Looking for drinks that start with I? This alphabet drinks list covers everyday favourites, cafe-style treats, soft drinks, cocktails, beers and a few lesser-known options too. It is useful for quizzes, school projects, themed parties, menu planning, alphabet food challenges, or simply settling a curious conversation in the kitchen.

Some of these I drinks are cheap and easy to make at home, while others are best picked up as an occasional treat. Where possible, I have added practical money-saving tips so you can enjoy them without paying cafe or bar prices every time.

Quick List of Drinks That Start With I

Non-Alcoholic Drinks That Start With I

Iced Tea

Iced tea is one of the best-known drinks beginning with I. It can be made with black tea, green tea, herbal tea or fruit tea, then chilled and served over ice. Lemon iced tea and peach iced tea are classic versions, but you can use whatever tea bags you already have in the cupboard.

Money-saving tip: brew a strong jug of tea, sweeten it while warm if you like, then chill it in the fridge. It is far cheaper than buying bottled iced tea and you can control how sweet it is.

Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is simply coffee served cold, usually over ice. It can be black, milky, sweetened, flavoured with syrup, or blended for a more indulgent drink. Leftover morning coffee can be cooled and turned into iced coffee later, which is a handy way to avoid waste.

For a budget version, fill a glass with ice, add cooled strong coffee, top with milk and sweeten to taste. If you regularly buy iced coffees from cafes, making them at home can save a noticeable amount over time.

Irn-Bru

Irn-Bru is a bright orange fizzy drink strongly associated with Scotland. It has a distinctive flavour that is hard to describe, often said to be fruity, sweet and slightly bubblegum-like. It is widely available across the UK in cans and bottles.

For parties, compare prices between multipacks, large bottles and supermarket offers. Large bottles often work out cheaper per serving, but cans are easier for packed lunches or portion control.

Italian Soda

Italian soda is made with fizzy water and flavoured syrup, usually served over ice. Popular flavours include raspberry, cherry, lemon, vanilla and strawberry. A splash of cream turns it into an Italian cream soda.

This is a good homemade alternative to fancy soft drinks. You only need soda water and a small amount of syrup, so one bottle of syrup can stretch across many drinks.

Iced Matcha Latte

An iced matcha latte is made with matcha green tea powder, milk and ice. It has an earthy flavour and a striking green colour. You can use dairy milk or a plant-based milk such as oat, soya or almond.

Matcha can be pricey, but you only use a small amount per drink. For the smoothest result, whisk the matcha with a little warm water first, then pour it over ice and milk.

Infused Water

Infused water is water flavoured with fruit, herbs or vegetables. Common combinations include lemon and mint, cucumber and lime, strawberry and basil, or orange and rosemary. It is a simple drink that starts with I and a useful way to make plain water more appealing.

ReducedGrub tip: use fruit that is slightly past its best but still safe to eat. Soft strawberries, citrus ends and leftover mint stems can all add flavour before they end up in the food waste bin.

Isotonic Drink

Isotonic drinks are sports drinks designed to replace fluid and electrolytes during or after exercise. They are often sold in bright colours and fruit flavours. They are useful for endurance activity, but not something most people need every day.

If you buy them, check supermarket own-brand versions as they are often cheaper than big-name bottles. For everyday hydration, water is usually the most budget-friendly choice.

Iced Chocolate

Iced chocolate is the cold cousin of hot chocolate. It is usually made with cocoa powder or chocolate syrup, milk and ice, and sometimes topped with whipped cream. It is popular with children and anyone who prefers a sweet cafe-style drink without coffee.

To make it cheaper at home, dissolve cocoa powder and a little sugar in a splash of hot water first, then add cold milk and ice. This stops the cocoa sitting in dusty clumps on top.

Iced Lemonade

Iced lemonade is a refreshing soft drink made with lemon juice, water, sugar and ice. It can be still or sparkling. Homemade lemonade is especially good if you have lemons to use up.

Make a quick sugar syrup by dissolving sugar in a little hot water, then add lemon juice and cold water. Taste as you go so you do not over-sweeten it.

Iced Chai Latte

An iced chai latte combines spiced tea with milk and ice. The spices often include cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves. You can use chai tea bags, loose chai, or a chai concentrate.

For a thrifty version, brew chai tea bags strongly, chill the tea, then serve with milk and ice. Add a little honey or sugar if needed.

Iced Green Tea

Iced green tea is lighter than traditional iced black tea and works well with lemon, mint, peach or jasmine. Green tea can become bitter if brewed too hot or for too long, so follow the packet instructions and chill it after brewing.

It is a good fridge drink because a jug can be made in advance and poured as needed.

