Searching for drinks that start with W? This alphabet drinks guide brings together well-known favourites, traditional beverages, alcoholic options, soft drinks, hot drinks and a few slightly more unusual choices too.

It is a useful list for quizzes, themed menus, school projects, alphabet food challenges, party planning or simply satisfying a bit of food-and-drink curiosity. Some of these W drinks are cheap everyday staples, while others are more of a treat, but all of them earn their place on the list.

Drinks That Start With W: Quick List

Here is a quick glance at popular drinks beginning with W before we look at them in more detail.

Alcoholic Drinks That Start With W

There are plenty of alcoholic drinks beginning with W, from pub classics to cocktails and traditional winter drinks.

Whisky

Whisky is one of the most famous drinks that start with W. In the UK, many people immediately think of Scotch whisky, though Irish whiskey, bourbon, rye and Japanese whisky are also widely enjoyed.

Whisky can be served neat, over ice, with a splash of water, mixed with ginger ale, or used in cocktails such as an Old Fashioned, Whisky Sour or Hot Toddy. Prices vary hugely, but you do not need to buy the most expensive bottle for mixing. A supermarket own-label or entry-level blend is usually fine for cocktails.

• Budget tip: Save premium single malts for sipping and use blended whisky for mixed drinks.
• Food pairing: Try with cheese, dark chocolate, smoked meats or rich puddings.
• Alcohol note: Whisky is strong, so measure servings carefully.

Wine

Wine is a broad category and easily one of the most common W drinks. It is made by fermenting grapes, although fruit wines made with berries, apples or elderflowers also exist.

Common types of wine include:

• Red wine – often richer, with flavours ranging from fruity to earthy.
• White wine – usually served chilled, with styles from dry and crisp to sweet.
• Rosé wine – pink wine that can be dry, fruity or sweet.
• Sparkling wine – fizzy wine such as Prosecco, Cava or Champagne.
• Fortified wine – stronger wines such as port, sherry and Madeira.

For money-saving, watch for supermarket wine offers, but compare the actual price rather than being swayed by a big-looking discount. Boxed wine can be better value for parties or cooking if you will use it within the recommended time after opening.

White Wine

White wine deserves its own mention because it is often requested separately in alphabet food and drink lists. Popular white wine varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling and Chenin Blanc.

White wine is also a useful cooking ingredient. A splash can lift risotto, creamy sauces, mussels, chicken dishes and fish recipes. If you are cooking on a budget, do not use a bottle you would hate to drink, but do not waste an expensive one either.

• Dry whites work well in savoury cooking.
• Sweeter whites suit desserts or spiced dishes.
• Leftover white wine can be frozen in ice cube trays for sauces.

White Russian

A White Russian is a creamy cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur and cream or milk. It is rich, sweet and more like a boozy dessert drink than a light aperitif.

To make a simple version, pour vodka and coffee liqueur over ice, then top with cream or milk. For a cheaper version, use supermarket own-brand vodka and swap single cream for whole milk or evaporated milk.

Whisky Sour

A Whisky Sour is a classic cocktail made with whisky, lemon juice and sugar syrup. Some versions include egg white for a foamy top, but it is optional.

It is a good cocktail for using an affordable blended whisky because the citrus and sweetness balance the spirit. If using egg white, follow normal food safety advice: use fresh eggs, avoid serving to vulnerable groups if concerned, and keep everything chilled before preparation.

Whisky Highball

A Whisky Highball is a simple long drink made with whisky and soda water, usually served over plenty of ice. It is lighter than drinking whisky neat and can be made more gently flavoured with extra soda.

For a low-cost version, use sparkling water rather than premium mixers. A twist of lemon, lime or orange peel makes it feel more special without adding much to the cost.

Winter Warmer

Winter warmer can refer to several cosy alcoholic drinks, usually served hot or spiced. It might be a mulled cider, hot whisky drink, spiced rum punch or warm wine-based drink.

Common winter warmer ingredients include cinnamon, cloves, orange, apple juice, ginger, honey and dark spirits. These drinks are popular around Bonfire Night, Christmas markets and cold-weather gatherings.

