ichidan verb, transitive verb
make someone drink; force to drink; let drink
Causative of 飲む. Can imply making, forcing, or allowing someone to drink, depending on context. Often used for giving medicine or making someone drink alcohol.
子供に薬を飲ませるのに苦労した。
I had a hard time getting the child to take the medicine.
彼は無理やり酒を飲ませよう
He tried to force me to drink alcohol.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
serve alcohol; treat to drinks
Specifically about serving or treating someone to alcoholic drinks, often in a social setting.
今夜は私がお酒を飲ませます。
Tonight, I'll treat you to drinks.
彼は客に高級なワインを飲ませた。
He served his guests expensive wine.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
be drinkable; be palatable
Intransitive use, often referring to alcohol being good enough to drink. Can also describe general drinkability.
この酒はなかなか飲ませる。
This sake is quite drinkable.
あの店のコーヒーは飲ませる味だ。
The coffee at that shop is palatable.