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

See Examples For:

ardent spirits

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

From Time Magazine Archive

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

Even the ardent spirits beneath the gallery had ceased to applaud; they sat back in the shadow, all their enthusiasm quenched.

From The Turnstile by Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley)

Why should the few be protected from the sale of ardent spirits and the many left to be victims of temptation?

From Stand Up, Ye Dead by Maclean, Norman

The reinforcements were consequently eagerly expected, and some of the more ardent spirits demanded that they should be led without delay against the enemy.

From The Life of Yakoob Beg Athalik Ghazi, and Badaulet; Ameer of Kashgar by Boulger, Demetrius Charles