Looking for drinks that start with O? This alphabet drinks list covers everyday supermarket staples, cafe favourites, traditional beverages from around the world and a few cocktail-bar classics too.

Some are easy wins, such as orange juice and oat milk. Others, like omija-cha, otai and orgeat, are a bit more unusual. I have also included money-saving tips where they are useful, because plenty of drinks are much cheaper to make at home than buy ready-made.

Quick list of drinks that start with O

Here is a quick reference table if you need ideas fast.

Non-alcoholic drinks that start with O

Orange juice

Orange juice is probably the first drink beginning with O that springs to mind. It can be freshly squeezed, made from concentrate, smooth, with bits, chilled or long-life.

For value, long-life orange juice is often cheaper than chilled juice and keeps well in the cupboard until opened. If you find it too strong or too sweet, top it up with cold water or sparkling water. That stretches the carton further and turns it into a lighter breakfast drink.

OJ

OJ is the short name for orange juice, and it counts nicely if you are playing an alphabet food game where abbreviations are allowed. It is common on menus, especially in cafes and hotels.

Orange squash

Orange squash is a classic UK cupboard drink. It is concentrated, diluted with water and usually one of the cheapest soft drinks per serving.

If you are trying to cut grocery costs, squash is handy because one bottle can make many glasses. Look for double concentrate or high juice versions if you want a stronger flavour without using too much at once.

Orange cordial

Orange cordial is similar to squash, although the wording can vary by brand. It is usually mixed with still or sparkling water. A small dash can also brighten up mocktails, iced tea or lemonade.

Orangeade

Orangeade is a fizzy orange soft drink. Shop-bought versions range from budget two-litre bottles to pricier glass bottles with a more grown-up flavour.

To make a simple orangeade at home, mix orange juice with sparkling water and add a little sugar syrup or honey if needed. It is a useful way to use up juice that is close to its use-by date.

Orangina

Orangina is a well-known sparkling orange drink with a slightly pulpy texture. It is usually more expensive than supermarket fizzy orange, so it is one to buy on offer if you are watching the pennies.

Orange smoothie

An orange smoothie can be made with orange segments, orange juice, banana, yoghurt, mango or carrot. It is a good way to rescue fruit that is a bit soft but still safe to eat.

For a budget version, blend orange juice with frozen mango and a banana. Frozen fruit is often better value than fresh out of season, and you only use what you need.

Orange lassi

Lassi is a yoghurt-based drink, and orange lassi is a refreshing twist on the usual mango version. Blend natural yoghurt with orange juice, a little honey and ice. Add cardamom if you have it.

Use plain own-brand yoghurt rather than individual flavoured pots. It is cheaper, more flexible and useful for breakfasts, sauces and marinades too.

Orange milkshake

Orange milkshake can be made with milk, vanilla ice cream and orange syrup or orange juice. It has a creamy, dessert-like flavour, especially if you add a little vanilla.

Orange and milk can curdle if mixed in the wrong proportions, so blend it well and serve straight away. Using ice cream helps keep the texture smoother.

Oat milk

Oat milk is one of the most popular plant-based milks in the UK. It works in cereal, porridge, smoothies and hot drinks. Barista-style oat milk is made to foam better for coffee, while standard oat milk is usually cheaper.

For the best value, compare the price per litre rather than the shelf label. Supermarket own-brand oat milk can be much cheaper than big-name cartons, especially if you do not need a barista version.

Oat milk latte

An oat milk latte is a coffee made with steamed oat milk. It is a cafe favourite, but the takeaway version can quickly become expensive.

At home, warm oat milk gently in a pan or microwave, froth it with a small hand whisk or milk frother, then pour over strong coffee. Instant espresso powder works fine if you do not have a coffee machine.

Oat smoothie

An oat smoothie is a filling drink made with oats, milk or oat milk, fruit and yoghurt. It is particularly good for breakfast because oats add body and make the drink more satisfying.

Try blending a banana, a spoonful of oats, milk, cinnamon and peanut butter. It is cheap, filling and uses ingredients many households already have.

Oolong tea

Oolong tea sits between green tea and black tea in terms of processing and flavour. Some oolong teas are floral and light, while others are darker and toasty.

Loose leaf oolong can look expensive upfront, but many leaves can be brewed more than once. That makes it better value than it first appears. Keep it in an airtight container away from light and strong smells.

Orange pekoe tea

Orange pekoe is not orange-flavoured tea. It is a grading term often used for black tea leaves. You may see it on boxes of loose tea or tea bags.

If you enjoy a standard black tea, orange pekoe is worth trying. Serve it with milk, lemon or plain, depending on the blend.

