Looking for drinks that start with H? This handy alphabet drinks list covers hot drinks, soft drinks, traditional beverages, cocktails, beers and a few more unusual finds. It is useful for quizzes, themed menus, school projects, food alphabet challenges or simply finding something different to try without spending a fortune.

Some H drinks are everyday staples, such as hot chocolate and herbal tea. Others, like horchata, hibiscus tea and Helles lager, might be less familiar but are easy enough to track down or make at home. Below you will find a practical guide with quick descriptions, serving ideas and money-saving tips.

Quick List of Drinks That Start With H

Here is a quick overview if you just need ideas fast.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks That Start With H

Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is one of the best-known drinks beginning with H. It can be made with cocoa powder, drinking chocolate, milk, water or a mixture of both. For a cheaper homemade version, mix cocoa powder with a little sugar and a splash of milk to make a paste before adding hot milk. This helps avoid lumps and keeps the cost lower than buying individual sachets.

Budget tip: buy cocoa powder in a tub and sweeten it yourself. You can add cinnamon, vanilla, a pinch of salt or a few mini marshmallows if you have them.

Herbal Tea

Herbal tea is a broad category covering infusions made from herbs, flowers, spices, fruits and roots rather than traditional tea leaves. Common options include peppermint, chamomile, ginger, lemon balm, rooibos and fennel. Most herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free, although it is always worth checking the packet if you are avoiding caffeine completely.

To save money, try loose herbal tea where available, or reuse a tea bag for a lighter second cup if the flavour is strong enough. Ginger tea can also be made by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water.

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is made from dried hibiscus flowers. It has a deep red colour and a sharp, berry-like flavour. It is lovely hot, but it also makes an excellent iced drink in warmer weather. Brew it strongly, chill it, then serve with plenty of ice and a little honey or sugar if you prefer it less tart.

Dried hibiscus is often cheaper in larger bags from international food shops than in small branded tea boxes. Look for it under names such as hibiscus flowers, roselle or sorrel depending on the shop.

Honey and Lemon Drink

A honey and lemon drink is a simple hot drink made with hot water, lemon juice and honey. Some people add ginger or a pinch of turmeric. It is cheap, quick and useful when you want something warming that is not tea or coffee.

Use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons are too expensive, but fresh lemon gives the best flavour. If you have lemons that are starting to dry out, slice them and freeze them for future hot drinks.

Horchata

Horchata is a traditional drink with different versions around the world. Mexican-style horchata is often made with rice, cinnamon, water, sugar and sometimes milk. Spanish horchata, especially from Valencia, is commonly made with tiger nuts, which are small tubers rather than nuts in the usual sense.

Homemade rice horchata is usually cheaper than buying ready-made cartons. Soak rice with cinnamon, blend with water, strain well and sweeten to taste. Serve cold over ice. If you are making it for guests, check allergies and dietary needs, as recipes can vary.

Horlicks

Horlicks is a malted milk drink that has long been popular in the UK. It is usually stirred into hot milk, although some people make it with water or a mix of both. Own-brand malted drinks can be cheaper, so compare price per 100g rather than just the jar price.

If you have a nearly empty jar, add a splash of hot milk, shake carefully with the lid secured, then pour it into your mug. It helps use up the last bit stuck around the sides.

Honeydew Smoothie

A honeydew smoothie is a good way to use up ripe honeydew melon. Blend chunks of melon with yoghurt, milk or juice. Banana thickens it, while lime juice brightens the flavour. If the melon is very sweet, you will not need extra sugar.

Money-saving tip: melon can be great value when reduced, but only buy it if you can use it quickly. Chop and freeze spare chunks for smoothies rather than letting them go soft in the fridge.

Hojicha Latte

Hojicha is a roasted Japanese green tea with a toasty, slightly nutty flavour. A hojicha latte is made by whisking hojicha powder or strong brewed hojicha with warm milk. It is less grassy than matcha and works well with oat milk or dairy milk.

It can be pricey in cafes, so making it at home is the cheaper route. If buying powder, start with a small pack first to check you enjoy the flavour.

Hong Kong Milk Tea

Hong Kong milk tea is a strong black tea drink made with evaporated milk or condensed milk. It is rich, smooth and often served sweet. It is usually brewed much stronger than an ordinary British cuppa, which helps it stand up to the milk.

At home, use a robust black tea such as Assam or a strong breakfast blend. Condensed milk sweetens and adds creaminess, so add it gradually until it suits your taste.

Hwachae

Hwachae is a Korean fruit punch. There are many versions, often made with fruit, sweet liquid and sometimes fizzy drink or milk. Watermelon hwachae is especially popular online, usually featuring watermelon balls or cubes, ice and a sweet base.

