Trying to think of drinks that start with Z can leave you staring into the cupboard for far longer than expected. It is one of the trickier letters in an alphabet food challenge, pub quiz, school activity or themed party menu.

The good news is that Z does have some brilliant drinks attached to it. You’ll find wines, cocktails, spirits, soft drinks, herbal teas and traditional drinks from different parts of the world. Some are easy to buy in UK supermarkets, while others are more specialist and better suited to a food-themed quiz or adventurous drinks night.

Here is a practical, genuinely useful list of drinks beginning with Z, with notes on what they are, how they taste and how to serve them without spending more than you need to.

Drinks That Start With Z: Quick List

Alcoholic Drinks That Start With Z

Zinfandel

Zinfandel is one of the best-known drinks that start with Z. It is a grape variety used to make red wine, particularly associated with California. Red Zinfandel is often fruity, bold and jammy, with flavours that can include blackberry, plum, spice and pepper.

It is a handy bottle to bring out with barbecue food, tomato-based pasta, pizza, burgers or roasted vegetables. If you are buying on a budget, look for supermarket own-label Californian red blends that mention Zinfandel on the label. They can be much cheaper than premium bottles and still perfectly enjoyable for casual meals.

Money-saving tip: If you have a little red Zinfandel left in the bottle, freeze it in an ice cube tray and use it later in casseroles, chilli, pasta sauce or gravy.

White Zinfandel

White Zinfandel is not actually a white wine. It is a pink wine made from the red Zinfandel grape, usually in a light, sweet rosé style. It is often affordable, easy to find and popular with people who prefer softer, fruitier wines.

Serve it chilled with picnic food, mildly spicy dishes, chicken salad, cheese boards or fruit-based desserts. It is also useful for making budget-friendly wine spritzers with lemonade or soda water.

ReducedGrub-style tip: Turn a half bottle of White Zinfandel into a jug drink by adding sparkling water, sliced orange, frozen berries and plenty of ice. It stretches the wine and feels more special than simply pouring another glass.

Zombie Cocktail

The Zombie is a famous rum cocktail. It usually contains a mix of light and dark rum, fruit juices, citrus, grenadine and sometimes a stronger overproof rum. It is fruity, tropical and deceptively strong, so it is one to sip slowly.

Ingredients vary, but a simple homemade Zombie-style drink might include:

• Dark rum
• White rum
• Pineapple juice
• Orange juice
• Lime juice
• Grenadine
• Ice
• Orange slice or cherry to garnish

You do not need every premium cocktail ingredient to make a decent version at home. Use supermarket own-brand juice, frozen pineapple chunks instead of fresh garnish and standard rum rather than expensive bottles if you are mixing it with juice.

Practical note: Zombie cocktails can contain more alcohol than many mixed drinks. If serving at a party, use measured pours and offer soft drinks and water too.

Żubrówka

Żubrówka, often written without the Polish letter as Zubrowka, is a Polish vodka flavoured with bison grass. It has a distinctive herbal, vanilla-like aroma and is commonly served with apple juice. That simple mix is sometimes known as a Polish apple pie-style drink because the flavour can taste lightly spiced and dessert-like.

To serve it simply, mix:

• 50ml Żubrówka
• 150ml cloudy apple juice
• Ice
• A squeeze of lemon, optional
• A slice of apple, optional

This is one of the easiest Z drinks to make at home if you can find the vodka. Polish shops and larger supermarkets may stock it, and it is worth comparing prices online before buying.

Zivania

Zivania is a traditional Cypriot spirit made from grape pomace and wine. It is usually clear, strong and served in small measures. You may see it offered as a digestif after a meal in Cyprus.

It is not as commonly found in standard UK supermarkets as wine or vodka, but specialist Mediterranean shops and online retailers may stock it. If you are putting together a drinks alphabet list, Zivania is a strong entry because it is a proper traditional drink rather than a made-up Z name.

Serve well chilled in small glasses. It can be quite fiery, so it is more of a sipping spirit than a long drink.

Zurracapote

Zurracapote is a Spanish wine-based drink often associated with northern Spain. It is made with red wine, fruit, sugar and spices, and is sometimes compared with sangria, though recipes vary by region and family.