Osmanthus tea

Osmanthus tea is a fragrant floral tea made with osmanthus flowers, sometimes blended with green or oolong tea. It has a delicate apricot-like aroma.

It is not always found in standard supermarkets, but you may spot it in Asian grocery shops or online. A little goes a long way, so brew lightly rather than using too much.

Omija-cha

Omija-cha is a Korean tea made from magnolia berries, often called five-flavour berry tea. It can be served hot or cold and has a sweet, tart and slightly herbal taste.

If you enjoy fruit teas but want something different, omija-cha is an interesting drink starting with O to try. It is usually bought as dried berries, syrup or a prepared tea base.

Okinawa milk tea

Okinawa milk tea is a sweet milk tea associated with brown sugar flavour. It is popular in bubble tea shops and often served with tapioca pearls.

To save money, make a simple version at home using strong black tea, milk and dark brown sugar. Tapioca pearls are optional, and the drink is still tasty without them.

Ovaltine

Ovaltine is a malted milk drink that can be served hot or cold. It is usually mixed with milk, though some versions can be made with water depending on the product instructions.

It is a comforting evening drink and can also be added to smoothies or milkshakes. Larger jars often work out better value than single sachets.

Oreo milkshake

An Oreo milkshake is made by blending Oreo biscuits with milk and ice cream. It is rich, sweet and more of a pudding than an everyday drink.

For a cheaper version, use supermarket own-brand chocolate sandwich biscuits. You still get the same cookies-and-cream style flavour for less.

Oboy

Oboy, sometimes written as O’boy, is a chocolate milk powder brand popular in parts of Europe, especially Sweden. It is mixed with milk and usually served cold, although it can be warmed too.

If you cannot find it easily in the UK, ordinary chocolate milk powder is the closest budget-friendly alternative.

Otai

Otai is a fruit drink from Tonga and other parts of Polynesia. It is commonly made with grated or crushed fruit, coconut milk or coconut water, and sometimes sugar.

Watermelon, mango and pineapple versions are popular. It is a brilliant reduced-grub style drink because it can use melon or fruit that is ripe and needs eating quickly.

Ogi

Ogi is a fermented cereal drink or porridge from West Africa, often made from maize, sorghum or millet. It can be served as a thin drink or thicker meal, depending on how it is prepared.

It has a tangy flavour from fermentation and is usually cooked before serving. If making fermented foods or drinks at home, use clean equipment and follow a trusted method.

Alcoholic drinks that start with O

The following drinks beginning with O contain alcohol, so they are for adults only. Drink responsibly, follow UK guidance, and never drink and drive.

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail made with whisky, sugar, bitters and orange peel. It is strong, simple and designed for sipping.

From a money-saving point of view, it is a good home cocktail because it does not need lots of mixers. A small bottle of bitters lasts a very long time, and you only need a little sugar.

Ouzo

Ouzo is a Greek anise-flavoured spirit. It is often served with water and ice, which turns it cloudy. The flavour is similar to liquorice, fennel or aniseed.

Serve it with simple snacks such as olives, bread and cheese. Because the flavour is strong, it is not a spirit you need to mix with expensive ingredients.

Ouzo lemonade

Ouzo lemonade is a simple long drink made by mixing ouzo with lemonade and plenty of ice. It softens the anise flavour and makes the drink lighter.

Use supermarket own-brand lemonade if you want to keep costs down. Add a slice of lemon or orange if you have one.

Orgeat drinks

Orgeat is a sweet almond syrup used in cocktails and mocktails. It is best known for tropical drinks, but it can also be mixed with soda water, lime and ice for a non-alcoholic option.

Although a bottle can look pricey, orgeat is intensely flavoured, so you only need a small amount per drink. Store it as directed on the bottle once opened.

Orange Margarita

An Orange Margarita is a citrusy version of a margarita, usually made with tequila, orange liqueur and orange or lime juice. It is bright, sharp and refreshing.

If you are making cocktails for a group, squeeze citrus ahead of time and chill it. Own-brand orange juice can be used if fresh oranges are expensive.

Orange Martini

An Orange Martini is a vodka or gin-based cocktail with orange liqueur or orange juice. Recipes vary, with some leaning sweet and others more dry.

For a budget-friendly version, use a modestly priced spirit and focus on chilling the drink properly. Very cold cocktails often taste smoother without needing premium bottles.

Orange Blossom cocktail

The Orange Blossom cocktail is usually made with gin and orange juice, sometimes with sweet vermouth depending on the recipe. It is a simple option if you have leftover orange juice.

Keep the quantities balanced so it does not become too sweet. A squeeze of lemon can sharpen it if needed.

