Question:
Are we allowed to bless on water and sugar for Havdala if no other drink is available. If yes please quote the source in the Halachah. Tizku laMitzvot!
Answer:
When there is no wine or grape juice available, we are allowed to make havdalah on “chamar medina” lit. the country’s wine. Included in chamar medina are prominent drinks that one would serve a guest, not because they are thirsty, but as an honor. Beer, freshly squeezed orange juice, and some other drinks can be considered chamar medina, because they are prominent. soda or even worse, water with sugar in it are not considered prominent drinks, rather flavored water and are not on the level of being considered chamar medina.
Sources:
Igros Moshe O:CH 2-75, Shmiras Shabbos Khilchoso 60-7, Ohr L’tzion 2-20 (19), Divrei Chachomim 227.
