Looking for drinks that start with L? This handy alphabet drinks list covers soft drinks, hot drinks, alcoholic drinks, cocktails, traditional favourites and a few lesser-known options too.

It is useful for quizzes, themed party menus, school food alphabet activities, recipe planning or simply satisfying a bit of curiosity. I’ve also added practical notes and money-saving ideas where they make sense, because many drinks can be made at home for far less than buying them ready-made.

Drinks That Start With L

Here is a quick table of popular L drinks, followed by more detail on each one.

Soft Drinks That Start With L

Lemonade

Lemonade is probably one of the first drinks that comes to mind when thinking of drinks beginning with L. In the UK, lemonade usually means a clear, fizzy, lemon-flavoured soft drink. In other countries, it may mean a still drink made with lemon juice, sugar and water.

For a cheaper homemade version, stir fresh lemon juice with sugar syrup and cold water, then top with sparkling water if you want fizz. It is a good way to use lemons that are starting to soften.

Limeade

Limeade is similar to lemonade but made with lime juice. It has a sharper flavour and works well served over ice with mint. It can be still, sparkling or blended into a slush-style drink.

Budget tip: if limes are pricey, use bottled lime juice for everyday drinks and save fresh limes for garnish or cocktails.

Lemon Squash

Lemon squash is a concentrated lemon drink diluted with water. It is a familiar cupboard staple in many UK homes and tends to be cheaper per glass than buying individual soft drink cans.

It can be served with tap water, sparkling water or hot water in colder months. Always follow the dilution instructions on the bottle, especially when serving it to children.

Lime Cordial

Lime cordial is a sweet, concentrated lime syrup. It is often mixed with water, soda water or used in simple mixed drinks. It also pairs well with lemonade for a quick lime and lemon cooler.

If you are hosting, cordial is useful because guests can make drinks as weak or strong as they like, which helps reduce waste.

Lemon Barley Water

Lemon barley water is a traditional drink made with barley, lemon and sugar. Bottled versions are widely available, but it can also be made at home by simmering pearl barley and mixing the strained liquid with lemon juice and a little sweetener.

It is refreshing served cold, especially with ice and a slice of lemon.

Lemon and Lime Soda

Lemon and lime soda covers drinks such as lemon-lime fizzy pop, including many supermarket own-brand versions. It is usually caffeine-free and popular as a mixer, party drink or picnic option.

Own-brand bottles are often much cheaper than big-name versions, so they are worth trying if you are feeding a crowd.

Lemon Iced Tea

Lemon iced tea is chilled tea flavoured with lemon and usually lightly sweetened. Ready-made bottles can be expensive, but homemade iced tea is simple: brew strong tea, cool it, add lemon juice and sweeten to taste.

For best flavour, do not leave the tea bags in for too long or the drink can become bitter.

Lychee Juice

Lychee juice is a fragrant, sweet drink made from lychee fruit. It is often found in Asian supermarkets, world food aisles or as part of mixed fruit juice blends.

It is lovely served chilled, but it can be quite sweet, so try diluting it with sparkling water for a lighter drink that stretches the carton further.

Loganberry Drink

Loganberry is a hybrid fruit with a flavour somewhere between raspberry and blackberry. Loganberry drinks are not as common in UK supermarkets as orange or apple juice, but you may see loganberry cordial, syrup or fruit juice blends.

It works well as a summer drink with soda water and ice.

Hot Drinks That Start With L

Latte

A latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. It is milder and milkier than a cappuccino, usually with a small layer of foam on top.

To make a budget latte at home, use strong brewed coffee if you do not have an espresso machine. Warm the milk in a pan or microwave, then whisk it or shake it carefully in a lidded jar before pouring over the coffee.

London Fog

A London Fog is a cosy tea-based drink made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk and vanilla. Despite the name, it is commonly associated with Canada, but it is now popular in cafés elsewhere too.

Make it at home by brewing Earl Grey, adding a splash of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup, then topping with warm milk. It is a good alternative to a latte if you want something creamy without coffee.

Lemon Tea

Lemon tea can mean black tea served with lemon, herbal lemon tea or a simple hot lemon drink. It is inexpensive and easy to make with basic ingredients.

For a soothing drink, add a slice of lemon to hot water or tea. Honey can be added if you like a sweeter taste, although ordinary sugar works too.

Lavender Tea

Lavender tea is a floral herbal infusion made from dried lavender flowers. It has a distinctive perfume-like aroma, so a little goes a long way.

If you buy loose dried lavender, make sure it is food-grade. You can blend it with chamomile or lemon balm for a softer flavour.

Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm tea is made from the leaves of the lemon balm plant, a herb from the mint family. It has a gentle lemony flavour and can be served hot or chilled.

If you grow herbs at home, lemon balm is often easy to grow in a pot. Fresh leaves can be steeped in hot water for a nearly free garden drink.

Liquorice Tea

Liquorice tea is a naturally sweet herbal tea made with liquorice root. It is often found in herbal tea blends with peppermint, fennel or aniseed.