Wheat Beer

Wheat beer is brewed with a high proportion of wheat alongside barley. It is often cloudy, softly textured and slightly fruity. German weissbier and Belgian witbier are two well-known styles.

Wheat beer is usually served chilled and can pair nicely with salads, chicken, fish, sausages and lightly spiced food. It is a good one to include on a W-themed drinks menu because it is recognisable but a little more interesting than standard lager.

Witbier

Witbier, meaning white beer, is a Belgian-style wheat beer often flavoured with coriander and orange peel. It tends to be refreshing, pale and lightly spiced.

If you enjoy citrusy beers or lighter ales, witbier is worth trying. It is often available in supermarkets, bottle shops and pubs with a decent craft beer range.

Weissbier

Weissbier is a German wheat beer. It is usually cloudy and can have banana-like or clove-like notes due to the yeast used during brewing. You may also see it called hefeweizen.

It is commonly served in a tall, curved glass and poured carefully to include the yeasty sediment. For a cheaper tasting night, buy one or two bottles and split them into small servings rather than buying a full bottle per person.

Wray and Nephew Rum

Wray and Nephew is a well-known Jamaican white overproof rum. It starts with W because of the brand name and is often used in Caribbean cocktails, punches and rum-based mixed drinks.

It is much stronger than standard spirits, so it should be used sparingly and responsibly. A little goes a long way in rum punch, where it is typically balanced with fruit juice, citrus and sweetness.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks That Start With W

If you need soft drinks that begin with W, there are lots of family-friendly choices. Some are everyday basics, while others work well for parties, packed lunches or summer gatherings.

Water

Water is the simplest drink beginning with W and probably the most important. Tap water is the cheapest drink in most UK homes and is usually the best money-saving choice compared with bottled drinks.

To make plain water more appealing, try:

• Chilled tap water in a jug in the fridge
• Lemon, lime or orange slices
• Cucumber and mint
• Frozen berries used like ice cubes
• A reusable bottle for school, work or days out

If you often buy bottled water, switching to a refillable bottle can save money and reduce plastic waste.

Warm Water

Warm water may sound plain, but many people drink it first thing in the morning or in the evening as a gentle alternative to tea or coffee. It can be served on its own or with lemon.

It is also useful if you are cutting back on sugary drinks, because it gives you something warm to sip without costing much.

Watermelon Juice

Watermelon juice is a refreshing drink made by blending watermelon flesh and straining it if you prefer a smoother texture. It is naturally sweet and ideal for hot days.

To keep costs down, make it when watermelons are on offer or when you have leftover slices that need using. Add lime juice and mint for extra freshness. You can also freeze leftover watermelon juice in lolly moulds or ice cube trays.

White Grape Juice

White grape juice is a sweet, non-alcoholic drink made from light-coloured grapes. It is often served chilled and can be used as a simple alternative to white wine in some family-friendly recipes.

For parties, mix white grape juice with sparkling water to make it go further and reduce the sweetness. It also works well with sliced apple, lemon and berries in a non-alcoholic punch.

Wild Berry Smoothie

A wild berry smoothie is a fruity drink made with berries such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. Frozen mixed berries are usually much cheaper than fresh out-of-season fruit and are ideal for smoothies.

Blend frozen berries with yoghurt, milk, oat drink or apple juice. Add a banana if you want a thicker, sweeter smoothie without adding sugar.

Whey Protein Shake

A whey protein shake is made by mixing whey protein powder with water, milk or a plant-based alternative. It is popular with people who exercise, but it can also be used to increase protein intake where appropriate.

Protein powders vary in price, so compare the cost per serving rather than only looking at the tub price. Also check the flavour, sugar content and serving size. If you do not use it regularly, a smaller bag may be better value than a large tub that sits in the cupboard for months.

White Tea

White tea is a delicate tea made from young tea leaves and buds. It has a lighter flavour than black tea and is usually brewed at a lower temperature than boiling water to avoid bitterness.

It can be more expensive than standard tea bags, but you can often re-steep loose-leaf white tea for a second cup. That makes it a little better value if you enjoy speciality teas.

