1. Fig. a phrase inquiring what someone is already drinking so that the person who asks the question can offer another drink of the same thing. Bill: Hi, Tom. Nice to see you. Can I get you something to drink? Tom: Sure. What are you drinking? Bill: Scotch andwater. Waiter: What are you drinking, madam? Sue: It's just soda. No more, thanks. Waiter: Very good.

2. Fig. a phrase inquiring what is being drunk at a particular gathering so that the person asking can request the same drink. (A way of finding out what drinks are available.) Mary: Do you want a drink? Sue: Yes, thanks. Say, that looks good. What are you drinking? Mary: It's just ginger ale. Bill: Can I get you something to drink? Jane: What are you drinking? Bill: I'm having gin and tonic. Jane: I'll have that too, thanks.