Looking for drinks that start with K? It is a surprisingly varied letter, covering everything from fruity juices and herbal teas to classic cocktails, fermented drinks and café favourites. Some are easy to find in UK supermarkets, while others are more likely to appear in world food shops, specialist cafés or on a holiday menu abroad.

This guide brings together a genuinely useful list of K drinks, with quick notes on what they taste like, where they come from and how to enjoy them without spending a fortune. It is ideal for alphabet food challenges, themed parties, quizzes, school projects or anyone who simply enjoys discovering something new to sip.

Drinks That Start With K: Quick List

Here is a quick table of popular drinks beginning with K before we get into the details.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks That Start With K

Kombucha

Kombucha is one of the best-known drinks that start with K. It is a fermented tea made with a culture often called a SCOBY, sugar and brewed tea. The result is tangy, gently fizzy and sometimes a little vinegary. You will find flavours such as ginger, raspberry, lemon, passion fruit and elderflower in larger UK supermarkets and health food shops.

Money-saving tip: branded kombucha can be pricey, so look for supermarket own-brand bottles or multipacks when they are on offer. If you drink it regularly, homemade kombucha can be cheaper, but it needs clean equipment and careful fermentation habits.

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink with a tart, yoghurt-like flavour. It is usually made with cow’s milk, though goat’s milk and non-dairy versions exist. Plain kefir is sharp and creamy, while flavoured versions may include strawberry, mango or vanilla.

Use kefir in smoothies, overnight oats, salad dressings or as a breakfast drink. If you are trying it for the first time, buy a small bottle before committing to a larger tub, as the sourness is not for everyone.

Water Kefir

Water kefir is a lighter alternative to milk kefir. It is made by fermenting sugar water with water kefir grains, then often flavoured with fruit, ginger or herbs. It is usually dairy-free and has a mild fizz.

It can be a good option if you like the idea of kombucha but prefer something less tea-like. Check labels if you are avoiding added sugar, as recipes and brands vary.

Kvass

Kvass is a traditional fermented drink associated with Russia, Ukraine and other parts of Eastern Europe. It is commonly made from rye bread, giving it a malty, slightly sour flavour. Some versions are flavoured with raisins, berries or herbs.

In the UK, kvass is most likely to be found in Eastern European shops. It is usually inexpensive compared with trendy bottled soft drinks, so it is worth looking out for if you have a local Polish, Lithuanian or Russian food shop.

Karkade

Karkade is hibiscus tea, popular in Egypt, Sudan and other parts of North Africa and the Middle East. It has a striking ruby-red colour and a tart flavour a little like cranberry. It can be served hot, but it is especially good chilled with a little sugar or honey.

For a budget version, buy dried hibiscus flowers from a world food shop rather than small herbal tea bags. Steep a handful in hot water, strain, chill and dilute to taste. It makes a lovely alcohol-free party drink in a jug with orange slices and mint.

Kahwa

Kahwa is a fragrant green tea from Kashmir, often made with saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and chopped almonds. It tastes warming, delicate and aromatic rather than milky or heavy.

Saffron can be expensive, but you only need a tiny pinch. For a cheaper everyday version, use green tea, cardamom pods and cinnamon, then save the saffron for special occasions.

Kava

Kava is a drink made from the root of the kava plant and is traditional in several Pacific Island cultures. It has an earthy, peppery taste and is usually prepared with water. It is often associated with social and ceremonial settings.

Kava is not an everyday supermarket drink in the UK, and it is worth checking current guidance before buying or consuming it, especially if you have liver concerns, take medication, are pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Kiwi Juice

Kiwi juice is bright, sharp and refreshing. Pure kiwi can be quite tangy, so it is often blended with apple, grape, pineapple or cucumber. If you have kiwis going soft in the fruit bowl, juice or blend them before they spoil.

A cheap homemade version is simple: blend peeled kiwi with apple juice and a squeeze of lime, then strain if you prefer a smoother drink. It is also excellent frozen into ice lollies.

Kale Smoothie

A kale smoothie is one of the easiest K drinks to make at home. Kale can taste strong, so it works best with naturally sweet ingredients such as banana, mango, apple or pineapple.

Try this basic mix: a handful of kale, one banana, a splash of apple juice or milk, a spoonful of yoghurt and a few frozen mango chunks. Frozen fruit is often cheaper than fresh and means you do not need ice.

Kokum Sherbet

Kokum sherbet is a sweet and tangy Indian drink made from kokum, a dark purple fruit used in parts of western India. It is refreshing, lightly spiced and often served chilled in hot weather.

You may find kokum syrup or dried kokum in Indian grocery shops. A bottle of syrup can go a long way because you dilute it with water or soda water, making it a handy budget-friendly soft drink for summer.

Kanji

Kanji is a North Indian fermented drink commonly made with black carrots, mustard seeds, salt and water. It has a sour, salty, earthy flavour and is often enjoyed around Holi. Where black carrots are not available, some people use purple carrots or beetroot for colour.

