as in liquor
a distilled beverage that can make a person drunk
the bartender recommended a drink made with the local firewater, a potent gin
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Recent Examples of firewater
Nonalcoholic Alternatives Maybe the best route to avoid a hangover is to steer clear of firewater in the first place—easier said than done given the many social pressures around drinking.
—
Emily Peck, WIRED, 31 Dec. 2024
The response from a manager and a bartender toward dinner’s end was to introduce my posse to a Chinese spirit poised to make an appearance on the menu: clear firewater, potent as grappa, poured from a red-and-gold flask into thimble-size shot glasses.
—Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2023
This cocktail is a tribute to Madonna, Queen of Pop, and features mezcal, passionfruit, firewater bitter, Amarena cheery, and a smoking cinnamon stick.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 12 Sep. 2022
Cold beer and soju, Korea’s clear firewater served in little green bottles
Where to try it: When in Seoul, stop by Gold Pig for the best samgyeopsal, Majang Meat Market for the freshest Hanwoo beef, or dine on galbi and bulgogi in the shadow of presidents at the historic Han Il Kwan.
—Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2022
Poitín is often called Irish moonshine, but that implies the crude firewater associated with American Prohibition-era bootleggers.
—Liza Weisstuch, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Feb. 2021
The share price of Kweichow Moutai, China’s most exclusive brand of baijiu firewater, continues to soar, hinting at a thirst for luxury tipples among the super-rich.
—The Economist, 23 May 2020
The adult beverages are also pure Colombia, from the top-selling Aguila beer to the country’s official spirit, aguardiente (firewater!), to the sweetest-ever tropical margaritas.
—Allyson Reedy, The Know, 5 Sep. 2019
This version incorporates pineapple, allspice, falernum, spicy firewater, and a pinch of the superfood powder known as Blue Majik.
—Brittany Martin, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 Feb. 2018
Emily Peck, WIRED, 31 Dec. 2024
The response from a manager and a bartender toward dinner’s end was to introduce my posse to a Chinese spirit poised to make an appearance on the menu: clear firewater, potent as grappa, poured from a red-and-gold flask into thimble-size shot glasses.
—Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2023
This cocktail is a tribute to Madonna, Queen of Pop, and features mezcal, passionfruit, firewater bitter, Amarena cheery, and a smoking cinnamon stick.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 12 Sep. 2022
Cold beer and soju, Korea’s clear firewater served in little green bottles
Where to try it: When in Seoul, stop by Gold Pig for the best samgyeopsal, Majang Meat Market for the freshest Hanwoo beef, or dine on galbi and bulgogi in the shadow of presidents at the historic Han Il Kwan.
—Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2022
Poitín is often called Irish moonshine, but that implies the crude firewater associated with American Prohibition-era bootleggers.
—Liza Weisstuch, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Feb. 2021
The share price of Kweichow Moutai, China’s most exclusive brand of baijiu firewater, continues to soar, hinting at a thirst for luxury tipples among the super-rich.
—The Economist, 23 May 2020
The adult beverages are also pure Colombia, from the top-selling Aguila beer to the country’s official spirit, aguardiente (firewater!), to the sweetest-ever tropical margaritas.
—Allyson Reedy, The Know, 5 Sep. 2019
This version incorporates pineapple, allspice, falernum, spicy firewater, and a pinch of the superfood powder known as Blue Majik.
—Brittany Martin, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 Feb. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firewater
Noun
-
Hard liquor is free-poured at home and in many bars.—
Justin Kissinger,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
-
Operating under the influence of liquor.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
This definition also includes instance in which the victim is incapable of giving consent because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (include due to the influence of drugs or alcohol) or because of age.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
6 May 2026
-
The most common indulgence by far was alcohol, but many flyers also turn to marijuana edibles and non-prescribed medication to deal with flight jitters.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Concessions, including barbecue, snacks, candy and drinks, including alcohol, will be available throughout the weekend, hosted by the Ramona Rodeo Foundation.—
Regina Elling,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
-
In general, capsule, tablets and gummies are best for beginners, while tinctures, extracts and powders make easy drink additives.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Plans to serve booze at White Stadium’s professional soccer matches in Boston have encountered pushback by critics of the city’s public-private rehab plan, but a ban on alcohol would effectively kill the $325 million project.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Activations — from banks to big tech, booze to beauty products — beckon attendees with the siren call of air conditioning and free WiFi, trading comfort for content and brand loyalty.—
Andrea Domanick,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Guests are greeted by their butler with a drink on arrival (there’s nothing like rum served in a fresh coconut to welcome you to the Caribbean) and shown around their suite.—
Hollie Clemence,
TheWeek,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Dark rum adds authentic flavor to these bars inspired by the cocktail.—
Jenavieve Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Last week, to criticize billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ role as honorary chair alongside wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos, activists with the group Everyone Hates Elon left approximately 300 bottles of fake urine in the famed museum, The New York Times reports.—
Adam Carlson,
PEOPLE,
4 May 2026
-
Use a mister or spray bottle to keep the soil moist but not wet.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Firewater.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firewater. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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