A basic zurracapote-style drink can include:

• Red wine
• Orange and lemon slices
• Sugar or honey
• Cinnamon stick
• Peach or other fruit
• A little brandy, optional

It is a clever way to use a cheaper bottle of red wine because the fruit and spices do some of the heavy lifting. Let it sit in the fridge for several hours so the flavours mingle.

Zurra

Zurra is another Spanish wine punch, generally made with wine, sugar, fruit and sometimes spirits. It is close to sangria and zurracapote, which makes it a useful Z drink for summer parties and themed menus.

For a low-cost version, use seasonal or reduced fruit. Bruised peaches, slightly soft oranges or reduced berries can work well once sliced and steeped in wine. Avoid mouldy fruit, but do not overlook fruit that is simply a bit soft or cosmetically imperfect.

Zima

Zima was a clear alcoholic malt beverage that became well known in the 1990s. It is not something you are likely to find easily in most UK shops now, but it still appears in drinks trivia and nostalgic lists.

For alphabet food and drink challenges, Zima is a valid talking point. If you are planning a retro-themed drinks night, you could recreate the idea with a clear alcopop-style drink, lemonade and vodka, or a hard seltzer. Just label it clearly as inspired by Zima rather than the original product.

Zabaglione Drink

Zabaglione, also called zabaione, is an Italian mixture made with egg yolks, sugar and sweet wine, usually Marsala. It is often served as a dessert, but when made looser it can feel like a warm dessert drink, somewhere between custard and eggnog.

It is rich, sweet and comforting, especially in colder months. Because it contains egg, use fresh eggs, prepare it carefully and serve it straight away. If cooking for anyone more vulnerable, such as pregnant people, older adults, babies or those with weakened immune systems, follow current NHS and Food Standards Agency guidance on eggs and avoid serving lightly cooked egg dishes unless they are made with eggs produced under recognised safety schemes and handled correctly.

For a budget version, serve small portions in espresso cups with a spoon. A little goes a long way.

Zythum

Zythum is an old term linked with ancient beer, especially Egyptian-style beer. You probably will not be buying a bottle labelled zythum during the weekly shop, but it is a fascinating entry for anyone researching drinks beginning with Z.

If you are hosting a history-themed meal or quiz, zythum can sit nicely alongside modern beers, bread, grains and ancient food facts. For practical drinking, a modern wheat beer or rustic ale is the closest easy supermarket option, though it will not be the same as ancient beer.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks That Start With Z

Zobo

Zobo is one of the best non-alcoholic drinks that start with Z. It is a popular Nigerian drink made from dried hibiscus flowers, also known as sorrel or roselle. It has a deep red colour and a tart, fruity flavour a little like cranberry.

Zobo is often flavoured with ginger, pineapple, cloves or citrus. It is usually served chilled and can be sweetened to taste. You can find dried hibiscus in many African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern and health food shops, and sometimes online at a good price.

A simple homemade zobo-style drink:

• Rinse dried hibiscus flowers.
• Simmer with water, fresh ginger and cloves for around 10–15 minutes.
• Leave to steep, then strain.
• Sweeten with sugar, honey or syrup while still warm.
• Chill and serve over ice with lemon or pineapple juice.

Budget tip: Dried hibiscus goes a long way. A small bag can make several jugs, often costing less per glass than bottled soft drinks.

Zinger Tea

Zinger tea usually refers to a bright, tangy herbal infusion. The best-known versions are often hibiscus-based, with fruit flavours such as cherry, raspberry, lemon or mixed berries. It is naturally caffeine-free if made only with herbs and fruit, though always check the packet if caffeine matters to you.

It is lovely hot, but it also makes an inexpensive iced tea. Brew it strong, chill it, then pour over ice with a splash of apple juice or lemonade. This is a handy way to make a soft drink that feels more grown-up without buying expensive cans.

Zenzero Drinks

Zenzero is the Italian word for ginger. You may see it on menus or bottles in drinks such as limonata e zenzero, tè allo zenzero or ginger-flavoured Italian soft drinks. Strictly speaking, zenzero means the flavour rather than one single drink, but it is still useful when looking for Z drink ideas.