Iced Mocha

An iced mocha is a cold coffee drink with chocolate. It sits somewhere between iced coffee and iced chocolate, making it a popular choice for people who like coffee but want something sweeter.

Use cooled coffee, milk, cocoa or chocolate syrup and ice. If you have the last bit of chocolate spread in a jar, shake in warm milk first to loosen it, then use it as the chocolate part of your drink.

Iced Water

It sounds obvious, but iced water belongs on a complete list of drinks that start with I. It is water served with ice, and it is the cheapest drink here by far if you make ice at home.

Add citrus slices, cucumber ribbons or frozen berries if you want it to look a bit more special for guests.

Indian Lassi

Indian lassi is a yoghurt-based drink that can be sweet or savoury. Mango lassi is especially popular, made with yoghurt, mango and sometimes milk or sugar. Salted lassi may include cumin or other spices.

It is a good way to use yoghurt close to its date. Blend with tinned mango pulp, fresh mango or frozen mango pieces for a quick, filling drink.

Immunity Shot

Immunity shots are small juice-style drinks often made with ginger, lemon, orange, turmeric or apple. The name is common in shops and cafes, but it is best not to treat them as a magic fix. Think of them as a punchy little fruit and ginger drink rather than a cure for anything.

They can be expensive to buy ready-made. At home, blend or juice ginger with citrus juice and a little apple juice, then serve in small amounts.

Inca Kola

Inca Kola is a bright yellow fizzy soft drink from Peru. It has a sweet, fruity flavour and is sometimes compared to bubblegum or cream soda. You may find it in international food shops or online.

It is usually more expensive than standard UK fizzy drinks, so it is more of a novelty drink for a themed meal than an everyday budget buy.

Alcoholic Drinks That Start With I

The following drinks are for adults only. If you serve alcohol at home, keep it away from children, label homemade mixes clearly and drink responsibly.

IPA

IPA stands for India Pale Ale. It is one of the most common alcoholic drinks that start with I, especially in pubs and craft beer sections. IPAs are often hoppy and can range from crisp and citrusy to strong and bitter.

There are several styles, including English IPA, American IPA, session IPA, double IPA and hazy IPA. If you are buying for a gathering, a lower-strength session IPA may be more approachable than a very strong double IPA.

Irish Coffee

Irish coffee is a warm drink made with coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and cream. It is served in a heatproof glass or mug, with the cream floated on top rather than fully stirred in.

For a cheaper version at home, use good strong coffee and an affordable Irish whiskey. You do not need barista-level kit, but warming the glass first helps keep the drink hot.

Irish Cream Liqueur

Irish cream liqueur is a creamy alcoholic drink made with Irish whiskey, cream and flavourings such as chocolate or vanilla. It is often served over ice, poured into coffee, or used in desserts.

Supermarket own-brand Irish cream can be much cheaper than premium bottles and is often perfectly fine for mixing into coffee or puddings.

Imperial Stout

Imperial stout is a strong, dark beer with roasted, rich flavours. It may have notes of coffee, chocolate, treacle or dried fruit depending on the brew. It is usually stronger than standard stout, so it is best served in smaller measures.

Because it can be pricey, look for mixed beer boxes or seasonal offers if you want to try one without committing to several large bottles.

Irish Stout

Irish stout is a dark beer style known for roasted malt flavour and a creamy head. Guinness is the most famous example, but there are many other Irish and Irish-style stouts available.

It pairs well with hearty food such as stews, pies and roasted dishes, making it a good choice for a cosy meal rather than a quick drink.

Italian Spritz

An Italian spritz is a sparkling aperitif-style drink usually made with a bitter liqueur, prosecco and soda water. Aperol spritz is the best-known version, but there are other bitter orange and herbal variations.

To keep costs down, use supermarket prosecco and measure the liqueur rather than free-pouring. Add plenty of ice and soda water so the drink stays refreshing.

Ice Wine

Ice wine is a sweet dessert wine made from grapes that have frozen on the vine. It is usually served in small amounts with pudding, cheese or fruit-based desserts. It can be expensive because of the production method, so it is more of a special occasion drink.

If you are hosting on a budget, serve tiny measures alongside dessert rather than large glasses.

Irish Mule

An Irish mule is a variation of a Moscow mule made with Irish whiskey, ginger beer and lime. It is served over ice, often in a copper-style mug or tall glass.

It is easy to batch for a small party: chill the ginger beer, pre-cut the limes and let adults add their own whiskey measure.

Island Punch

Island punch is a tropical-style party drink name often used for rum-based punches with fruit juice. Recipes vary, but pineapple, orange, lime and grenadine are common flavours.

You can also make a non-alcoholic island punch with fruit juice, lemonade and sliced fruit. This is cheaper and more inclusive if you have guests who are driving or do not drink.