Winter Spice Tea

Winter spice tea is a warming non-alcoholic drink often flavoured with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, orange peel, cardamom or vanilla. It may be black tea, herbal tea or fruit infusion.

You can buy ready-made winter spice tea bags, but a budget version is easy: add a pinch of cinnamon and a strip of orange peel to an ordinary black tea or fruit tea.

White Hot Chocolate

White hot chocolate is a sweet, creamy hot drink made with white chocolate and milk. It is especially popular in colder months and can be topped with whipped cream, marshmallows or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

For a cheaper homemade version, gently heat milk and stir in chopped supermarket white chocolate until melted. Avoid boiling it, as milk can catch on the bottom of the pan and white chocolate can become grainy if overheated.

Warm Milk

Warm milk is an old-fashioned bedtime drink. It can be served plain or flavoured with honey, nutmeg, cinnamon or vanilla. It is also a handy way to use up milk close to its use-by date, as long as it still smells and tastes fresh and has been stored correctly.

Heat it gently in a pan or microwave and stir well before drinking so there are no hot spots.

Traditional and Regional W Drinks

Some W drinks have a long history or are linked to particular places and celebrations.

Wassail

Wassail is a traditional spiced drink associated with winter, Christmas and old English customs. It is usually made with apple cider, apple juice or ale, plus spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

There are alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. A family-friendly wassail can be made by warming apple juice with orange slices, cinnamon sticks and cloves, then sweetening to taste. It smells wonderful and is cheaper than buying individual festive takeaway drinks.

Welsh Ale

Welsh ale refers to ales brewed in Wales rather than one single drink. Welsh breweries produce bitters, golden ales, stouts, pale ales and seasonal beers.

If you are putting together a British drinks list beginning with W, Welsh ale is a good regional addition. Buying a mixed local beer selection can also make a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys trying different brews.

Welsh Whisky

Welsh whisky is whisky produced in Wales. It has grown in recognition over recent years, with Welsh distilleries making single malts and other whisky styles.

It tends to be more of a special-occasion bottle than a budget mixer, so look for miniature bottles if you want to try it without committing to a full-size purchase.

West Country Cider

West Country cider is cider associated with counties such as Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. It is made from apples and ranges from dry and still to sweet and sparkling.

Cider can vary widely in strength, so always check the label. For gatherings, serving cider over ice with apple slices can make it feel more generous without needing fancy ingredients.

Soft Drinks, Mixers and Brands Beginning With W

Brand names can also be useful when looking for drinks that start with W, especially for quizzes and party games.

Waterloo Sparkling Water

Waterloo is a sparkling water brand known in some markets for flavoured fizzy water. Availability varies, but it counts as a W drink by brand name.

If you like sparkling flavoured water, supermarket own-brand versions are often cheaper than named brands and can be just as refreshing.

Welch’s Grape Juice

Welch’s is a well-known grape juice brand. Its juices are often rich and sweet, so they are best served chilled or diluted with sparkling water if you prefer a lighter drink.

For children’s parties, mixing grape juice with water or lemonade can make a simple punch, though it is sensible to keep sugary drinks as occasional treats.

Whole Milk

Whole milk is a drink in its own right as well as a cooking ingredient. It contains more fat than semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, giving it a creamier taste.

It is useful for hot chocolate, milkshakes, porridge and baking. To reduce waste, freeze milk before its use-by date if you know you will not finish it in time. Leave room in the container for expansion and defrost it in the fridge.

Wagon Wheel Milkshake

A Wagon Wheel milkshake is not a standard bottled drink, but it is a fun homemade idea based on the chocolate marshmallow biscuit. Blend milk with vanilla ice cream and a chopped Wagon Wheel, then top with a little grated chocolate.

It is very much a treat drink, but it can be a playful addition to a W-themed food night.

Easy Homemade W Drinks

Making drinks at home is often cheaper than buying ready-made bottles, cartons or takeaway versions. These simple W drink ideas are easy to adapt.

Watermelon and Mint Cooler

This is a refreshing soft drink that uses simple ingredients and is especially good when watermelon is reduced at the supermarket.

• Blend chopped watermelon with a squeeze of lime.
• Strain if you prefer a smooth drink.
• Pour over ice and add mint leaves.
• Top with sparkling water to make it go further.