This is a drink for adventurous palates. If you make fermented drinks at home, use clean jars, fresh produce and discard anything that smells rotten or looks mouldy.

Kissel or Kisel

Kissel, also spelt kisel, is a fruit drink or dessert from Eastern Europe and the Baltic region. It is made by cooking berries or fruit juice with a little starch until lightly thickened. Thin kissel can be drunk from a cup, while thicker versions are eaten with a spoon.

It is a clever way to use frozen berries, especially budget bags of mixed summer fruits. Sweeten to taste and serve warm in winter or chilled in summer.

Kinnie

Kinnie is a bittersweet soft drink from Malta. It is made with bitter oranges and aromatic botanicals, giving it a grown-up flavour somewhere between orange soda and a bitter aperitif-style drink.

It is not as common as cola or lemonade in the UK, but you may spot it in Mediterranean shops or online. Serve it cold with plenty of ice and a slice of orange.

Korean Banana Milk

Korean banana milk is a sweet, creamy drink flavoured with banana. The famous packaged version is popular in South Korea, but you can also make a simple homemade version with milk, banana and a little honey or sugar.

To keep costs down, use ripe bananas that are nearly past their best. Blend with cold milk and a few ice cubes for a quick after-school drink or breakfast smoothie.

Kulukki Sarbath

Kulukki sarbath is a shaken Indian lime drink, especially associated with Kerala. It usually includes lime juice, sugar syrup, basil seeds or sabja seeds, green chilli and ice. The name refers to the shaking action used to mix it.

It is sweet, sour, cooling and sometimes surprisingly spicy. If you make it at home, go easy on the chilli until you know how hot you like it.

Hot Drinks That Start With K

Kenyan Tea

Kenyan tea is not a single recipe, but Kenya is one of the world’s major tea-growing countries and Kenyan black tea is widely used in strong breakfast blends. It makes a robust cuppa that stands up well to milk.

For a cheaper brew, compare supermarket own-brand tea bags with named brands. Many everyday blends include Kenyan tea, even if the front of the box does not shout about it.

Karak Chai

Karak chai is a strong, sweet, milky tea popular in the Gulf region and influenced by South Asian tea traditions. It is usually made with black tea, evaporated milk or full-fat milk, sugar and spices such as cardamom.

At home, simmer a mug of water with a tea bag and crushed cardamom, add milk and sugar, then simmer again until rich and strong. It is much cheaper than buying spiced tea drinks from cafés.

Kopi

Kopi is a traditional coffee style from Singapore and Malaysia. It is typically strong coffee served with sugar and often condensed milk, though there are many ordering variations.

If you enjoy sweet coffee, make a budget version with strong instant coffee or filter coffee and a spoonful of condensed milk. Keep condensed milk in the fridge once opened and use it in baking or drizzled over fruit to avoid waste.

Kopi Tubruk

Kopi tubruk is an Indonesian coffee made by adding finely ground coffee directly to hot water, usually with sugar. The grounds settle at the bottom of the cup, so it is sipped carefully.

It is simple, strong and needs no specialist equipment, which makes it a useful drink for students, camping trips or anyone without a coffee machine.

Kashmiri Pink Tea

Kashmiri pink tea, also known as noon chai, is a salted tea with a distinctive pink colour. It is traditionally made with green tea leaves, bicarbonate of soda, milk and salt, and may be garnished with nuts.

It is more involved than a standard cup of tea, but it is a memorable K drink for a themed afternoon tea or alphabet food night.

Alcoholic Drinks That Start With K

The following K drinks contain alcohol, so they are for adults only. Drink responsibly, check measures, and offer alcohol-free options if you are hosting.

Kir

A kir is a classic French aperitif made with dry white wine and crème de cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur. It is usually served chilled before a meal. The flavour is fruity but not too heavy, and the colour is a pretty blush pink.

Budget tip: you do not need an expensive wine for kir. A crisp, affordable dry white works well because the cassis adds sweetness and depth.

Kir Royale

Kir royale is the sparkling version of kir, made with champagne or sparkling wine and crème de cassis. For a money-saving take, use cava, crémant or prosecco instead of champagne.

Pour a small measure of cassis into a flute, top with chilled fizz and serve straight away. It looks fancy but takes seconds.

Kamikaze

The kamikaze is a sharp cocktail or shot made with vodka, triple sec and lime juice. It is simple, strong and citrusy. Served as a cocktail, it is usually shaken with ice and strained into a small glass.

For parties, measure carefully rather than free-pouring. It keeps costs under control and makes the drinks more consistent.

Kentucky Mule

A Kentucky mule is a bourbon twist on the Moscow mule. It combines bourbon, ginger beer and lime juice, usually served over ice. It is warming, spicy and refreshing at the same time.

You do not need premium bourbon for a mixed drink like this. Choose a decent mid-range bottle and a ginger beer with enough punch to hold its own.

Kahlúa Coffee

Kahlúa coffee is a simple drink made by adding Kahlúa, a coffee liqueur, to hot coffee. It can be topped with cream for a pudding-like treat, or served black for something less rich.

