Looking for drinks that start with E? You might be doing an alphabet food challenge, planning a themed quiz night, helping with homework, or just trying to think of something a bit different to serve. Either way, there are more E drinks than you might expect.

This guide covers hot drinks, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, traditional favourites and a few useful homemade options. I have also added money-saving tips where they make sense, because plenty of these can be made at home for less than the shop-bought versions.

Quick list of drinks that start with E

Hot drinks that start with E

1. Earl Grey tea

Earl Grey tea is one of the best-known drinks beginning with E. It is usually made with black tea flavoured with bergamot, a citrus fruit with a fragrant, slightly floral aroma. Some people drink it with milk, while others prefer it black with a slice of lemon.

Money-saving tip: tea bags are convenient, but loose-leaf Earl Grey can be better value if you already own a teapot or infuser. Store it in an airtight container to keep the flavour fresh.

2. English Breakfast tea

English Breakfast tea is a strong black tea blend and a staple in many UK kitchens. It is usually served with milk and is often the default cuppa for breakfast, biscuits, or a mid-afternoon break.

Supermarket own-brand tea bags can be much cheaper than premium boxes, and many are perfectly decent for everyday use. If your tea tastes weak, try brewing it for a little longer before adding milk rather than using two tea bags.

3. Espresso

Espresso is a small, concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee. It is the base for many popular drinks, including cappuccino, latte, flat white and espresso martini.

You do not need a costly machine to enjoy espresso-style coffee at home. A moka pot makes a strong coffee that works well in milk drinks and iced coffees. It is not technically the same as machine espresso, but it is affordable and reliable.

4. Ethiopian coffee

Ethiopian coffee is worth adding to any list of drinks that start with E. Ethiopia is famous for coffee with bright, fruity and floral notes, although the flavour depends on the beans and roast. It can be brewed in a cafetière, filter machine, pour-over dripper or espresso machine.

To keep costs down, buy whole beans when they are on offer and grind them as needed. If you do not have a grinder, buy smaller bags of ground coffee so it does not go stale before you finish it.

5. Echinacea tea

Echinacea tea is a herbal infusion made from the echinacea plant. It is often sold in blends with lemon, ginger, elderflower or berries. It has an earthy, slightly floral taste and is usually caffeine-free.

If you take medication, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have health conditions, check with a pharmacist or GP before using herbal products regularly.

6. Elderberry tea

Elderberry tea is a deep, fruity herbal drink made with dried elderberries or elderberry blends. It is often paired with hibiscus, rosehip or apple for a tart, berry-like flavour.

For safety, do not make drinks from raw elderberries unless you know how to prepare them properly, as raw elderberries and parts of the plant can cause stomach upset. Shop-bought dried elderberry tea bags are the simplest option.

Cold soft drinks that start with E

7. Elderflower cordial

Elderflower cordial is a classic British soft drink base. It is sweet, floral and refreshing, especially when mixed with cold water, sparkling water or lemonade. It also works well in mocktails and summer punches.

If you buy cordial, compare the price per litre once diluted, not just the price of the bottle. A concentrated cordial often goes further than ready-to-drink bottles.

8. Elderflower pressé

Elderflower pressé is a sparkling elderflower drink, usually sold ready to drink. It feels a little more grown-up than standard lemonade, making it a good non-alcoholic option for barbecues, picnics and parties.

For a cheaper version, mix elderflower cordial with sparkling water and add ice, cucumber slices, mint or lemon. It looks smart and costs less per glass.

9. Energy drink

Energy drinks are fizzy soft drinks that usually contain caffeine and sugar or sweeteners. Popular flavours include tropical, berry, citrus and original-style energy drink flavours.

They can be expensive when bought as single cans from convenience shops. Multipacks or supermarket own-brand versions are usually cheaper, but keep an eye on caffeine content and serving size. Children, pregnant people and those sensitive to caffeine should be cautious with high-caffeine drinks.

10. Electrolyte drink

Electrolyte drinks are designed to help replace salts and fluids, often after heavy sweating or during periods of fluid loss. They come as ready-made bottles, tablets or powders that dissolve in water.

For occasional use, soluble tablets can be better value than single bottles. Always follow the packet instructions and seek medical advice if dehydration is severe, persistent, or affects a baby, young child, older person or vulnerable adult.