At home, you can make a simple zenzero-style cooler with:

• Fresh ginger slices
• Lemon juice
• Sugar or honey
• Sparkling water
• Ice

Steep grated ginger in hot water, strain, sweeten and chill. Top with sparkling water when serving. It is cheaper than buying individual bottles of fancy ginger lemonade.

Zesty Lemonade

Zesty lemonade is a more general Z option, but it works well for children’s alphabet activities, party menus and simple soft drink lists. The word zesty usually points to a sharper citrus flavour, often from lemon, lime or orange zest.

To make it cheaper, use bottled lemon juice for the base and add fresh zest only if you already have lemons. You can also stretch shop-bought lemonade with soda water, fresh mint and citrus slices to make it less sweet and more refreshing.

Easy Z Drink Ideas for Parties and Alphabet Challenges

If you are planning a letter Z party, a quiz night or an alphabet food table, you do not need to buy every obscure bottle on this list. Pick one alcoholic drink, one soft drink and one simple mixer option.

Here are a few easy combinations:

• Budget Z bar: White Zinfandel spritzers, zobo, zesty lemonade.
• Cocktail night: Zombie cocktails, Zubrowka with apple juice, zurracapote.
• Non-alcoholic table: Zobo, zinger iced tea, zenzero ginger cooler.
• Wine and nibbles: Red Zinfandel, White Zinfandel and a fruit-based zurra.
• Quiz answer selection: Zinfandel, Zombie, Zima, Zivania, Zythum.

Money-Saving Tips for Buying and Making Z Drinks

Some Z drinks are specialist, but that does not mean they have to be expensive. A few sensible swaps can keep costs down.

• Use supermarket own labels: Own-brand juices, lemonade and soda water are fine for cocktails and punches.
• Buy dried ingredients: Dried hibiscus for zobo often works out cheaper than bottled soft drinks.
• Stretch wine with mixers: Turn Zinfandel or White Zinfandel into spritzers or punch.
• Use reduced fruit: Soft but safe fruit is ideal for zurra, zurracapote and sangria-style drinks.
• Freeze leftovers: Freeze wine, juice or brewed hibiscus tea in cubes for future sauces, cocktails or iced drinks.
• Measure spirits: It keeps drinks consistent, safer and cheaper.
• Make one signature drink: For parties, one jug cocktail and one soft option is usually easier and cheaper than a full bar.

Best Drinks Beginning With Z for Different Uses

FAQs About Drinks That Start With Z

What is a drink that starts with Z?

Zinfandel is one of the easiest drinks that starts with Z. It is a wine grape used for red Zinfandel and White Zinfandel. Other examples include Zombie cocktail, Zobo, Zubrowka, Zivania, Zurracapote and Zinger tea.

What alcoholic drinks start with Z?

Alcoholic drinks beginning with Z include Zinfandel wine, White Zinfandel, Zombie cocktails, Zubrowka vodka, Zivania, Zurracapote, Zurra, Zima and Zabaglione when made with wine.

What soft drinks start with Z?

Soft drinks that start with Z include Zobo, Zinger tea, zenzero-style ginger drinks and zesty lemonade. Zobo is a particularly good choice because it is a traditional hibiscus drink and can be made cheaply in a large batch.

Is Zobo alcoholic?

Zobo is usually non-alcoholic. It is commonly made with dried hibiscus flowers, water, ginger, spices and sugar. As with any homemade drink, keep it chilled and drink it within a few days.

Is Zinfandel red or white?

Zinfandel is a red grape. It can be used to make red wine, but White Zinfandel is a rosé-style wine made from the same grape with limited contact with the skins.

What is the easiest Z drink to serve at a party?

For an alcoholic option, White Zinfandel spritzers are simple and affordable. For a non-alcoholic option, zobo or zesty lemonade works well because both can be made in jugs before guests arrive.

What drink starts with Z for a quiz?

Good quiz answers include Zombie, Zinfandel, Zima, Zivania and Zythum. Zombie is often the most recognisable cocktail answer, while Zythum is a more unusual historical one.

Can I make Z drinks cheaply at home?

Yes. The cheapest options are usually homemade zobo, zinger iced tea, zesty lemonade and wine spritzers. Use own-brand mixers, reduced fruit and dried ingredients to keep the cost down.