Looking for drinks that start with R? You might be doing an alphabet food challenge, planning a themed quiz night, writing a menu, or simply trying to settle a word game argument. Either way, there are more R drinks than you might expect.

This guide rounds up soft drinks, hot drinks, alcoholic drinks, cocktails, wines, beers and a few budget-friendly homemade ideas. Some are everyday UK favourites, while others are more unusual drinks from around the world.

Quick List of Drinks That Start With R

If you just need a fast answer, here are plenty of drinks beginning with R:

• Ribena
• Root beer
• Raspberry lemonade
• Raspberry cordial
• Rhubarb cordial
• Rooibos tea
• Redbush tea
• Rosehip tea
• Rose tea
• Ristretto
• Rice milk
• Rum
• Rum and coke
• Rum punch
• Ramos gin fizz
• Rob Roy
• Rusty Nail
• Roy Rogers
• Red wine
• Rosé wine
• Rioja
• Riesling
• Retsina
• Red ale
• Real ale
• Radler
• Raki
• Rakia
• Rye whiskey
• Ramune
• Rooh Afza

Soft Drinks That Start With R

Soft drinks are usually the easiest R drinks to serve at parties, family meals and themed food nights. They are also the simplest to make cheaper at home.

Ribena

Ribena is one of the best-known blackcurrant drinks in the UK. It comes as ready-to-drink cartons, bottled squash and concentrated cordial. The cordial is usually the better value option if you are making drinks for a family, especially when bought on offer.

Money-saving tip: Use slightly less cordial than the bottle suggests and add plenty of ice or chilled water. Most people still find it sweet enough.

Root Beer

Root beer is a fizzy soft drink with a distinctive herbal, vanilla-like flavour. It is more common in North America but is easy to find in larger UK supermarkets, world food shops and online.

It is often served cold with ice, and it can also be used to make a root beer float with vanilla ice cream.

Raspberry Lemonade

Raspberry lemonade is sharp, fruity and refreshing. You can buy it bottled, but it is also easy to make with lemon juice, raspberries, sugar and sparkling water.

Reduced grub idea: Use reduced-price raspberries that are slightly soft but not mouldy. Simmer them into a quick syrup and strain before mixing with lemon and water.

Raspberry Cordial

Raspberry cordial is a concentrated fruit syrup diluted with still or sparkling water. It is a handy cupboard drink because a bottle lasts longer than ready-made pop.

You can also drizzle a little over yoghurt, porridge or ice cream, so it is less likely to go to waste.

Rhubarb Cordial

Rhubarb cordial has a tangy, slightly floral flavour. It is lovely with sparkling water, lemonade or tonic. If you grow rhubarb, it is a clever way to use up a glut.

Homemade rhubarb cordial should be stored in a clean bottle in the fridge and used within a few days unless you are following a tested preserving recipe.

Roy Rogers

A Roy Rogers is a non-alcoholic mixed drink made with cola and grenadine, usually finished with a cherry. It is sweet, simple and useful if you want a mocktail that does not need specialist ingredients.

For a cheaper version, use supermarket own-brand cola and a small splash of grenadine.

Ramune

Ramune is a Japanese fizzy drink known for its glass bottle sealed with a marble. It comes in flavours such as original, strawberry, melon and lychee. It is fun for themed food nights, although it is usually pricier than standard soft drinks.

Rooh Afza

Rooh Afza is a sweet, rose-flavoured syrup popular in South Asian households. It is often mixed with water, milk or lemonade. A little goes a long way, so one bottle can stretch to many servings.

Hot Drinks That Start With R

There are several comforting hot drinks beginning with R, including caffeine-free options that work well in the evening.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos, also called redbush tea, is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea from South Africa. It has a warm, slightly sweet flavour and can be enjoyed with or without milk.

It is a good option if you want to cut down on standard tea or coffee without switching to something bland.

Redbush Tea

Redbush tea is another name commonly used for rooibos tea in the UK. You will find it in most supermarkets, often beside herbal teas and decaf tea bags.

Budget tip: Compare the price per tea bag rather than the box price. Larger boxes are often better value, but not always.

