On the basis of two classifications of absolute uses of transitive verbs elaborated respectively by Ch. Fillmore (definite vs. indefinite zero object) and by M. Larjavaara (latent/underlying vs. generic missing object) which we show to be akin because they imply the same distinctive factors of accessibility, identifiability and topicality, we seek criteria for recognizing absolute uses of the verb boire implying that the undermeant object refers to an alcoholic beverage. Whereas reference to alcohol is stereotypical in uses with generic (or indefinite) implicit object, in uses implying a latent definite implicit object, it is the representation of the whole scene which favours or triggers the reference to alcohol.