ardent spirits

American  

plural noun

1. strong alcoholic liquors made by distillation, as brandy, whiskey, or gin.

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ardent spirits British  

plural noun

1. spirits, such as rum, whisky, etc

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Etymology

Origin of ardent spirits

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Yet the nation's most famous glutton spurned ardent spirits for orange juice and lemon pop.

From Time Magazine Archive

He frequently harangued his followers in my presence, and the evils attendant upon war and the use of ardent spirits was his constant theme.

From The Land of the Miamis An Account of the Struggle to Secure Possession of the North-West from the End of the Revolution until 1812 by Barce, Elmore

As a beverage they do not use ardent spirits, and seem to have no taste or desire for the article, though they drink the ordinary claret—rarely anything stronger.

From Due South or Cuba Past and Present by Ballou, Maturin Murray

On the night after the action upon the Thames, thirty-five British officers supped with him upon fresh beef roasted before the fire, without either salt or bread, and without ardent spirits of any kind.

From The Land of the Miamis An Account of the Struggle to Secure Possession of the North-West from the End of the Revolution until 1812 by Barce, Elmore

They are not much addicted to ardent spirits, nor are these now supplied to them, but they have an inveterate propensity to gamble.

From Adventures Among the Red Indians Romantic Incidents and Perils Amongst the Indians of North and South America by Hyrst, H. W. G.