Rosehip Tea

Rosehip tea is made from the fruit of the rose plant. It has a tart, fruity taste and a deep red colour. Many people enjoy it plain, while others add honey or a slice of lemon.

Rose Tea

Rose tea can be made with dried rose petals or blended with black or green tea. It has a delicate floral flavour, so it suits people who like fragrant drinks rather than strong builder’s tea.

Ristretto

A ristretto is a short, concentrated coffee. It uses less water than an espresso, giving it a rich flavour in a small serving. You will usually find it in coffee shops, but you can make something similar at home with an espresso machine or pod machine.

If you are trying to spend less on takeaway coffee, learning a couple of café-style drinks at home can make a noticeable difference over time.

Alcoholic Drinks That Start With R

There are plenty of alcoholic R drinks, from wines and beers to spirits and classic cocktails. Drink responsibly and follow UK alcohol guidance, especially if serving guests.

Rum

Rum is a spirit made from sugar cane by-products such as molasses or sugar cane juice. It can be white, golden, dark or spiced. White rum is often used in cocktails, while dark rum is good in warmer, richer drinks.

Budget tip: If you are mixing rum with cola, ginger beer or juice, you usually do not need the most expensive bottle. Save premium rum for sipping.

Rum and Coke

Rum and coke is one of the simplest mixed drinks beginning with R. It is usually made with rum, cola, ice and a wedge of lime.

For parties, set up a basic drinks station with cola, diet cola, lime wedges and measured spirits so people can make their own without wasting mixers.

Rum Punch

Rum punch is a fruity rum-based drink often made with fruit juice, citrus and sometimes grenadine or bitters. Recipes vary widely. Pineapple juice, orange juice and lime are common choices.

It is a good batch drink, but make a non-alcoholic fruit punch alongside it so everyone has an option.

Ramos Gin Fizz

A Ramos gin fizz is a classic cocktail made with gin, citrus, cream, egg white, sugar, orange flower water and soda water. It is creamy, fizzy and more effort than most cocktails.

Because it uses egg white, use fresh eggs and avoid serving it to anyone who needs to avoid raw or lightly cooked egg, including some pregnant people, young children, older adults or those with weakened immune systems.

Rob Roy

A Rob Roy is similar to a Manhattan but made with Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth and bitters. It is a strong, stirred cocktail usually served in a small glass.

Rusty Nail

A Rusty Nail is made with Scotch whisky and Drambuie. It is sweet, warming and spirit-forward, so it is usually served in small amounts over ice.

Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey is made with a mash containing rye grain. It has a spicier taste than many bourbons and is often used in cocktails such as a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.

Raki

Raki is an anise-flavoured spirit associated with Turkey and surrounding regions. It is often mixed with water, which turns it cloudy, and served with food.

Rakia

Rakia is a fruit brandy popular in parts of the Balkans. It can be made from fruits such as plums, grapes or apricots. It is strong, so small servings are the norm.

Wine and Beer Drinks That Start With R

If your R-themed menu includes cheese, pasta, pizza, barbecue food or picnic snacks, wine and beer options are easy to match.

Milk, Plant-Based and Everyday R Drinks

Not every drink beginning with R is fizzy or alcoholic. A few everyday options are useful for breakfasts, packed lunches and simple snacks.

Rice Milk

Rice milk is a plant-based drink made from rice and water. It is naturally mild and slightly sweet. Some people use it on cereal, in smoothies or in hot drinks, though it can be thinner than oat or soya milk.

If buying plant-based milk, check whether it is fortified with calcium and vitamins if that matters for your diet.

Rice Water

Rice water is the starchy water left after soaking or boiling rice. In some food cultures it is drunk plain or lightly seasoned, though it is not as common in UK households. If you do drink it, use clean cooking practices and chill leftovers promptly.

Red Smoothie

A red smoothie is not a strict branded drink, but it is a useful R option for alphabet food lists. Blend red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, cherries or redcurrants with yoghurt, milk, juice or a plant-based drink.

Frozen fruit is usually cheaper than fresh berries out of season and works brilliantly in smoothies.

Best Budget Drinks That Start With R

If you are planning an R-themed party or school alphabet activity, some choices are much cheaper than others. Here are the best-value options to consider.