11. Evian water

Evian is a well-known bottled mineral water brand, so it counts if you are listing branded drinks that begin with E. It is widely available in the UK in small bottles, large bottles and multipacks.

For everyday savings, tap water is the cheapest option by far. If you prefer bottled water for days out, refill a reusable bottle from home when possible.

12. Emerge

Emerge is a budget energy drink brand commonly found in UK shops. It is often cheaper than bigger-name energy drinks and comes in various flavours, including original and fruit varieties.

As with all energy drinks, check the caffeine label and avoid treating them as a replacement for proper meals, water or sleep.

13. Egg cream

An egg cream is a fizzy American drink made with milk, chocolate syrup and soda water. Despite the name, it traditionally contains no egg and no cream. The result is a light, frothy chocolate drink.

To make a basic version at home, add chocolate syrup to a glass, stir in a little cold milk, then top with sparkling water and mix gently. It is an inexpensive novelty drink for an alphabet-themed food night.

14. Elixir

Elixir is a broad term rather than one single drink. It is often used for flavoured tonics, herbal drinks, cocktail mixers or concentrated syrups. You may see products labelled as ginger elixir, turmeric elixir or botanical elixir.

These can be pricey, so check the ingredients before buying. Some are little more than sweetened syrup with flavourings, which you may be able to recreate at home for less.

Coffee drinks that start with E

15. Espresso con panna

Espresso con panna is espresso topped with whipped cream. It is small, rich and dessert-like without being as large as a latte or mocha.

At home, use a small spoonful of whipped cream rather than buying a whole café drink. It is a handy way to use up leftover cream after baking or a Sunday pudding.

16. Espresso macchiato

An espresso macchiato is espresso marked with a small amount of milk foam. It is stronger than a cappuccino and much smaller than a latte.

If you like the flavour of coffee but want only a little milk, this is a good option. Froth a splash of warm milk in a small jar with a lid, then spoon it over strong coffee.

17. Eiskaffee

Eiskaffee is a German iced coffee drink, often made with chilled coffee, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. It is closer to a dessert than a standard iced coffee, and it is brilliant in warm weather.

Budget version: chill leftover brewed coffee, pour it over a scoop of supermarket vanilla ice cream, and add a dusting of cocoa powder. No need for a coffee shop trip.

18. Espresso tonic

Espresso tonic is made by pouring espresso over tonic water and ice. It sounds unusual, but the bitterness of the coffee can work nicely with the sharp sweetness of tonic.

Use chilled tonic and let the coffee cool slightly before pouring to reduce fizzing. A slice of orange or lemon works well as a garnish.

Alcoholic drinks that start with E

Please drink responsibly and follow UK guidance on alcohol. If you are serving guests, always offer alcohol-free options too.

19. Espresso martini

An espresso martini is a cocktail made with espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur and sugar syrup. It is served chilled and shaken until foamy.

To save money, make a batch of strong coffee at home and chill it before mixing. You can also make simple syrup by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, which is much cheaper than buying a cocktail syrup.

20. English cider

English cider is made from fermented apple juice and ranges from dry and still to sweet and sparkling. Traditional cider counties include Somerset, Herefordshire and Devon, though cider is made in many parts of England.

For gatherings, larger bottles or boxes can be better value than individual cans, but only buy what you will realistically use.

21. English sparkling wine

English sparkling wine has become increasingly popular and is often made using similar methods to Champagne. It can be crisp, dry and celebratory, but prices vary widely.

Look for supermarket offers if you want it for a special occasion. For a lower-cost alternative, a decent cava or crémant can still feel festive.

22. Eau de vie

Eau de vie is a clear fruit brandy. The name means water of life in French. It can be made from fruits such as pear, raspberry, cherry or plum and is usually served in small measures.

It is not an everyday budget drink, but it belongs on a comprehensive list of E drinks, especially for anyone interested in spirits.

23. Eggnog with rum or brandy

Alcoholic eggnog is a festive drink made with milk or cream, eggs, sugar, spices and sometimes rum, brandy or whisky. It is rich, sweet and usually served in small glasses.

If making eggnog at home, use a reputable recipe and follow food safety advice around eggs and storage. Many modern recipes use gently cooked eggs or pasteurised eggs to reduce risk.

24. El Presidente

El Presidente is a classic cocktail often made with rum, vermouth, orange curaçao and grenadine. It is elegant, slightly sweet and usually served chilled in a coupe glass.

