He had learned to know when a customer needed a drink on the house.

Some days, no matter your station in life, you need a drink on the way home.

You know how to hurt, and now I need a drink.

"Because you are going to need a very stiff drink."

You needed a drink to deal with those kind of people.

I needed a drink and was in a hurry to get one.

I'll need a drink and a nice line or two of charlie.

He had started needing a drink before going to bed.

"Do I need a drink before you tell me this?"

Later, after he made his decision, he'd need a drink.