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Perhaps this is a simple matter that I should be embarrassed not to know (which I am even if it isn't because I need to learn hilchos b'rachos better and always forget to look this question up) but....:

If I am drinking beverage with my meal and have decided I am finished eating but would like to continue drinking what is the proper procedure? Should I wait to bentch (say birchas hamazon) until I have finished drinking, bentch and continue drinking with a berachah achronah as necessary, bentch make another berachah (l'vatalla?) and then a berachah achronah, or otherwise?

(Of course I am not asking l'maaseh, but the answer will hopefully point me in the right direction, and remind me to study the topic from the sources and ask any relevant sheilos.)

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Simple solution: Bentch on a kos and then the brachot on the wine/grape juice will exempt all other beverages. –  Double AA Aug 22 '12 at 2:42
Do not be embarrassed. This is what we are here for. –  Seth J Aug 22 '12 at 4:15
ולא הביישן למד. –  Double AA Aug 22 '12 at 4:27
Just to point out, your question is compounded if you want to move places during that time when you drink (eg. coffee for the car or something), or if you plan on drinking for longer than you are allowed to bentch. –  Double AA Aug 22 '12 at 4:30
@DoubleAA The situation I'm thinking of is more continuing a conversation after eating. If I'm running my mouth I have to keep drinking... :) –  Yirmeyahu Aug 22 '12 at 5:21

3 Answers 3

if you are still drinking then you didn't finished your meal yet. drinking is a part of the meal, if you say hamosi you don't do a beracha for the beverages during the meal. (except for wine of course)

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No source, other than my understanding of the Halachah as taught to me by my teachers.

A Berachah SheEinah Tzerichah (unnecessary blessing), although not exactly the same thing as a Berachah LeVatalah (blessing made in vain), is a very bad thing. Finish drinking first, then Betnch.

Will look up sources (Beli Neder) tomorrow.

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Your first statement is correct it seems, see judaism.stackexchange.com/a/18450/759. –  Double AA Aug 22 '12 at 4:37
Equal opportunity downvoter? –  Seth J Nov 20 '12 at 15:42

If I remember correctly you have 72 minutes to continue the meal in which you ate bread with fruit, drink etc.. Therefore you should finish drinking and then bentsch.

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related judaism.stackexchange.com/a/12316/759 –  Double AA Aug 22 '12 at 4:28

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