52 British Drinks You’ll Love: Spirits | Cocktails | Wine | Beer

Let me take you on a journey through British beverages, from the comforting warmth of teas and whiskies to the refreshing chill of ales and ciders. This guide aims to be as the most comprehensive collection of drinks from Great Britain, covering a broad spectrum of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Whether you fancy a hot brew or a cold concoction, traditional spirits or innovative cocktails, this list promises to cater to every palate with an array of spirits, beers, wines, and soft drinks. Get ready to indulge in the vast beverage selection the UK has to offer.

1.) Spirits from Britain

1.1.) British Liquor

From the traditional distilleries of Scotland producing world-renowned whisky to the innovative gin distillers of London, the UK offers a wide range of distilled spirits that cater to every palate.

Beyond the iconic whisky and gin, Britain’s craft distilleries are also making waves in producing high-quality vodka, rum, and brandy, applying traditional methods to create innovative and contemporary spirits. This burgeoning diversity reflects a blend of tradition and innovation, cementing Britain’s status as a powerhouse in the global spirits market.

1. British Whisky

Originating mainly from Scotland, British whisky encompasses a variety of styles, from peaty single malts to smooth blends, each offering a unique taste experience. The production process, deeply rooted in tradition, involves aging in oak barrels, which imparts depth and complexity to the whisky. This spirit is not just a beverage; it’s a cultural icon, representing centuries of craftsmanship and the distinctive terroirs of Britain.

Scotch Whisky: The quintessence of British whisky, Scotch comes in various styles, including the smooth, fruity single malts of Speyside, known for their elegance, and the peated, smoky whiskies of Islay, celebrated for their intensity.
- Glenfiddich: Known for its pear and apple notes, Glenfiddich is a benchmark for Speyside single malts.
- Laphroaig: A quintessential Islay malt, celebrated for its smoky, peaty flavor profile.
- Johnnie Walker: A global leader in blended Scotch, offering a range of flavors from smoky to sweet.
- Chivas Regal: Esteemed for its rich and smooth blend, with hints of honey and fruit.

Welsh Whisky: A rising star, Welsh Whisky brings a unique character to the table.
- Penderyn: The leading Welsh whisky, known for its smooth and fruity expressions.

2. British Gin

British Gin is synonymous with quality and diversity. Made through the distillation of grain alcohol with juniper berries and other botanicals, British gin offers a wide range of flavors from the traditional to the innovative.

London Dry Gin, the most famous style, is celebrated worldwide for its crisp, clean, juniper-forward taste, which is the result of strict production standards.

British gin producers have been at the forefront of the gin renaissance, experimenting with unique botanicals and artisanal production methods, leading to an explosion of flavors and styles, providing a modern twist to the classic gin profile.

London Dry Gin: A classic, juniper-forward gin, known for its purity and lack of added sugar.
- Tanqueray: Offers a balanced botanical flavor, making it a staple in gin cocktails.
- Beefeater: Distilled in London, Beefeater is a benchmark for the London Dry style, with a strong juniper core.
Plymouth Gin: A slightly sweeter gin with a protected geographical indication.
Cornish Gin: Reflects the region’s natural flora with local botanicals.
Old Tom Gin: Historically significant, known for its slightly sweeter taste.
Contemporary Gin: Modern gins that experiment with a wide range of botanicals beyond juniper.
- Hendrick’s: Distinguished by its cucumber and rose infusion, offering a unique twist on traditional gin.
- Bombay Sapphire: Known for its vapor-infused botanicals, offering a delicate, aromatic profile.

3. British Vodka

British Vodka may not have the historical roots of gin or whisky, but the UK’s craft distillers have embraced this versatile spirit, producing vodkas of exceptional purity and smoothness. Using a variety of base ingredients, from traditional grains to potatoes, British vodkas stand out for their clean taste and innovative distilling techniques, making them perfect for both sipping and cocktails.

Traditional Vodka: Classic vodkas focused on clarity and smoothness, often made from wheat or barley.
- Chase Vodka: A field-to-bottle vodka made from potatoes, known for its creamy texture and clean finish.
- Sipsmith Sipping Vodka: Crafted with the same care as their gins, offering a smooth and characterful vodka.
Flavored Vodka: Infused with natural flavors, these vodkas offer a diverse tasting experience.
- Chase Marmalade Vodka: A unique offering that combines vodka with the tangy sweetness of marmalade.

4. British Rum

While rum might be more associated with the Caribbean, British rum has carved out its niche with a focus on quality and heritage, often linked to the British Navy and the historical connections to sugarcane trade.

Although less popular than whisky or gin, British rum has also seen a rise in innovation. From traditional dark rums, aged in barrels for a deeper flavor profile, to spiced rums infused with a mix of botanicals and spices, British rum distilleries are producing diverse and complex spirits that reflect a modern take on this age-old liquor.

