se2015

I know this is an old thread, but I’m wondering if RebDaniel or someone else can clarify why the assumption is that shechar shel devash in Sh.A. is non-alcoholic, and therefore raises a question regarding other non-alcoholic drinks, such as coffee.

The Rosh indeed says that the mishna that permits “honey” is referring to a honey-based beverage, since the gemara implies that it is boiled. However, in Tosfot Harosh, he refers to said beverage as ????, which I presume is mead, which is made with fermented honey and is alcoholic.

The Radvaz, Chida and others also appear to prohibit drinking coffee in coffee houses. However, it isn’t clear what the source for this is as the gemara seems to prohibit alcoholic drinks.