Liquorice root is not suitable for everyone, particularly people with certain health conditions such as high blood pressure, so check the packaging and seek medical advice if unsure.

Alcoholic Drinks That Start With L

If you are planning a themed drinks menu, there are plenty of alcoholic drinks beginning with L. Always drink responsibly and check units if you are serving cocktails at home, as mixed drinks can be stronger than they taste.

Lager

Lager is a cold-fermented beer known for its crisp, clean taste. It is one of the most common alcoholic drinks in the UK and comes in many styles, from light pilsner-style lagers to darker varieties.

For parties, buying larger multipacks can be cheaper than individual bottles or cans, but only if they will actually be used. Otherwise, choose a smaller pack and avoid leftovers going flat or taking up fridge space.

Lambic

Lambic is a Belgian beer style made using spontaneous fermentation. It can taste tart, funky and complex. Fruit lambics, such as cherry or raspberry versions, are often more approachable for beginners.

It tends to cost more than standard lager, so it is best treated as a sipping drink rather than a bulk party option.

Limoncello

Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur traditionally served chilled after a meal. It is sweet, zesty and intensely lemony.

It can also be used in desserts, drizzled over sorbet or mixed with prosecco and soda water for a simple spritz. A little goes a long way, which makes it handy for occasional entertaining.

Lillet

Lillet is a French aromatised wine often served chilled as an aperitif. Lillet Blanc is probably the best-known version, with citrus and floral notes.

Serve it over ice with a slice of orange, lemon or cucumber. Once opened, it should be kept in the fridge and used within the period suggested on the bottle.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine from Italy. It can be dry, semi-sweet or sweet, depending on the bottle. It is generally fruity and can be a fun, affordable alternative to more familiar sparkling wines.

Chill it before serving, especially with pizza, pasta bakes, antipasti or barbecue food.

Late Harvest Wine

Late harvest wine is made from grapes left on the vine longer than usual, allowing them to become sweeter. These wines are often served with pudding or cheese.

They are usually sold in smaller bottles and poured in smaller servings, so they can be good for a special meal without needing to buy several dessert options.

Light Beer

Light beer usually refers to beer that is lower in alcohol, calories or body, depending on the brand and country. In the UK, check the label carefully, as the meaning can vary.

It can be useful if you want a lighter-tasting drink for a barbecue, picnic or casual evening.

Cocktails That Start With L

Long Island Iced Tea

A Long Island Iced Tea is a famous cocktail made with several spirits, citrus and cola. Despite the name, it does not usually contain tea. It is strong, so it is best served in sensible portions and enjoyed slowly.

At home, measure each ingredient properly rather than free-pouring. This keeps the drink balanced and avoids wasting expensive spirits.

Lemon Drop Martini

A Lemon Drop Martini is a sharp-sweet cocktail made with vodka, lemon juice and sugar syrup, often served with a sugared rim. It is bright, simple and ideal if you like citrus drinks.

Money-saving tip: make your own sugar syrup by gently heating equal parts sugar and water until dissolved, then cooling it before use.

Lynchburg Lemonade

Lynchburg Lemonade is a whiskey-based cocktail usually made with Tennessee whiskey, orange liqueur, lemon juice and lemonade or lemon-lime soda.

It is a good option for people who enjoy whiskey but want something longer and more refreshing than drinking it neat.

Last Word

The Last Word is a classic cocktail made with gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and lime juice. It is herbal, sharp, sweet and strong.

Some of the ingredients can be pricey, so this is not the cheapest cocktail to build from scratch. If you only want one or two servings, it may be better ordered in a cocktail bar rather than buying full bottles.

Lovebug Cocktail

A Lovebug cocktail is usually a sweet, fruity drink, though recipes vary. It often includes cranberry juice, citrus, vodka or rum, and sometimes grenadine.

For a simple homemade version, mix vodka with cranberry juice, a splash of lime and lemonade. Leave out the vodka for an easy mocktail.

Lagoon Cocktail

A Lagoon or blue lagoon-style cocktail is typically made with vodka, blue curaçao and lemonade. It has a bright blue colour and a sweet citrus flavour.

For parties, make a non-alcoholic blue lemonade using blue curaçao syrup or a suitable alcohol-free blue syrup instead.

Traditional and International L Drinks

Lassi

Lassi is a yoghurt-based drink from the Indian subcontinent. It can be sweet, salty, spiced or fruit-flavoured. Mango lassi is especially popular, but plain lassi is just as refreshing.

To make a basic sweet lassi, blend yoghurt with cold water or milk, sugar and a pinch of cardamom. For a savoury version, use yoghurt, water, salt and roasted cumin.

Mango Lassi

Although it starts with M, mango lassi is worth mentioning here because it is a lassi variation. It is made with yoghurt and mango pulp or fresh mango. Tinned mango pulp can be economical, especially if fresh mangoes are expensive or out of season.

Laban

Laban is a fermented milk drink popular in parts of the Middle East. It is tangy, cooling and often served with savoury food.

