Looking for drinks that start with T? This handy alphabet drinks list covers everyday favourites, party drinks, traditional beverages, soft drinks, hot drinks, cocktails and a few lesser-known options from around the world.

It is also written with sensible spending in mind. Drinks can quietly add a lot to the weekly shop, especially bottled juices, branded fizzy drinks, coffee shop treats and alcohol. A few swaps, homemade versions and clever uses for leftovers can keep things interesting without draining the food budget.

Drinks That Start With T

Here is a comprehensive list of drinks beginning with T, followed by more detail on the most popular and useful ones.

Popular Non-Alcoholic Drinks Beginning With T

Tea

Tea is probably the most familiar drink beginning with T, especially in the UK. Black tea, breakfast tea, Earl Grey, green tea, peppermint tea and fruit tea all fall under the wider tea umbrella, although herbal versions are technically infusions rather than true tea.

From a money-saving point of view, tea is hard to beat. A box of teabags often works out far cheaper than takeaway coffee or bottled drinks. If you like flavoured tea, look for supermarket own-brand blends, yellow-stickered boxes or multipacks when they are on offer.

• Budget tip: Use a teapot if making tea for several people. One extra teabag often stretches well across multiple cups.
• Leftover idea: Cooled strong tea can be used in tea loaf, fruit cake or iced tea.
• Storage: Keep teabags in an airtight container away from strong smells.

Tap Water

Tap water may sound too obvious, but it deserves a place on any sensible drinks list. In most UK homes, it is safe, readily available and by far the cheapest option for day-to-day drinking.

If you are trying to cut down on fizzy drinks or squash, chilling a jug of tap water in the fridge can make it more appealing. Add cucumber slices, lemon, orange peel, mint or frozen berries for flavour without buying expensive flavoured water.

Tonic Water

Tonic water is a fizzy drink with a distinct bitter taste from quinine. It is most famous as a mixer for gin, but it can also be served with ice and citrus as a grown-up soft drink.

Premium tonic can be pricey, so compare price per litre when shopping. Supermarket own-brand tonic is usually much cheaper and perfectly fine for casual drinks at home.

• Serve with lemon, lime or grapefruit.
• Try low-calorie tonic if you prefer a less sweet drink.
• Use small cans if you only need one drink, as large bottles can go flat once opened.

Tomato Juice

Tomato juice is a savoury drink made from tomatoes, often seasoned with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt or hot sauce. It is also the base for a Bloody Mary cocktail.

For a cheaper homemade version, blend tinned tomatoes with a splash of water, lemon juice and seasoning. Pass through a sieve if you want it smooth. This can be a good way to use up opened tins of tomatoes, though it should be chilled and used promptly.

Thai Iced Tea

Thai iced tea is a sweet, creamy cold tea drink. It is usually made with strong black tea, sugar and condensed milk or evaporated milk, then poured over ice. Some versions have spices such as star anise or cardamom.

It can be expensive from cafés, but homemade Thai iced tea is simple. Brew strong tea, sweeten while hot, cool it, then pour over ice and top with condensed milk. It is rich, so a little goes a long way.

Tamarind Juice

Tamarind juice is made from tamarind pulp, water and sugar. It has a tangy, sweet-sour flavour that works brilliantly served cold. Tamarind is used in Indian, Thai, Caribbean, Mexican and Middle Eastern cooking, so you may find blocks of pulp or jars of concentrate in world food aisles.

If you already have tamarind in the cupboard for cooking, turning some into a drink is a useful way to get more from the ingredient. Start with a small amount, dilute well and sweeten to taste.

Tropical Juice

Tropical juice usually refers to a fruit juice blend with flavours such as pineapple, mango, orange, guava or passion fruit. Cartons can be convenient, but they vary a lot in price and sweetness.

To make a budget-friendly tropical-style drink, blend reduced-price ripe fruit with orange juice or water. Overripe mango, pineapple chunks, bananas and peaches all work well. Freeze chopped fruit before it turns, then blend from frozen for a slushy drink.

