A cup of tea may be the first thing Brits think about, but it isn’t the only one they love! This article will show you eleven of the most popular English drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Our guide to the best Scottish drinks will satisfy your curiosity about north-of-the-border drinks.
It is impossible to write a piece about British drinks without mentioning the hot tea we love.
Tea drinking is a popular leisure activity in Britain. There are many types of tea, but black tea is the most popular. The most widely consumed drink in the country has been tea since its invention in the 17th century.
You’ll find brands like PG Tips and Typhoo in the UK, as well as Twinings and Yorkshire Tea.
Hot tea is made by adding water to hot tea. The tea leaves or bags are then placed on a tea bag or leaf and allowed to infuse for at least five minutes.
Earl Grey is another tea well-known in the UK. It was named after Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, and 19th century British Prime Minster. You should make a visit to Howick Hall, which is located near Alnwick in Northumberland. There you can enjoy Earl Grey tea in the teahouse.
1. Ovaltine & Horlicks
Ovaltine and Horlicks, which are made with hot milk and malt-based drinks, are a favorite of British children. To promote sleep, the traditional way to consume them is before you go to bed. Ovaltine and Horlicks make great nightcaps, especially in winter.
Ovaltine, a popular drink in the UK, actually originated in Switzerland and Horlicks in America. USA (even though the founders of Horlicks left the UK at the end of 19 century).
Slough was home to the first Horlicks factory in 1908. It is now a residential development after it has been restored and renovated.
2. Squash
You can find many different brands and varieties of squash throughout England. A squash drink is a concentrated fruit-flavored beverage that contains water.
Robinson’s Barley Water, Ribena (blackcurrant flavor), and Vimto are the most well-known brands.
3. Ginger Ale
Ginger beer and ginger ale The one is alcoholic while the other is non-alcoholic. Both are extremely popular drinks that are consumed around the globe.
It is believed that the idea originated in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in the 1850s from Thomas Cantrell, an Irish surgeon.
4. Vimto
This drink was created in Manchester by John Nichols Vimto in 1908. It can be bought in dilute squash or as an in-can fizzy.
Vimto’s distinctive flavor is a combination of blackcurrants and raspberries.
It’s available all over the globe, but it seems to be particularly popular in Saudi Arabia.
5. Dandelion and Burdock
Drinking in the UK since the Middle Ages Dandelion & Burdock was a tradition. It was fermented with burdock root and dandelions (hence the name!
Although the drink has been artificially flavored, it is still worth trying if you want something different!
6. Lucozade
Ask any Brit born in the 1980s or earlier about Lucozade, and they will tell you a story about being forced into drinking Lucozade after they became sick as children.
The bottle was originally wrapped in orange-colored cellophane until 1983. The brand attempted to change its name to an energy drink in 1983. This was to separate it from its previous association with people who were recovering from illness.
The Lucozade beverage is now marketed as a sports drink.
English drinkers
7. Real Ale & Craft Beers
You can find a variety of real ales and craft beers throughout the UK. Pubs such as the one below have humorously named ales and beer. We found them in the Cotswolds. You can find beer in bottles or on tap in pubs across the UK.
An excursion such as the West End Pub Walking Tour, London, or this Cathedral Quarter Beer Bike Tour, Belfast is sure to be a hit with craft beer lovers.
Visit the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), website to learn more about real ales in the UK and their importance for local communities.
8. Pimm’s
Pimm’s, a fruit-flavored, gin-based drink that is extremely popular in the UK during the summer is Pimm’s.
Serves with lemonade. Presented in tall glasses with the fruits (oranges, strawberry), with cucumber garnish and mint leaves. Wimbledon is often associated with it. A glass of Pimm’s, along with an assortment of creams and strawberries, is as English as you can get during summer!
Don’t forget Pimm’s if you plan to visit Wimbledon!
Pimm’s was invented by James Pimm in the 19th century. He promoted it as a tonic for your health and it became very popular among the London crowd.
9. Cider
You are likely to get a chance to try one of the local ciders if you visit South West England or Cornwall.
Cider has been produced in England for many years. Cider is made by fermenting apple juice. The majority of cider in England comes from the counties of Herefordshire and Kent.
Cider’s flavor will vary depending on where it is made and the apples used. Some ciders are sweet while others are dry. Some ciders are clear and others are cloudy. Is there a cider you love?
In the past, farmers were paid an allowance for cider every day as part of their wages.
10. Vodka Martini
A vodka martini, a cocktail made with vodka and vermouth, is served with olives and garnished with lemon slices. Martinis are made by mixing vodka with vermouth. However, martinis originate in America. This list includes martini and vodka martinis because they have a connection to James Bond. James Bond, also known as 007.
A vodka martini should be served in a glass.
11. Mead
Mead is an alcoholic beverage made from honey fermented with water. It has been enjoyed for centuries in the UK. You can find mead near the Northumberland coast on the tidal island of Lindisfarne.
Lindisfarne Mead, which is served on Lindisfarne (the Holy Island of Lindisfarne), was originally made by monks who lived on the island for centuries. Lindisfarne Mead can be found on the island at St Aiden’s Winery. When you plan your trip to the island, make sure to include a visit to the winery or craft shop.
12. Gin and Tonic
India was under British rule in the late 19th century when tonic and gin cocktails were created. Quinine was originally used to treat malaria. However, it had a bitter taste. Quinine was made to taste good in tonic water and was created around 1840. Then, at one time, it was mixed together with gin. And that’s the end of the story.
Gin and tonic were popular drinks in the early 20th century. Gin is back in fashion with many different tonics that can be used to make the perfect tonic or gin cocktail.
This Gin tour through London is a great option for anyone who loves Gin. A private chauffeur-driven mini cooper tour with a driver includes a visit to two bars that serve gin as well as an artisan distillery.