White Hot Chocolate

For one mug, gently heat 250ml milk in a saucepan or microwave. Stir in 25g to 35g chopped white chocolate until melted. Add vanilla if you like, then serve with a dusting of cinnamon or a few mini marshmallows.

Keep the heat low and stir often. This gives a smoother drink and helps stop the milk catching.

Winter Apple Wassail

For a non-alcoholic wassail-style drink, warm apple juice with orange slices, a cinnamon stick and a few cloves for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not boil it hard; a gentle heat is enough. Strain before serving.

This is a good budget party drink because one carton of apple juice can serve several small cups, especially if you top it up with a little hot water or extra juice.

Wild Berry Smoothie

Blend a handful of frozen mixed berries with a banana and enough milk, yoghurt or oat drink to loosen it. Taste before adding honey or sugar, as the banana may make it sweet enough.

Frozen fruit is brilliant for reducing waste because you only use what you need and keep the rest in the freezer.

Money-Saving Tips for W Drinks

Drinks can quietly add a lot to the weekly shop, especially if you buy single bottles, cans, coffees or smoothies on the go. These tips help keep costs down.

• Use tap water first: Keep a jug in the fridge so it is cold and ready.
• Dilute strong juices: White grape juice, apple juice and berry drinks often taste good mixed with water or sparkling water.
• Buy frozen fruit: It is ideal for watermelon-style coolers, berry smoothies and homemade mocktails.
• Make hot drinks at home: White hot chocolate and winter spice tea are much cheaper homemade than bought from a café.
• Freeze leftovers: Freeze leftover wine for cooking, juice for lollies, and fruit for smoothies.
• Compare cost per litre: Larger bottles are not always the best deal, so check shelf labels.
• Use own-brand mixers: Soda water, lemonade and sparkling water are usually good value in supermarket own-brand ranges.

Complete List of Drinks Beginning With W

Here is a fuller list of W drinks for quick reference:

• Warm milk
• Warm water
• Wassail
• Water
• Water kefir
• Watermelon juice
• Watermelon cooler
• Watermelon smoothie
• Welch’s grape juice
• Welsh ale
• Welsh whisky
• West Country cider
• Wheat beer
• Whey protein shake
• Whisky
• Whisky Highball
• Whisky Sour
• White grape juice
• White hot chocolate
• White Russian
• White tea
• White wine
• Whole milk
• Wild berry smoothie
• Winter spice tea
• Winter warmer
• Witbier
• Wray and Nephew rum

FAQs About Drinks That Start With W

What is a drink that starts with W?

Water is the most obvious drink that starts with W. Other examples include whisky, wine, white wine, wheat beer, watermelon juice, white hot chocolate, wassail and whey protein shakes.

What alcoholic drinks start with W?

Alcoholic drinks beginning with W include whisky, wine, white wine, wheat beer, witbier, weissbier, White Russian, Whisky Sour, Whisky Highball, Welsh whisky, Welsh ale, West Country cider and winter warmer cocktails.

What soft drinks start with W?

Soft drinks that start with W include water, warm water, watermelon juice, white grape juice, white hot chocolate, white tea, winter spice tea, wild berry smoothies, whole milk and non-alcoholic wassail.

What hot drinks start with W?

Hot W drinks include white hot chocolate, warm milk, warm water, white tea, winter spice tea, wassail and some winter warmer drinks.

What is wassail?

Wassail is a traditional spiced drink often associated with Christmas and winter celebrations. It is commonly made with cider, apple juice or ale, plus spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. It can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

Is white hot chocolate a drink that starts with W?

Yes, white hot chocolate counts as a drink that starts with W. It is made with white chocolate and milk, and is usually served warm.

What W drink is best for a party?

For a family-friendly party, watermelon cooler, white grape punch or non-alcoholic wassail work well. For adults, wine, whisky cocktails, wheat beer or a winter warmer can suit the theme.

What is the cheapest drink beginning with W?

Tap water is usually the cheapest drink beginning with W. Warm water, homemade winter spice tea and diluted fruit juice are also low-cost options.