It is similar in spirit to yoghurt drinks and can be found in some international food shops.

Lait

Lait is simply the French word for milk. You may see it in drink names such as café au lait, which means coffee with milk.

Café au lait is usually made with brewed coffee and hot milk, making it easy to recreate at home without specialist coffee equipment.

Licuado

Licuado is a Latin American blended drink often made with fruit, milk and sometimes sugar. Think of it as a simple fruit milkshake or smoothie, depending on the recipe.

Banana licuado is particularly budget-friendly because it is a good way to use ripe bananas that might otherwise be wasted.

Healthy-ish and Budget-Friendly L Drinks to Make at Home

Not every drink beginning with L needs to come from a bottle or café. These simple ideas are easy to make at home and can help cut costs.

• Lemon water: Add lemon slices or juice to tap water. Use the leftover lemon in cooking or freeze slices for later.
• Lime and mint cooler: Mix lime juice, mint and cold water or sparkling water.
• Leftover fruit smoothie: Blend soft fruit with yoghurt or milk. Add lemon juice to brighten the flavour.
• Lemon ginger drink: Steep fresh ginger in hot water, then add lemon. Sweeten if needed.
• Lemon iced tea: Brew tea, chill, add lemon and serve over ice.
• Lassi: Blend yoghurt with water, fruit or spices for a filling drink.

Quick Homemade Lemonade Recipe

If you only make one drink from this list, homemade lemonade is a good place to start. It uses basic ingredients and tastes fresher than many shop-bought versions.

Ingredients

• 4 lemons, juiced
• 100g sugar, or to taste
• 150ml hot water
• 700ml cold water, still or sparkling
• Ice, to serve
• Lemon slices or mint, optional

Equipment

• Jug
• Citrus juicer or fork
• Spoon
• Sieve, optional

Method

1. Put the sugar in a jug and add the hot water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the lemon juice. Strain it first if you prefer a smoother drink.
3. Pour in the cold water and stir well.
4. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice, sugar or water.
5. Serve over ice with lemon slices or mint if you have them.

Storage Tips

Keep homemade lemonade covered in the fridge and drink it within a couple of days. If using sparkling water, add it just before serving so the drink keeps its fizz.

Variations

• Limeade: Swap lemons for limes.
• Lemon and lime: Use half lemon juice and half lime juice.
• Berry lemonade: Mash a few strawberries or raspberries into the jug.
• Ginger lemonade: Add a little grated ginger to the hot sugar water, then strain.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with picnic food, sandwiches, salads, barbecue dishes or homemade biscuits. For a party, make the base ahead of time and let people top it with still or sparkling water.

Best L Drinks for Different Occasions

Money-Saving Tips for Buying and Making L Drinks

• Try supermarket own brands: Lemonade, lager, squash and soda are often much cheaper as own-brand products.
• Use concentrates wisely: Cordials and squashes usually work out cheaper per serving than single bottles.
• Make sugar syrup at home: It is cheaper than buying cocktail syrup and keeps well in the fridge for a short time.
• Freeze citrus slices: Slice lemons and limes before they go bad, then freeze them for drinks.
• Choose multipacks only when useful: They can save money, but not if half the pack sits unused.
• Batch drinks for gatherings: Jugs of lemonade, iced tea or lassi are cheaper than lots of individual bottles.
• Use leftover fruit: Soft berries, ripe bananas and slightly wrinkled citrus can often be turned into smoothies, licuados or flavoured water.

FAQs About Drinks That Start With L

What is a drink that starts with L?

Lemonade is one of the most common drinks that starts with L. Other examples include limeade, lassi, latte, lager, limoncello, London Fog and lemon tea.

What alcoholic drinks start with L?

Alcoholic drinks beginning with L include lager, lambic, limoncello, Lillet, Lambrusco, late harvest wine, Long Island Iced Tea, Lemon Drop Martini and Lynchburg Lemonade.

What soft drinks start with L?

Soft drinks that start with L include lemonade, limeade, lemon squash, lime cordial, lemon barley water, lemon-lime soda, lemon iced tea and lychee juice.

What hot drinks start with L?

Hot L drinks include latte, London Fog, lemon tea, lavender tea, lemon balm tea and liquorice tea.

What is the cheapest L drink to make at home?

Lemon water is usually the cheapest, especially if you already have lemons. Homemade lemonade, lemon iced tea and lime cordial drinks can also be very affordable compared with ready-made bottled drinks.

Is lassi a drink?

Yes, lassi is a yoghurt-based drink. It can be sweet, salty, plain, spiced or fruit-flavoured. Mango lassi is one of the best-known versions.

What L drink is good for a party?

For an alcohol-free party, lemonade, limeade, lemon iced tea and lassi work well in jugs. For adults, lager, Lambrusco, limoncello spritzes or a measured cocktail such as a Lemon Drop Martini can fit an L-themed menu.

Can I make lemonade without fizzy water?

Yes. Homemade lemonade can be made with still water. Fizzy water gives it sparkle, but still lemonade is refreshing and often cheaper.