This is a fun way to use fruit that is ripe but still perfectly edible. Keep it chilled and serve soon after making so the fruit stays fresh.

Huckleberry Lemonade

Huckleberry lemonade is more common in parts of North America, but it still earns a place on a list of drinks that start with H. Huckleberries are not easy to find in the UK, so blueberries or blackberries make a practical substitute. Simmer the berries with a little sugar and water to make a syrup, then mix with lemon juice and cold water.

Alcoholic Drinks That Start With H

Please drink responsibly and follow UK alcohol guidance. If serving guests, provide non-alcoholic options too, especially at parties and family gatherings.

Highball

A highball is one of the simplest cocktails beginning with H. It is usually a spirit mixed with a larger amount of fizzy mixer and served in a tall glass over ice. Whisky and soda is a classic highball, but gin and tonic, rum and cola, or vodka and lemonade follow the same easy idea.

Budget tip: highballs are ideal for gatherings because they need few ingredients. Use plenty of ice and chilled mixers so drinks taste fresh without needing expensive extras.

Hugo Spritz

A Hugo spritz is a light, fragrant drink made with prosecco, elderflower cordial or liqueur, soda water, mint and lime. It is a good alternative to an Aperol spritz if you prefer floral flavours.

For a cheaper version, use supermarket sparkling wine and elderflower cordial rather than elderflower liqueur. Add soda water to stretch the bottle further.

Hot Toddy

A hot toddy is a warm alcoholic drink usually made with whisky, hot water, honey and lemon. Some recipes include cloves, cinnamon or ginger. It is simple, but the balance matters: too much whisky can overpower it, while too much lemon can make it harsh.

Use a basic but drinkable whisky rather than a costly bottle. The honey, lemon and heat will change the flavour anyway.

Hurricane

The Hurricane is a bold rum cocktail associated with New Orleans. It often includes light and dark rum, passion fruit syrup, citrus juice and grenadine. It is fruity, colourful and usually quite strong.

For home entertaining, make a jug version with fruit juice and add the rum to individual glasses. This makes it easier to offer a no-alcohol version to anyone who wants one.

Harvey Wallbanger

A Harvey Wallbanger is made with vodka, orange juice and Galliano, a sweet herbal liqueur with vanilla notes. It is essentially a screwdriver cocktail with an extra aromatic layer.

Galliano is the ingredient that can push up the cost. If you only need one drink for an alphabet party, check if a smaller bottle is available or choose a simpler H cocktail instead.

Hanky Panky

The Hanky Panky is a classic cocktail made with gin, sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca. It has a complex, bitter herbal edge, so it is more of a sipping drink than a sweet party cocktail.

Because it uses strong-flavoured ingredients, measure carefully. A little Fernet-Branca goes a long way.

Horse’s Neck

A Horse’s Neck is traditionally made with brandy and ginger ale, garnished with a long strip of lemon peel. Some versions use bourbon or whisky. It is refreshing, simple and easier to make than many classic cocktails.

This is a good budget cocktail because you only need one spirit, ginger ale and lemon. Use a vegetable peeler to make the garnish from a lemon before juicing it for another drink or recipe.

Hemingway Daiquiri

A Hemingway Daiquiri is a variation on the classic daiquiri. It usually contains white rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur. It is sharper and drier than many rum cocktails.

If maraschino liqueur is too expensive for a one-off, make a standard daiquiri instead and keep the Hemingway version for when you will use the bottle again.

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot buttered rum is a warming drink made with rum, butter, sugar, hot water and spices. It is rich, cosy and best served in small portions. Brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg work well.

You can make a spiced butter mixture in advance and keep it in the fridge for a few days. Add a spoonful to a mug with rum and hot water when needed.

Beers, Ciders and Fermented Drinks Beginning With H

Helles Lager

Helles lager is a pale German-style lager with a clean, malty taste. It is usually less bitter than many pilsners, making it an easy-drinking option for lager fans. Several UK supermarkets now stock Helles-style beers, especially in larger branches.

Hoppy Beer

Hoppy beer is not one single drink, but it is a useful H term for beers with pronounced hop flavour and aroma. IPAs, pale ales and session IPAs can all be hoppy. Expect flavours that may be citrusy, piney, floral, tropical or bitter depending on the hops used.

To save money, look for mixed craft beer boxes on offer, but only if you genuinely like hoppy styles. Otherwise, single cans are safer than buying a multipack you may not enjoy.

Hard Cider

Hard cider is the American term for alcoholic cider. In the UK, we usually just say cider. It is made from fermented apple juice and ranges from dry and traditional to sweet and fizzy. Perry is similar but made from pears.

For cooking as well as drinking, a dry cider can be used in casseroles, pork dishes and onion gravy. This helps avoid waste if you open a bottle and do not finish it.