If you do not make cocktails often, avoid buying full bottles of specialist ingredients for one drink. Choose recipes that share ingredients so nothing sits unused in the cupboard for years.

25. Emerald cocktail

The Emerald is sometimes described as an Irish whiskey version of a Manhattan, usually made with Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters. It is a simple stirred cocktail with a smooth, warming flavour.

It is a good choice if you already have whiskey and vermouth at home, as it needs very few extras.

Traditional and international E drinks

26. Eggnog

Eggnog can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, so it deserves its own place outside the cocktail section too. The non-alcoholic version is a creamy drink flavoured with nutmeg, cinnamon or vanilla. It is especially popular around Christmas in North America, but you can make it in the UK with everyday ingredients.

27. Es kelapa muda

Es kelapa muda is an Indonesian iced young coconut drink. It is typically made with coconut water, tender coconut flesh, ice and sometimes syrup or citrus. It is refreshing and naturally tropical.

If fresh young coconuts are hard to find, use coconut water and add a little tinned lychee or jelly for a similar fun texture.

28. Es cendol

Es cendol is a sweet iced drink popular in parts of Southeast Asia. It often includes coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, shaved ice and green jelly noodles made with rice flour or similar starches.

It is more of a dessert drink, so small portions are usually enough.

29. Erguotou

Erguotou is a Chinese spirit, a type of baijiu, usually made from sorghum. It is strong and typically served in small amounts with food.

This is one for an adventurous alphabet drinks list rather than a casual soft drink selection.

30. Enzian

Enzian is a bitter Alpine spirit made from gentian root. It is found in parts of Germany, Austria and surrounding regions. Like many herbal spirits, it is usually served in small measures.

Easy homemade E drink ideas

If you are planning an alphabet party or a themed meal, homemade drinks can keep costs down. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Elderflower spritz: elderflower cordial, sparkling water, ice and lemon slices.
• Easy iced espresso: strong coffee, ice, milk and a little sugar or syrup.
• English tea cooler: brewed English Breakfast tea chilled with lemon and a spoonful of honey or sugar.
• Egg cream: chocolate syrup, milk and sparkling water.
• Earl Grey lemonade: chilled Earl Grey tea mixed with lemonade or lemon cordial.

Budget tips for buying and serving E drinks

• Choose concentrates: cordials and syrups are often cheaper per serving than ready-made soft drinks.
• Use supermarket own brands: tea, tonic, lemonade, sparkling water and energy drinks are usually much cheaper than big brands.
• Batch drinks for parties: a jug of elderflower pressé or iced tea is cheaper than individual bottles and cans.
• Save leftover coffee: chill it for iced coffee, espresso tonic or Eiskaffee instead of pouring it away.
• Check unit prices: shelf labels can help you compare price per litre or per 100g.
• Avoid buying niche bottles for one recipe: borrow, substitute or choose a simpler drink if you only need a tiny amount.

Best drinks beginning with E for different occasions

FAQs about drinks that start with E

What is a common drink that starts with E?

Earl Grey tea, English Breakfast tea and espresso are among the most common drinks that start with E, especially in the UK.

What soft drinks start with E?

Soft drinks beginning with E include elderflower cordial, elderflower pressé, energy drinks, electrolyte drinks, egg cream and some branded drinks such as Evian and Emerge.

What alcoholic drinks start with E?

Alcoholic E drinks include espresso martini, English cider, English sparkling wine, eau de vie, El Presidente, Emerald cocktail, Erguotou and Enzian.

Is eggnog alcoholic?

Eggnog can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Traditional festive versions may include rum, brandy or whisky, but family-friendly versions are made without alcohol.

What coffee drinks start with E?

Coffee drinks that start with E include espresso, espresso macchiato, espresso con panna, espresso tonic, espresso martini, Eiskaffee and Ethiopian coffee.

What is the cheapest E drink to serve at a party?

Elderflower cordial mixed with sparkling water is one of the cheapest and easiest options. You can serve it in a jug with ice, lemon slices and mint to make it feel more special without spending much.

What drink starting with E is best for children?

Good alcohol-free choices include diluted elderflower cordial, elderflower pressé, egg cream, chilled fruit tea or homemade Earl Grey lemonade made weak and caffeine-conscious. For younger children, water and milk are still the everyday basics.