Ordering drinks is one of the most common situations in daily life. Whether you’re at a coffee shop, café, juice bar, or restaurant, knowing how to order naturally helps you feel more confident and makes conversations smoother.
Pro Tip: Native speakers usually sound more natural by saying “Can I get…”, “I’d like…”, or “Could I have…” instead of using very direct sentences like “Give me…”.
Useful Expressions
- I’d like a coffee, please.
- Can I get a latte?
- Could I have a glass of water?
- What do you recommend?
- I’ll have the same.
- Is it served hot or cold?
- Can I have it without sugar?
- Can you make it less sweet?
- I’d like a medium size.
- That’s all, thank you.
- Anything else?
- For here or to go?
- Can I pay by card?
- Keep the change.
- Enjoy your drink!
Questions & Answers
1. What would you like to drink?
I’d like an iced coffee, please.
2. Do you want it hot or cold?
Cold, please.
3. What size would you like?
A medium, please.
4. Would you like sugar?
No, thank you.
5. Can I get extra ice?
Yes, of course.
6. Is this drink sweet?
Yes, it’s a little sweet.
7. Would you like anything to eat?
Yes, a chocolate muffin.
8. Is this for here or to go?
To go, please.
9. How would you like to pay?
By card.
10. Do you need a receipt?
No, thank you.
Conversation
Barista: Good afternoon. What can I get for you?
Customer: I’d like a cappuccino, please.
Barista: What size would you like?
Customer: Medium, please.
Barista: Would you like sugar?
Customer: No, thanks.
Barista: Is this for here or to go?
Customer: For here.
Barista: Anything else?
Customer: That’s all, thank you.
Barista: Your total is $4.50.
Customer: Here you go. Thank you.
Real-Life Conversation
Emma: Hi, are you ready to order?
Ryan: Yes, I think so.
Server: Welcome! What would you like to drink?
Emma: I’d like an iced latte.
Server: What size would you like?
Emma: Large, please.
Server: Would you like regular or oat milk?
Emma: Oat milk, please.
Server: Great. And for you?
Ryan: Can I get a hot chocolate?
Server: Of course. Would you like whipped cream?
Ryan: Yes, please.
Server: Anything to eat today?
Emma: I’ll have a blueberry muffin.
Ryan: I’ll have a cheese sandwich.
Server: Perfect. Is that everything?
Emma: Yes, that’s all.
Server: It’ll be $14.80.
Ryan: I’ll pay by card.
Server: Please tap your card here.
Ryan: Done.
Server: Thank you. Your order will be ready in a few minutes.
Emma: Thanks a lot.
Ryan: Looking forward to the hot chocolate!
Server: Enjoy your drinks and have a great day!
Quick Practice
A. Change the Words
Replace the bold words with your own choice.
- I’d like a coffee, please.
- Can I get a tea?
- I’ll have a small drink.
- Is it hot or cold?
- I’d like it without sugar.
B. Answer the Questions
- What is your favorite drink?
- Do you like hot or cold drinks?
- What size do you usually order?
- Do you take sugar in your drinks?
- How do you usually pay?
C. Complete the Sentences
- I’d like a ____________, please.
- Can I have it ____________?
- I’ll pay by ____________.
- That’s ____________, thank you.
- Could I have a ____________?
Speaking Challenge
Imagine you’re meeting a friend at a café.
Speak for 1–2 minutes without reading.
Include these points:
- Greet the barista.
- Order your favorite drink.
- Choose the size.
- Ask for one customization.
- Order a snack.
- Pay for the order.
- Thank the staff politely.
Try to use at least 8 useful expressions from this lesson.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Give me a coffee. | I’d like a coffee, please. | More polite and natural. |
| I want one coffee. | Can I get a coffee? | Sounds friendlier in conversation. |
| I take coffee. | I’ll have a coffee. | “I’ll have” is commonly used when ordering. |
| One coffee. | Could I have a coffee, please? | Complete and polite sentence. |
| Coffee medium. | A medium coffee, please. | Correct word order. |
Lesson Summary
- I’d like…
- Can I get…?
- Could I have…?
- I’ll have…
- What do you recommend?
- For here or to go?
- Anything else?
- That’s all, thank you.
- Can I pay by card?
- Enjoy your drink!
