sometimes alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and cocktails. Many cafés also list seasonal or signature items, such as matcha lattes, pumpkin spice lattes, or fruit coolers, which change throughout the year.

How do I order politely at a café or restaurant?

Use clear, friendly phrases such as “Could I have…?,” “I’d like…,” or “May I get…?” and add “please” at the end. Examples: “Could I have a medium latte, please?” or “I’d like an iced green tea, please.” When staff ask follow-up questions about size, milk type, or sweetness, answer briefly and clearly: “Large, oat milk, less sweet.”

What is the difference between still and sparkling water?

Still water has no bubbles and is the default option at most restaurants. Sparkling water is carbonated and has bubbles; it may be listed as “sparkling,” “soda water,” or “carbonated.” In some places, tap water is free, while bottled still or sparkling water costs extra. If you have a preference, say it directly: “Still water, please.”

How do drink sizes work (small, medium, large, tall, grande, venti)?

Many shops use small/medium/large. Some chains use branded names like tall, grande, venti. If you’re unsure, ask: “Which size is the largest?” or “How many ounces is a grande?” In the UK or Europe, sizes may be smaller than typical US portions. When in doubt, say the volume you want: “About 350 milliliters, please.”

How can I customize coffee drinks in English?

State the base drink and then your preferences. For example: “I’ll have an iced latte with oat milk, one extra shot, and half sweet.” Common options include milk type (whole, skim, soy, almond, oat), number of espresso shots, sweetness level (regular, half, no syrup), and temperature (extra hot). You can also request decaf: “Decaf cappuccino, please.”

What is the difference between espresso, Americano, latte, and cappuccino?

Espresso is a small, concentrated shot of coffee. Americano is espresso diluted with hot water. Latte is espresso with more steamed milk and a thin layer of foam, resulting in a creamy taste. Cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, with a stronger coffee flavor than a latte due to more foam and less milk.

How do I talk about sweetness, ice, and temperature for drinks?

Use short, direct modifiers: “less sweet,” “no sugar,” “light ice,” “no ice,” “extra ice,” “extra hot,” or “room temperature.” Example: “Green tea, no sugar and light ice.” For boba or juice bars, you can specify percentages: “30% sugar, please.” If you want a warmer but not hot drink, say “warm” or “not too hot.”

What should I say if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

Be specific and ask direct questions. Example: “I’m allergic to nuts. Does this cake contain almonds or hazelnuts?” or “Is the ice cream dairy-free?” For preferences, say “I’m vegan,” “I avoid gluten,” or “I don’t eat eggs.” Follow up with: “Which desserts are safe for me?” Staff can guide you to suitable items or offer substitutions.

How do I ask about ingredients in desserts?

Use questions like: “What’s in this?,” “Does it contain eggs/dairy/gluten?,” and “Is it made with nuts?” If you need details, ask: “Could you check the ingredient list?” Many bakeries label common allergens, but not all do. When sharing, confirm with your group: “Is anyone allergic to peanuts?” before ordering.

What are typical dessert portions and serving words I should know?

Common portion words include slice (cake or pie), scoop (ice cream), piece (brownie or cheesecake bar), and cup (pudding or parfait). You might say: “One slice of chocolate cake” or “Two scoops of vanilla.” If you want to share, ask for extra cutlery: “Could we have two spoons, please?” or “Can you split it into two plates?”

How do I compare desserts politely?

Use descriptive adjectives and softeners: “This cheesecake is rich but not too sweet,” “The apple pie is warm and cinnamony,” or “I find the donuts a bit too sweet for me.” To recommend, say: “You should try the lemon tart—it’s very refreshing.” When declining, be gentle: “I’ll pass this time, thanks.”

What’s the difference between American and British dessert terms?

In the US, “cookie” is common; in the UK, the same item is often called a “biscuit.” US “pudding” usually means a creamy dessert, while UK “pudding” can mean any dessert. “Candy” (US) is “sweets” (UK). When in doubt, point and ask: “What do you call this?” Staff will understand the differences.