Kahlúa is also used in drinks such as the White Russian, Black Russian and Espresso Martini, though those names do not start with K. If you buy a bottle, it is versatile for desserts too; try a splash in tiramisu-style puddings or chocolate sauce.

Kahlúa and Milk

Kahlúa and milk is one of the simplest K alcoholic drinks. It is creamy, sweet and coffee-flavoured, a bit like an easy dessert cocktail. Serve it over ice and adjust the ratio depending on how strong you want it.

For a cheaper option, supermarket own-brand coffee liqueurs can work well in mixed drinks.

Kirsch

Kirsch, or kirschwasser, is a clear cherry brandy from Central Europe. It is not sweet like cherry liqueur; it is strong, dry and aromatic. It is often used in Black Forest gateau, fondue and cocktails.

Because kirsch is potent and used in small amounts, a bottle can last a long time if stored properly. It is more of a specialist ingredient than an everyday drink, but it definitely earns its place on a list of drinks beginning with K.

Kummel

Kummel is a liqueur flavoured with caraway, cumin and fennel. It has a distinctive herbal, aniseed-like taste and is traditionally served chilled. It is not as fashionable as gin or whisky, but it can be interesting for cocktail fans who enjoy unusual bottles.

Krupnik

Krupnik is a Polish honey liqueur, often flavoured with spices. It can be served neat, warmed gently or used in cocktails. Around Christmas, its honeyed spice makes it a cosy alternative to mulled wine.

If you have a Polish shop nearby, compare prices there before buying online, as imported liqueurs can vary a lot in cost.

Easy K Drinks To Make At Home

If you are planning an alphabet-themed evening or just want a few affordable ideas, these drinks are simple to make without hunting for specialist ingredients.

Kiwi Lime Cooler

• Blend 2 peeled kiwis with 250ml apple juice.
• Add a squeeze of lime.
• Serve over ice with sparkling water if you want it fizzy.

Kale and Mango Smoothie

• Add a handful of kale, 1 banana and a handful of frozen mango to a blender.
• Pour in milk, oat milk or apple juice.
• Blend until smooth, adding more liquid if needed.

Cheat’s Kir Royale

• Add a small splash of blackcurrant liqueur to a flute.
• Top with chilled prosecco, cava or another sparkling wine.
• Garnish with a berry if you have one.

Karak-Style Spiced Tea

• Simmer a strong black tea bag with crushed cardamom in a small pan of water.
• Add milk and sugar to taste.
• Simmer briefly, strain and serve hot.

Money-Saving Tips For Trying K Drinks

• Check world food aisles: hibiscus, kokum, condensed milk and spices are often cheaper in larger bags or packets.
• Use frozen fruit: frozen mango, berries and pineapple are ideal for kiwi drinks and kale smoothies.
• Buy small first: fermented drinks such as kombucha, kefir and kvass have strong flavours, so try one bottle before stocking up.
• Make pitchers for guests: karkade, kiwi cooler and iced tea are cheaper than buying individual cans or bottles.
• Compare own-brand versions: coffee liqueur, sparkling wine and ginger beer do not always need to be premium when mixed into cocktails.
• Use leftovers: soft fruit, wilting kale and nearly-finished juice cartons can often be turned into smoothies rather than wasted.

Best Drinks Beginning With K For Different Occasions

FAQs About Drinks That Start With K

What is a drink that starts with K?

Kombucha is one of the most popular drinks that starts with K. Other examples include kefir, kvass, karkade, kahwa, kava, kir, kir royale, kamikaze, kiwi juice and Kentucky mule.

What soft drinks start with K?

Soft drinks beginning with K include kombucha, kiwi juice, karkade, kokum sherbet, Korean banana milk, kulukki sarbath and Kinnie. Some fermented drinks may contain trace amounts of alcohol, so check the label if that matters to you.

What alcoholic drinks start with K?

Alcoholic K drinks include kir, kir royale, kamikaze, Kentucky mule, Kahlúa coffee, Kahlúa and milk, kirsch, kummel and krupnik.

What hot drinks start with K?

Hot drinks that start with K include Kenyan tea, karak chai, kahwa, kopi, kopi tubruk, Kashmiri pink tea and Kahlúa coffee.

Is kombucha alcoholic?

Most shop-bought kombucha sold as a soft drink is non-alcoholic or very low in alcohol, but fermentation can produce small amounts. Always check the label, especially for children, pregnancy or anyone avoiding alcohol completely.

Is kefir the same as kombucha?

No. Kefir is usually a fermented milk drink, while kombucha is fermented tea. Both are tangy, but kefir is creamy and yoghurt-like, whereas kombucha is lighter and fizzy.

What is the cheapest K drink to make at home?

Kenyan-style tea, karak chai and homemade kale smoothies are usually very cheap. Karkade can also be economical if you buy dried hibiscus flowers in larger bags from world food shops.

Which K drink is best for a party?

For an alcoholic party drink, kir royale or Kentucky mule works well. For an alcohol-free option, chilled karkade, kiwi lime cooler or bottled kombucha feels more interesting than standard fizzy drinks.