By Eshita Bhargava

Copyright timesnownews

You’ve probably been there before—standing at a bar, clutching a menu, and trying to order that alluring foreign-sounding drink without mangling its name. The bartender’s eyebrow arches, the crowd turns, and suddenly you’re wishing you’d just asked for a gin and tonic. But there’s more at stake than avoiding embarrassment. Knowing how to pronounce the names of the world’s most famous spirits is a little like learning secret passwords; it opens up conversations, helps you look confident at tastings, and even signals respect for the drink’s origins. After all, these aren’t just bottles of alcohol—they’re bottled-up histories, cultures and craftsmanship. What’s more, research backs up just how confused we all are. According to a March 2024 analysis by Business Financing, some of the most famous food and drink brands still leave people baffled. Their study—based on 16,875 brands listed on pronunciation dictionary Forvo—found that Jägermeister had 256,000 listen requests worldwide, making it the most mispronounced drinks brand. Veuve Clicquot followed close behind with 253,000, proving that no one is immune to a tricky label. So, before you fumble in front of a bartender or a date, here’s your whistle-stop pronunciation tour of some of the trickiest alcohol names around. Keep this list in your pocket (or your mental back bar) and you’ll never look unsure again. Becherovka This herbal liqueur from the Czech Republic is famed for its digestive properties. Fun fact: a Slovakian distiller tried to replicate it in 1998 but lost the legal battle because he couldn’t prove authenticity. Today, only two people reportedly know the original recipe. How to say it: bek-uh-rauw-kah BruichladdichTechnically the name of a distillery on Scotland’s Islay coast, Bruichladdich produces some of the most revered single malts in the world. Even seasoned whisky lovers have been known to stumble here. How to say it: brook-la-dee Curaçao This vibrant blue liqueur is made from bitter oranges native to the island of Curaçao. The little squiggle under the “ç” is your clue—it’s pronounced as an “s,” not a “k.” How to say it: kyoor-uh-sow Cointreau A staple triple sec in countless cocktails, Cointreau adds balance and depth to classics like the margarita and the sidecar. How to say it: kwan-tro Courvoisier This cognac house has been collaborating with fashion since the 1980s, producing 15 varieties today. Napoleon himself reportedly favoured it. How to say it: kuhr-vwa-syay Cachaça Often compared to white rum but made from fresh sugarcane juice, this earthy Brazilian spirit is the backbone of the caipirinha cocktail. How to say it: kuh-shah-suh Dom Pérignon Named after the Benedictine monk who invented champagne’s cork-sealing method in the 17th century, Dom Pérignon remains synonymous with celebration. How to say it: dom-perry-nyon Falernum Available in alcoholic and non-alcoholic forms, Falernum is a spicy, sweet syrup that tastes of the tropics. DIY versions abound, but the real deal is a tiki-bar staple. How to say it: fuh-lehr-num Glenfiddich One of the most recognised single malts, Glenfiddich remains a yardstick for Scotch whisky worldwide. Some say single malts are in danger of becoming rare—better perfect that pronunciation now. How to say it: glen-fee-dik Laphroaig Famous for its peat and cracked-pepper notes, Laphroaig divides opinion. Fans are fiercely loyal; detractors find it too bold. How to say it: luh-froyg Lillet This French aromatised wine gained pop-culture fame thanks to its appearance in the James Bond films. Elegant yet surprisingly affordable. How to say it: lih-lay Quickfire Pronunciations You’ll Want to Know Jägermeister: yay-guh-mai-stuh (Germany’s famous herbal liqueur) Glenmorangie: glen-morr-en-jee (A Highland single malt with a softer style) Moët & Chandon: mo-wett eh shan-dawn (Yes, you do pronounce the “t” in Moët) Hoegaarden: hoo-gar-den (Belgium’s cloudy wheat beer) Dewar’s: doo-ers Smirnoff: smir-noff The Pronunciation Pay-Off Learning how to say these names correctly is more than a party trick. It’s a way of respecting the heritage behind each bottle, whether it’s a centuries-old cognac house or a monk’s sparkling experiment. And it’s also an instant conversation starter; you’ll be the one explaining to your friends why the “t” in Moët really is pronounced, or how Cachaça differs from rum. So, the next time you’re handed a cocktail list or wandering down the spirits aisle, you can approach it with confidence—and perhaps even a touch of smugness. After all, anyone can drink; but not everyone can order like a connoisseur.