Turmeric Latte

A turmeric latte, sometimes called golden milk, is a warm drink made with milk, turmeric and spices. It is often flavoured with cinnamon, ginger, black pepper and honey.

Making it at home is much cheaper than buying café versions. Heat milk gently with a pinch of turmeric, cinnamon and ginger, then sweeten if you like. Black pepper is often added in tiny amounts because it pairs well with turmeric, but keep it subtle.

Tisane

A tisane is a herbal infusion rather than a true tea. Peppermint, chamomile, hibiscus, lemon balm, ginger and rooibos drinks are common examples. Many tisanes are caffeine-free, which makes them useful in the evening.

Loose herbal blends can be good value if you drink them often. You can also make simple infusions from fresh mint, sliced ginger, lemon peel or rosemary from the garden.

Tiger Nut Milk

Tiger nut milk is a plant-based drink made from soaked tiger nuts, which are small tubers rather than nuts. It is naturally sweet and popular in some parts of the world, including as a base for horchata de chufa in Spain.

It is not always the cheapest milk alternative in UK supermarkets, but it can be interesting if you spot tiger nuts in a health food shop or world food store. Soak, blend with water, then strain through a clean cloth or fine sieve.

Alcoholic Drinks That Start With T

Tequila

Tequila is a Mexican spirit made from the blue agave plant. It is used in cocktails such as margaritas, tequila sunrise and palomas, but can also be sipped neat depending on the style and quality.

If you are buying tequila for mixed drinks, you do not need the most expensive bottle. Look for a decent mid-range bottle on offer rather than paying full price for a premium sipping tequila that will be heavily mixed with juice or soda.

Tequila Sunrise

A tequila sunrise is a colourful cocktail made with tequila, orange juice and grenadine. The grenadine sinks slightly, creating a sunrise effect in the glass.

It is easy to make at home for a gathering and generally cheaper than buying cocktails out. Use chilled supermarket orange juice and measure the tequila properly so the bottle lasts.

• 50ml tequila
• 100ml orange juice
• 10ml grenadine
• Ice and an orange slice, if you have one

Pour tequila and orange juice over ice, then slowly add grenadine. Do not stir too much if you want the layered look.

Toddy

A toddy, often called a hot toddy, is a warm alcoholic drink usually made with whisky, hot water, lemon and honey. Some people add cloves, cinnamon or ginger.

It is a good drink for using the last bit of whisky in a bottle, but it should still be enjoyed responsibly. Alcohol is not a treatment for illness, so keep it as an occasional warming drink rather than a remedy.

Tinto de Verano

Tinto de verano is a Spanish summer drink made with red wine and a fizzy lemonade-style soft drink. It is lighter than a full glass of wine and usually cheaper to make than sangria because it needs fewer ingredients.

Use an affordable red wine rather than anything fancy. Chill both the wine and lemonade first, then mix roughly half and half over ice. Add a slice of lemon or orange if available.

Table Wine

Table wine is a broad term for everyday drinking wine, usually without the premium price tag. It can be red, white or rosé. The phrase is less formal than some wine classifications, but it is still a useful T drink for alphabet lists.

For better value, look at supermarket wine offers, smaller bottles if you rarely finish a full one, or boxed wine for gatherings where you know it will be used within the recommended time after opening.

Tepache

Tepache is a lightly fermented Mexican drink traditionally made using pineapple peel, sugar and spices. It is a clever example of making use of food scraps, especially pineapple skin that would otherwise go in the bin.

Fermentation needs care and cleanliness. Use clean equipment, follow a trusted recipe and do not drink anything that smells unpleasant, shows mould or looks unsafe. If in doubt, throw it away.

Tuborg

Tuborg is a lager brand that starts with T. It is widely associated with easy-drinking beer. As with any branded beer, prices can change a lot between shops, so check unit prices and multipack offers if you are buying for a party.

Twisted Tea

Twisted Tea is a brand of alcoholic iced tea, more common in North America than the UK. It belongs to the wider category of hard iced teas, which combine tea flavours with alcohol.

You can make a simple adult iced tea at home by brewing strong tea, cooling it, sweetening lightly and adding a measured splash of vodka, rum or whisky. Keep it labelled and away from children, as it can look like ordinary iced tea.

