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
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
Either is perfect with the grapefruit, lime, agave, firewater bitters and a Tajín-speckled cucumber slice.
—Michele Parente, sandiegouniontribune.com, 18 Oct. 2017
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
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
Either is perfect with the grapefruit, lime, agave, firewater bitters and a Tajín-speckled cucumber slice.
—Michele Parente, sandiegouniontribune.com, 18 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firewater
Noun
-
The city of Aurora is working to establish rules around the sale of liquor and other alcohol at the new Hollywood Casino resort, which is set to open within the next few months.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The one-time extension does not affect Sunday alcohol sale hours for liquor, grocery or convenience stores.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That reduced alcohol spending is not due to price changes, but because consumption is falling, the report said.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The blow keeps you awake and the alcohol lowers your inhibitions.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Blue Bottle offers customers specialty coffee options, including a sweet and creamy New Orleans-style coffee, as well as espresso drinks and cold brew.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Our favorite finds include a set of chaise lounge chairs under $200, a compact bistro dining set available in spring-ready shades like pastel pink and eggshell blue, and a $30 side table that offers extra room for snacks and drinks.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The hottest mess in this brood, at least from outward appearances, is Josh (Thomas Sadoski), a firefighter battling demons, pills and booze.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The officer smelled booze on his breath, according to a police report.—
Mason Leib,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There’s only one town, San Pedro, with colorful waterfront restaurants and breezy beach bars perfect for sunset rum punches.—
Annie Daly,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The cocktails lean toward the tropics, with painkillers, frozen piña coladas, and creative rum concoctions like the High Tai’d, a creamy blend of rum, pistachio, and yuzu curaçao.—
Robert F. Moss,
Southern Living,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
From the guest's POV, drinking water is provided in reusable glass bottles, with water refilling stations across the property, and restaurant ingredients are sourced from the nearby partner South Farm and local suppliers to reduce the carbon footprint and support the community.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The news agency, citing sources, reported that the devices were made of a sports drink bottle that was filled or partially filled with explosive material and placed inside glass jars and surrounded by nuts and bolts.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Firewater.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firewater. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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