English Rum: English distillers like Two Drifters and Devon Rum Co. produce a range of excellent craft rums.
Scottish Rum: Dark Matter is Scotland’s first rum distillery, known for its rich flavors and innovative techniques.
Dark Rum: Aged for depth and complexity, with rich molasses and caramel notes.
- Pusser’s Rum: Often referred to as “Navy Rum,” it’s celebrated for its rich, full-bodied flavor.
- Lamb’s Navy Rum: A traditional dark rum with a long history, known for its smooth and robust taste.
Spiced Rum: Infused with spices and botanicals, offering a flavorful twist on traditional rum.
- Rumbullion!: A high-quality spiced rum with a blend of Madagascar vanilla, orange peel, and other spices.
- Dead Man’s Fingers: A Cornish spiced rum, known for its hints of saffron and nutmeg, offering a distinctive flavor profile.

5. British Brandy

British Brandy, particularly those distilled from apples or pears, reflects the UK’s rich tradition of fruit orchards and cider production. While not as prevalent as whisky or gin, British brandies offer a unique taste experience, focused on quality and the expression of local fruit character, with artisanal producers creating spirits that rival their continental counterparts in complexity and depth.

Apple Brandy: Distilled from cider, offering a smooth and fruity profile.
- Somerset Cider Brandy: Aged in oak barrels, this brandy brings a distinctive apple flavor with a hint of spice.
- Kingston Black Apple Aperitif: A blend of apple brandy and juice, offering a balanced and aromatic spirit.
Pear Brandy: Less common but equally delightful, made from distilled pear cider.
- Williams Chase Elegant 48: A crisp and elegant pear brandy, distilled from fermented perry.

1.2.) British Liqueurs

1.2.1.) Fruity Gin-based Liqueurs

6. Pimm’s No. 1

Iconic gin-based fruit cup

Pimm’s No. 1 is a quintessential British gin-based liqueur, known for its rich, fruit and herb flavor. Perfect for summer gatherings, it forms the base of the iconic Pimm’s Cup cocktail, mixing effortlessly with lemonade and fresh fruits. This beverage symbolizes British summertime, making it a staple at events like Wimbledon.

7. Sloe Gin

Berry-infused gin

Sloe Gin, a traditional British liqueur, is made by infusing gin with sloe berries, creating a tart, berry-flavored drink. It’s a winter favorite, offering a deep, rich flavor profile that warms from within. Enjoyed neat or in cocktails, sloe gin is a testament to British foraging and distilling traditions.

8. Damson Gin

Plum-infused gin

Damson Gin, crafted by infusing gin with damson plums, offers a sweet, rich plum flavor. This British liqueur combines the juniper notes of gin with the fruity sweetness of plums, creating a unique and delightful sip. It’s a cherished homemade treat in many British homes, embodying the country’s love for infused spirits.

1.2.2.) Whisky-based Liqueurs

9. Drambuie

Honeyed, herbal whisky liqueur

Drambuie, a renowned Scottish liqueur, offers a unique blend of aged Scotch whisky, heather honey, herbs, and spices. Its honeyed sweetness and complex flavor profile make it a standout in cocktails or as a smooth after-dinner drink. Drambuie’s rich history adds a touch of Scottish heritage to every glass.

10. Glayva

Spiced, citrusy whisky liqueur

Glayva, a Scottish liqueur, is cherished for its smooth, spiced, and citrusy taste. Made from a blend of Scotch whisky, honey, almonds, and various spices, it’s a warming liqueur ideal for cozy evenings. Glayva’s distinctive flavor makes it a favorite for sipping neat or adding depth to cocktails.

11. Atholl Brose

Oaty, sweet whisky liqueur

Atholl Brose, a traditional Scottish concoction, combines whisky, honey, oats, and sometimes cream, creating a unique, oaty sweetness. This historic drink is a celebration of Scottish culture and flavors, enjoyed particularly during festive occasions and Burns Night celebrations, offering a taste of Scotland’s rich culinary heritage.

1.2.3.) Floral Liqueurs

12. Elderflower Liqueur

Floral, sweet liqueur

Elderflower Liqueur captures the delicate, sweet essence of elderflower blossoms. This fragrant British liqueur is versatile, enhancing cocktails with its floral notes or enjoyed neat for a refined sipping experience. It’s a favorite for crafting elegant drinks, adding a touch of British countryside to any glass.

1.3.) Other British Spirits

13. Barley Spirit

Unaged, whisky precursor

Barley Spirit, often found in specific British distilleries, is an unaged precursor to whisky. This clear spirit retains the raw, earthy flavors of barley, offering a unique glimpse into the initial stages of whisky production. It’s a rare find, appreciated by enthusiasts looking to explore the roots of whisky craftsmanship.