Coffee Drinks Beginning With T

Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is a strong, rich coffee prepared by simmering very finely ground coffee with water, traditionally in a small pot called a cezve or ibrik. It is usually served in small cups, with the grounds settling at the bottom.

The method uses less milk and fewer extras than many café drinks, which can make it fairly economical once you have the coffee. You do need the right fine grind for best results.

Tonic Espresso

Tonic espresso is a modern cold coffee drink made by pouring espresso over tonic water and ice. It sounds unusual, but the bitter fizz of tonic can work well with strong coffee.

To save money, make it with supermarket tonic and coffee from a moka pot, espresso machine or strong brewed coffee. Pour slowly to reduce foaming.

Cheap Homemade Drinks That Start With T

Some T drinks are especially easy to make at home. If you are cutting the cost of drinks, start with these.

• Iced tea: Brew tea, chill it, add lemon and a little sugar or honey if needed.
• Tropical smoothie: Blend reduced-price fruit with yoghurt, milk or juice.
• Turmeric latte: Warm milk with turmeric, cinnamon and ginger.
• Tomato juice: Blend tinned tomatoes with seasoning and chill.
• Tinto de verano: Mix affordable red wine with lemonade for a simple party drink.
• Tamarind drink: Dilute tamarind concentrate with cold water and sweeten to taste.

Money-Saving Tips for Buying and Making Drinks

Drinks are one of those shopping categories where small habits make a big difference. You do not need to give up enjoyable drinks, but it helps to be deliberate.

Compare Price Per Litre

Large bottles are not always better value, especially if they go flat or spoil before you finish them. Check the shelf label for price per litre and think about how much you will actually use.

Use What You Already Have

Tea bags, tinned fruit, lemon juice, frozen berries, spices and half-used bottles of squash can all become more interesting drinks. Before buying more, check the cupboard and freezer.

Buy Own-Brand Basics

Own-brand tonic water, lemonade, tea, sparkling water and juice are often perfectly good, particularly when used in mixed drinks. Save premium bottles for when the flavour really matters.

Freeze Fruit Before It Turns

Soft bananas, berries, mango and pineapple can be chopped and frozen for smoothies, tropical drinks and iced teas. This reduces food waste and gives you instant cold drink ingredients.

Make a Jug Instead of Buying Single Serves

A jug of iced tea, infused water or homemade tropical drink is usually much cheaper than individual bottles. It is also useful for picnics, packed lunches and family meals.

Quick Reference: T Drinks by Category

FAQs About Drinks That Start With T

What is a common drink that starts with T?

Tea is one of the most common drinks that starts with T, especially in the UK. Tonic water, tomato juice and tap water are also everyday examples.

What alcoholic drinks start with T?

Alcoholic drinks beginning with T include tequila, tequila sunrise, toddy, tinto de verano, table wine, Tuborg and Twisted Tea.

What soft drinks start with T?

Soft drinks that start with T include tonic water, Thai iced tea, tamarind juice, tropical juice, tomato juice and tap water.

What hot drinks begin with T?

Hot drinks beginning with T include tea, tisane, turmeric latte, Turkish coffee and hot toddy. A hot toddy usually contains alcohol, while the others can be alcohol-free.

Is Thai iced tea expensive to make at home?

No, Thai iced tea can be quite cheap to make at home. You need strong black tea, sugar, ice and condensed or evaporated milk. Homemade versions are usually much cheaper than café drinks.

What is the cheapest drink that starts with T?

Tap water is the cheapest drink beginning with T. Tea is also very budget-friendly, particularly when made at home from standard teabags.

Can I make tropical juice from leftover fruit?

Yes. Blend ripe or reduced-price fruit with water, juice or yoghurt. Mango, pineapple, banana, orange and berries all work well. Use chilled fruit or frozen chunks for a colder drink.

What is a good T drink for a party?

For a non-alcoholic party drink, make a jug of iced tea, tropical juice or tamarind drink. For adults, tequila sunrise or tinto de verano are simple options that can be made without lots of expensive ingredients.