How do I choose between hot and iced versions of drinks?

Most coffees and teas come hot or iced. If the menu doesn’t show both, ask: “Do you have this iced?” For cold days, say: “Hot, please.” For summer, try “Iced with light ice.” Some drinks, like matcha lattes or Americanos, are excellent either way. Make your preference explicit to avoid surprises at pickup.

What are common tea options, and how do I order them?

Popular teas include black tea (English Breakfast, Earl Grey), green tea (sencha, matcha, jasmine), herbal tea (chamomile, peppermint), and oolong. You might say: “Hot jasmine tea, no sugar.” For milk tea or bubble tea, specify sugar and ice level, toppings (boba, jelly), and size: “Large milk tea, 30% sugar, less ice, with boba.”

How can I talk about healthier choices for drinks and desserts?

Ask about options and preparation: “Do you have unsweetened iced tea?” “Can you make the smoothie without syrup?” or “Is there a fruit-based dessert?” Choose smaller portions, share a dessert, or pick items labeled light, no added sugar, or high-protein. You can also request substitutions like oat milk, less syrup, or fresh fruit toppings.

What phrases help me try local specialties confidently?

Use curiosity and politeness: “What dessert is this region famous for?” “Which drink would you recommend to a first-time visitor?” or “I’d like to try something traditional—what do you suggest?” When ordering, confirm key details: “Is it very sweet?” “Does it contain alcohol?” or “Is it served warm or cold?”

How do I order takeout drinks and desserts to go?

Say “to go” (US) or “for takeaway” (UK). Example: “One iced Americano to go and a slice of carrot cake for takeaway, please.” If you need utensils or napkins, add: “Could I get a fork and some napkins?” For transport, request a lid or box: “Please put the cake in a box.”

What should I say if something is not to my taste or not what I ordered?

Be calm and specific: “Sorry, I ordered a decaf latte, but this tastes like regular coffee. Could you check?” or “This is much sweeter than I expected. Could you make it half sweet?” Most places will fix it. If you simply don’t like the flavor, say politely: “It’s not what I expected—could I switch to a different flavor and pay any difference?”

What are good conversation starters about drinks and desserts?

Simple questions work well: “What’s your favorite dessert here?” “Do you prefer coffee or tea?” “Have you tried the seasonal drink?” Share your opinion with soft language: “I usually like fruity desserts,” or “I’m more into dark chocolate than vanilla.” These topics are friendly and suitable for casual small talk in cafés or after meals.

How do I describe flavors and textures naturally?

Use vivid but common adjectives: sweet, tart, bitter, rich, creamy, airy, fluffy, crunchy, chewy, refreshing, decadent. Combine two or three for a natural tone: “The lemon tart is tart and refreshing,” or “The cheesecake is rich and creamy.” To compare, say: “This mocha is sweeter than the cappuccino,” or “The brownie is denser than the muffin.”

Can I ask to share or split a dessert?

Yes. Say: “We’d like to share the chocolate cake—could you give us two forks?” or “Could you split this into two plates?” If you’re unsure about portion size, ask: “Is one slice big enough to share?” Sharing is common in many places, especially when people want to taste different flavors without ordering multiple full portions.

What are polite ways to decline dessert or alcohol?

Keep it short and positive: “Everything looks great, but I’ll pass, thanks.” “Not today, thank you.” or “I’m full, but thanks for offering.” If you avoid alcohol, say: “I don’t drink, but I’d love a soda or tea.” People will understand; no detailed explanation is necessary unless you want to share.

Could you give me sample order sentences I can reuse?

Try these templates:
1) “Could I have a drink with milk type/sweetness/ice, please?”
2) “I’d like a size coffee/tea, hot/iced, decaf/extra shot.”
3) “Can I get a slice of dessert and two spoons?”
4) “Do you have any gluten-free/vegan options?”
5) “What dessert do you recommend for someone who likes fruity/not too sweet flavors?”

Daily English Guide for Beginners: Speak with Confidence Every Day