Heather Ale

Heather ale is a beer flavoured with heather, linked with Scottish brewing traditions. It is less common than standard ales but can be found from specialist breweries or bottle shops. It is a good choice for an alphabet drinks tasting if you want something a little different.

Hydromel

Hydromel is a lighter style of mead, made by fermenting honey with water. It tends to be lower in alcohol than many traditional meads, though strength varies by producer. It is not an everyday supermarket drink, but it may appear at specialist drinks shops, food fairs or online meaderies.

Money-Saving Tips for Trying H Drinks

• Start with homemade versions. Hot chocolate, hibiscus iced tea, honey lemon drinks and smoothies are much cheaper at home than in cafes.
• Use what you already have. Lemon juice, honey, tea bags, cocoa powder, milk, spices and frozen fruit can create several H drinks.
• Buy small when trying something new. This is especially useful for hojicha powder, unusual liqueurs, craft beers and herbal teas.
• Check world food aisles. Hibiscus, rice, spices and condensed milk can be better value there than in premium drink sections.
• Make one base, serve two ways. Hibiscus tea can be served hot one day and iced the next. Fruit syrup can become lemonade, spritzers or mocktails.
• Avoid single-use sachets if you drink it often. Larger tubs of cocoa, malted drink or loose tea often work out cheaper per serving.

Easy H Drink Ideas for Parties and Alphabet Challenges

If you are planning a letter H food and drink night, you do not need to buy every unusual bottle on the shelf. Pick a simple mix of hot, cold, alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks so everyone has a choice.

• For children: hot chocolate, honeydew smoothie, homemade lemonade with honey, or fruit hwachae.
• For non-drinkers: hibiscus iced tea, horchata, herbal tea, or a no-alcohol Hugo-style spritz with elderflower cordial and soda.
• For adults: highballs, hot toddies, Helles lager, cider, or a jug of Hurricane-style rum punch.
• For a budget table: hot chocolate, herbal tea, honey lemon drink and homemade rice horchata.

Mini Recipe: Simple Homemade Rice Horchata

This easy horchata-style drink is a good budget option because it uses basic cupboard ingredients.

Ingredients

• 150g long grain rice
• 1 cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 750ml cold water for soaking
• 500ml cold water or milk for blending and diluting
• 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar, to taste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
• Ice, to serve

Equipment

• Bowl or jug
• Blender
• Fine sieve, muslin or clean tea towel
• Large jug

Method

1. Rinse the rice briefly under cold water.
2. Place the rice in a bowl with the cinnamon and 750ml cold water.
3. Cover and soak in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
4. Pour the soaked rice mixture into a blender and blend until the rice is broken down.
5. Strain through a fine sieve or muslin into a clean jug. Press gently to extract the liquid, but do not force too much sludge through.
6. Stir in 500ml cold water or milk, sugar and vanilla if using.
7. Chill well, then serve over ice. Stir before pouring as it may settle.

Storage Tips

Keep homemade horchata covered in the fridge and drink within 2 days. Stir well before serving. As with any homemade chilled drink, discard it if it smells sour, looks unusual or has been left out at room temperature for too long.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warmer flavour.
• Use oat milk or almond milk for a different finish, checking allergies if serving others.
• Serve with a dusting of cinnamon on top.
• Blend with ice for a slushy-style drink.

FAQs About Drinks That Start With H

What are some common drinks that start with H?

Common drinks that start with H include hot chocolate, herbal tea, hibiscus tea, honey and lemon drink, Horlicks, highballs, hot toddies and Helles lager.

What soft drinks start with H?

Soft drinks beginning with H include horchata, hibiscus iced tea, honeydew smoothie, huckleberry lemonade, honey lemon water and hwachae. Some are traditional drinks, while others are easy homemade options.

What alcoholic drinks start with H?

Alcoholic H drinks include highball, Hugo spritz, hot toddy, Hurricane, Harvey Wallbanger, Hanky Panky, Horse’s Neck, Hemingway Daiquiri, Helles lager, hoppy beer, hard cider and hot buttered rum.

What hot drinks start with H?

Hot drinks beginning with H include hot chocolate, herbal tea, hibiscus tea, honey and lemon drink, Horlicks, hojicha latte, Hong Kong milk tea, hot toddy and hot buttered rum.

Which drinks that start with H are cheap to make?

The cheapest H drinks are usually homemade hot chocolate, herbal tea, honey and lemon drink, hibiscus iced tea and rice horchata. They use simple ingredients and do not require specialist equipment.

What is a good H drink for a party?

For a party, a highball bar is simple and flexible. Offer one or two spirits, mixers, ice and citrus slices. For alcohol-free guests, serve hibiscus iced tea, horchata or elderflower soda as a Hugo-style mocktail.