• Raspberry squash or cordial: Cheaper per glass than ready-made soft drinks.
• Rooibos tea: A box of tea bags makes many servings and needs no fancy kit.
• Rhubarb cordial: Good if you have garden rhubarb or find a reduced bunch.
• Red smoothie: Use frozen berries, overripe bananas and own-brand yoghurt.
• Radler: Mix budget lager with lemonade instead of buying premixed cans.
• Rum and coke: Simple for adults, with supermarket own-brand cola as a mixer.

Easy Recipe: Raspberry and Rhubarb Cooler

This simple homemade drink starts with R, uses affordable ingredients and works as a soft drink for family meals, barbecues or packed picnic bottles.

Ingredients

• 200g rhubarb, chopped
• 150g raspberries, fresh or frozen
• 75g sugar, or to taste
• 250ml water
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Chilled still or sparkling water, to serve
• Ice, optional

Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Spoon
• Sieve
• Jug or clean bottle

Method

1. Add the rhubarb, raspberries, sugar and water to a saucepan.
2. Simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, until the fruit is soft and the liquid is bright pink.
3. Strain through a sieve into a jug, pressing the fruit lightly with a spoon.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and taste. Add a little more sugar if needed while the syrup is still warm.
5. Leave to cool, then chill in the fridge.
6. To serve, pour a splash of syrup into a glass and top with chilled still or sparkling water. Add ice if you like.

Storage Tips

Keep the syrup in a clean covered jug or bottle in the fridge and use within 3 to 5 days. Do not leave it sitting out at room temperature for long periods, especially in warm weather.

Variations

• Add a few mint leaves while the syrup cools, then strain them out.
• Use strawberries instead of raspberries if they are cheaper.
• Top with lemonade for a sweeter party drink.
• For adults, add a small measure of gin, vodka or rum to each glass.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this raspberry and rhubarb cooler with picnic sandwiches, sausage rolls, salads, barbecue food or a simple ploughman’s lunch. It also looks lovely in a jug with lemon slices and ice.

Drinks That Start With R for an Alphabet Party

If you are matching drinks with R foods, try pairing them with items such as ravioli, rice, roast potatoes, raspberries, radishes, ribs, ramen or rocky road.

For a low-cost spread, you could serve:

• Raspberry cordial for children and non-drinkers
• Rooibos tea for a hot drink option
• Red smoothie shots in small glasses
• Rosé or red wine for adults
• Rum punch for a batch cocktail

Small servings are a good way to keep costs down while letting everyone try a few different R drinks.

FAQs About Drinks That Start With R

What is a common drink that starts with R?

Ribena is a very common drink that starts with R in the UK. Other familiar options include red wine, rosé, rum, rooibos tea and raspberry lemonade.

What soft drinks start with R?

Soft drinks beginning with R include Ribena, root beer, raspberry lemonade, raspberry cordial, rhubarb cordial, Ramune, Rooh Afza and the Roy Rogers mocktail.

What alcoholic drinks start with R?

Alcoholic drinks that start with R include rum, rum and coke, rum punch, Rob Roy, Rusty Nail, Ramos gin fizz, red wine, rosé, Rioja, Riesling, red ale, real ale, raki, rakia and rye whiskey.

What hot drinks start with R?

Hot drinks beginning with R include rooibos tea, redbush tea, rosehip tea, rose tea and ristretto coffee.

What is the cheapest drink beginning with R?

Rooibos tea and raspberry cordial are usually among the cheapest R drinks per serving. Homemade rhubarb cordial can also be very cheap if you have garden rhubarb or buy it reduced.

Is redbush tea the same as rooibos tea?

Yes, redbush tea and rooibos tea usually refer to the same caffeine-free herbal tea. Rooibos is the original name, while redbush is commonly used on UK packaging.

What R drink is good for children?

Raspberry cordial, Ribena, raspberry lemonade, rooibos tea and homemade red smoothies can all work for children. Keep sugary drinks as occasional options and dilute cordials well.

What R drink can I make at home?

Easy homemade R drinks include raspberry lemonade, rhubarb cordial, red smoothies, rooibos iced tea and a raspberry and rhubarb cooler. These are good ways to use reduced fruit and save money on bottled drinks.