Quaff

To drink something heartily, often in generous swallows.

Reach for it when describing cheerful or vigorous drinking rather than a small sip

After the toast, the hikers quaffed cool cider from enamel mugs.

• playful

  swig

  large informal mouthfuls are visible

  not when Swig can sound careless or crude.

• everyday

  drink

  a neutral verb is all the sentence needs

  not when Drink lacks quaff's hearty gusto.

• everyday

  gulp

  speed and large swallowing matter

  not when Gulp may suggest panic rather than pleasure.

• everyday

  sip

  slow small tastes are actually intended

  not when Sip directly contradicts hearty quaffing.

• warm

  toast

  the shared ceremonial act is central

  not when Toast concerns the tribute, not the drinking manner.

• literary

  imbibe

  elevated or humorous diction suits the scene

  not when Imbibe is restrained beside quaff.

• abstain
• sip
• refuse

• quaff a drink

  Guests quaff a drink together when the musicians arrive.

• quaff deeply

  He quaffed deeply after the dusty climb.

• quaff from a mug

  They quaffed from a mug passed around the campfire.