Opera cocktail

The Opera cocktail is a classic gin cocktail often made with gin, Dubonnet and maraschino liqueur. It is less common than an Old Fashioned or Martini, but it is a genuine O drink for cocktail fans.

Because it needs specialist bottles, it is not the cheapest drink to start from scratch. It makes more sense if you already own the ingredients or enjoy building a home bar slowly.

Orgasm cocktail

The Orgasm cocktail is a sweet, creamy cocktail usually made with coffee liqueur, Irish cream and amaretto or similar ingredients. It is rich and dessert-like.

It is not the most budget-friendly option because it uses multiple liqueurs, but it can be useful for finishing bottles left from Christmas or parties.

Ojen

Ojen is an anise-flavoured liqueur originally from Spain and linked to old New Orleans cocktails. It is not common in UK supermarkets, but it may appear in specialist drinks shops.

If you are simply looking for a drink beginning with O for a quiz or alphabet challenge, Ojen is a good unusual answer.

Orangecello

Orangecello is an orange version of limoncello. It is a sweet citrus liqueur made with orange peel, alcohol and sugar syrup.

Homemade citrus liqueurs should be made only with food-safe ingredients and clean jars or bottles. If you prefer not to make your own, look for orange liqueurs or citrus aperitifs instead.

Budget tips for drinks beginning with O

Alphabet lists are fun, but drinks can quietly add a lot to the weekly shop. These tips help keep things sensible.

• Choose squash for everyday soft drinks: orange squash is usually far cheaper per glass than cans or bottles.
• Use sparkling water to stretch juice: half orange juice and half fizzy water makes a lighter drink and doubles the servings.
• Buy own-brand oat milk: if you are using it in porridge or smoothies, you may not notice much difference.
• Freeze fruit for smoothies: chop ripe oranges, mango or melon and freeze in bags before they spoil.
• Make cafe drinks at home: oat milk lattes and iced teas are easy once you get into the habit.
• Avoid single-serve bottles: multipacks or larger cartons often cost less per serving, as long as you will use them.
• Use leftovers creatively: orange juice can go into smoothies, marinades, sauces, mocktails and ice lollies.

Simple homemade orangeade recipe

If you want a quick drink that starts with O and does not cost much, homemade orangeade is a good one.

Ingredients

• 250ml orange juice
• 250ml sparkling water
• 1-2 teaspoons sugar syrup, honey or maple syrup, optional
• Ice
• Orange or lemon slices, optional

Equipment

• Jug
• Spoon
• Glasses

Method

1. Pour the orange juice into a jug.
2. Add the sparkling water slowly so it does not fizz over.
3. Taste and add a little sweetener if needed.
4. Serve over ice with citrus slices if you have them.

Storage tips

Homemade orangeade is best served straight away while it is fizzy. If you need to prepare ahead, chill the orange juice and sparkling water separately, then mix just before serving.

Variations

• Add a splash of lime juice for sharpness.
• Use blood orange juice when in season.
• Add fresh mint for a cooler flavour.
• Mix with lemonade instead of sparkling water for a sweeter party drink.

Serving suggestions

Serve homemade orangeade with sandwiches, picnic food, barbecue dishes or a simple pasta lunch. It is also a good non-alcoholic option for parties.

FAQs about drinks that start with O

What is a common drink that starts with O?

Orange juice is one of the most common drinks that starts with O. Other familiar options include orange squash, oat milk, oolong tea and Ovaltine.

What alcoholic drink starts with O?

Alcoholic drinks that start with O include Old Fashioned, ouzo, Orange Margarita, Orange Martini, Orange Blossom cocktail, Opera cocktail, Ojen and orangecello.

What soft drinks start with O?

Soft drinks beginning with O include orangeade, orange squash, orange cordial, Orangina, orange smoothie, orange lassi and oat smoothie.

What hot drinks start with O?

Hot drinks that start with O include oolong tea, orange pekoe tea, osmanthus tea, omija-cha, Okinawa milk tea, Ovaltine and hot oat milk drinks.

Is oat milk a drink that starts with O?

Yes, oat milk is a drink that starts with O. It is a plant-based milk often used in cereal, coffee, tea, smoothies and baking.

What is an unusual drink that starts with O?

Unusual drinks beginning with O include otai, ogi, omija-cha, osmanthus tea, Ojen and orgeat-based drinks.

What is the cheapest drink beginning with O?

Orange squash is usually one of the cheapest options because it is diluted with water. Oat milk and orange juice can also be good value if you buy own-brand or long-life versions.

Can I use this list for an alphabet food challenge?

Yes, this list is ideal for alphabet food games, school projects, quizzes, themed menus and content planning. It includes soft drinks, hot drinks, traditional drinks and alcoholic options that begin with O.