2.) Cocktails & Mixed Alcoholic Drinks from Britain

2.1.) British Cocktails & Mixed Drinks

2.1.1.) Effervescent British Cocktails

14. Pimm’s Cup

Fruity, herbal (Pimm’s, lemonade, fruit)

The Pimm’s Cup is a quintessential British summer drink, mixing Pimm’s No. 1 with lemonade, and garnished with a bounty of fresh fruits, cucumber, and mint. This fruity, herbal cocktail is a staple at garden parties and outdoor events, embodying British summertime in a glass.

15. Black Velvet

Rich, creamy (stout and sparkling wine)

The Black Velvet is a unique cocktail combining stout with sparkling wine, creating a rich, creamy, and effervescent drink. Its contrasting flavors and textures make it a standout choice for celebrations and special occasions, blending the best of British brews with the luxury of sparkling wine.

2.1.2.) Gin-Based Cocktails

16. English Garden

Floral, refreshing (gin, elderflower, apple)

The English Garden cocktail is a mix of gin, elderflower liqueur, and apple juice, garnished with a slice of cucumber or apple. This refreshing drink captures the essence of a British garden in bloom, making it perfect for spring and summer sipping.

17. Bramble

Berry-infused, tangy (gin, blackberry, lemon)

The Bramble is a British cocktail classic, featuring gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and blackberry liqueur. Its vibrant, tangy flavor profile, combined with the visual appeal of crushed ice and fresh berries, makes it a favorite for cocktail enthusiasts.

18. Queen Elizabeth

Elegant, citrusy (gin, Dubonnet, lemon)

The Queen Elizabeth cocktail is a regal blend of gin, Dubonnet rouge, and a touch of lemon, creating an elegant and citrusy drink. Its sophistication and balance of flavors pay homage to British elegance and tradition in cocktail making.

19. Gin and Tonic

Refreshing, classic (crisp gin, quinine tonic)

The Gin and Tonic, or “G&T”, is a timeless British cocktail, celebrated for its refreshing simplicity. Combining crisp gin with the quinine bite of tonic water, it’s a classic drink that’s both invigorating and easy to enjoy, embodying the essence of British cocktail culture.

2.1.3.) Whisky-Based Cocktails

20. Whisky Mac

Warming, ginger-spiced (Scotch and ginger wine)

Whisky Mac, short for Whisky Macdonald, combines Scotch whisky and ginger wine, resulting in a warming, ginger-spiced beverage. It’s a simple yet potent drink, ideal for cold British evenings and revered for its comforting qualities.

21. Rusty Nail

Smooth, honeyed (Scotch and Drambuie)

The Rusty Nail is a smooth cocktail made from a blend of Scotch whisky and Drambuie, a blend of aged Scotch whisky, herbs, spices and honey. Its honeyed sweetness and herbal undertones make it a beloved choice for a relaxing evening, showcasing the depth of Scottish liqueurs in cocktail culture.

2.2.) Hot British Alcoholic Beverages

22. Hot Toddy

Hot whiskey with honey and lemon

The Hot Toddy, a comforting blend of whisky, honey, lemon, and hot water, is a British staple for cold nights and soothing remedies. Its warming properties and gentle sweetness offer comfort and warmth, making it a beloved choice during the winter months.

23. Mulled Wine

Warm, spiced red wine

Mulled Wine, though not unique to Britain, is a festive favorite, especially around Christmas. This spiced, warm wine concoction, enriched with cinnamon, cloves, and orange, brings a sense of celebration and warmth to British holiday traditions.

24. Wassail

Warm, spiced cider (cider, spices, optional ale)

Wassail is a traditional British beverage made from mulled cider, spices, and sometimes ale, enjoyed during wassailing or caroling. This fruity, spiced drink is steeped in history and folklore, representing a celebration of the apple harvest and community spirit.

25. Spiked Earl Grey Tea

Aromatic, comforting (Earl Grey tea, whisky/gin)

Spiked Earl Grey Tea combines the aromatic flavors of Earl Grey with a dash of whisky or gin, creating a comforting, elevated version of the classic tea. This hot beverage merges British tea tradition with the warmth of spirits, ideal for a cozy evening or a refined afternoon break.

3.) Brewed & Fermented Alcoholic Beverages from Britain

3.1.) British Wine

British wine, once a lesser-known player in the global wine industry, has rapidly ascended to acclaim, particularly for its sparkling wines.

The cool British climate, especially in regions like Sussex, Kent, and Cornwall, has proven ideal for growing grapes that yield crisp, acidic wines, perfect for sparkling varieties. The diversity extends beyond sparkling wines to include elegant whites, delicate rosés, and a small but growing number of reds, reflecting the versatility and potential of Britain’s wine regions.

The rise of British wine is marked by innovative winemaking techniques, adapting to the unique British terroir, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cooler, northern climates. With an increasing number of vineyards and a focus on quality over quantity, British wines have already garnered international awards.

Main types of British wine:

26. Sparkling Wine

The jewel in the crown of British wine, celebrated for its finesse and complexity, often made from classic champagne grape varieties.