Cafe-Style I Drinks to Make at Home

Many drinks beginning with I are the sort of thing people buy from coffee shops. Luckily, they are usually simple to recreate in your own kitchen.

• Iced latte: espresso or strong coffee, cold milk and ice.
• Iced caramel latte: iced latte with caramel syrup or sauce.
• Iced vanilla latte: coffee, milk, ice and vanilla syrup.
• Iced espresso: espresso cooled slightly and poured over ice.
• Iced cappuccino: cold coffee with milk and a foamy top.
• Iced flat white: stronger coffee with less milk than a latte.
• Iced white chocolate mocha: coffee, milk, white chocolate flavouring and ice.

If you do not have an espresso machine, use instant coffee made with a small amount of hot water, a cafetiere brew, moka pot coffee or leftover filter coffee. Freeze leftover coffee in an ice cube tray so your drink stays cold without tasting watery.

Budget Tips for Drinks That Start With I

Alphabet food and drink lists are fun, but some of the drinks can get pricey if bought ready-made. These simple habits help keep the cost down.

• Make iced drinks in jugs: iced tea, infused water and lemonade are all cheaper when made in batches.
• Use leftovers: cold coffee, soft fruit, citrus halves and herbs can all become drinks rather than waste.
• Compare own-brand options: supermarket fizzy drinks, tonic-style mixers, Irish cream and sports drinks can be much cheaper than branded versions.
• Buy multipacks only when useful: cans are convenient, but large bottles may cost less per glass for parties.
• Measure syrups and alcohol: it prevents waste and keeps drinks consistent.
• Keep ice ready: a full ice tray makes homemade iced coffee, iced tea and soft drinks feel more like a treat.

Simple Homemade Iced Tea Recipe

If you want an easy drink starting with I that works for everyday sipping, homemade iced tea is a good place to start.

Ingredients

• 4 tea bags, such as black tea, green tea or fruit tea
• 1 litre boiling water, or slightly cooler water for green tea
• 1 to 3 tablespoons sugar, honey or sweetener, optional
• Juice of half a lemon, optional
• Ice, to serve
• Lemon slices, mint or berries, optional

Equipment

• Heatproof jug
• Spoon
• Fridge-safe bottle or jug
• Glasses for serving

Method

1. Add the tea bags to a heatproof jug and pour over the hot water.
2. Brew according to the tea packet instructions. Black tea usually needs a few minutes; green tea is often better with cooler water and a shorter brew.
3. Remove the tea bags. Stir in sugar or honey while the tea is still warm, if using.
4. Add lemon juice if you like a sharper flavour.
5. Leave to cool, then chill in the fridge.
6. Serve over ice with lemon slices, mint or berries.

Storage Tips

Keep homemade iced tea covered in the fridge and drink it within 2 days. If you add fresh fruit or herbs, it is best enjoyed within 24 hours for the freshest flavour.

Variations

• Peach iced tea: add peach slices or a little peach syrup.
• Mint iced tea: add fresh mint while the tea cools.
• Berry iced tea: add crushed raspberries or strawberries before serving.
• Sparkling iced tea: make the tea stronger, chill it, then top up with sparkling water.

FAQs About Drinks That Start With I

What are some common drinks that start with I?

Common drinks that start with I include iced tea, iced coffee, Irn-Bru, IPA, Irish coffee, iced latte, Italian soda, infused water and Irish cream liqueur.

What soft drinks start with I?

Soft drinks beginning with I include Irn-Bru, iced tea, Italian soda, infused water, iced lemonade, iced chocolate, iced green tea and isotonic drinks.

What alcoholic drinks start with I?

Alcoholic drinks that start with I include IPA, Irish coffee, Irish cream liqueur, imperial stout, Irish stout, Italian spritz, ice wine and Irish mule.

Is iced coffee the same as cold brew?

No. Iced coffee is usually brewed hot, cooled and served over ice. Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for several hours. Both can be served cold with milk, sugar or syrups.

What is the cheapest drink that starts with I?

Iced water is the cheapest option, especially if you make ice at home. Infused water is also very cheap if you use leftover fruit, cucumber or herbs.

What drink that starts with I is good for a party?

For non-alcoholic parties, iced tea, iced lemonade, Italian soda and island punch are good choices. For adults, IPA, Irish mule or Italian spritz can work well, depending on the occasion.

Can I make cafe-style iced drinks without a coffee machine?

Yes. Use strong instant coffee, cafetiere coffee, moka pot coffee or leftover filter coffee. Chill it, pour over ice and add milk or syrup to make iced lattes, iced mochas and other cafe-style drinks at home.