Ten Favourite British Drinks!
1 GINGER BEER
Even though it's been popular since the 18th century with trade in the Orient and Caribbean, it's even more popular now. More spicy than ginger ale, you can find many brands ranging from sweet to spicy hot, or non-alcoholic to alcoholic.
2 BEER
Beer is the first known alcoholic drink to be produced in Britain. It continues to be very popular and with new laws that make it easier to produce the UK has the most breweries per capita in the world. Not to mention they make some mighty nice beer.
(photo: www. drinkstuff.com)
3 ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL
Elderflower is popular as a cordial (syrup you mix) or a presse (already mixed). It can be traced back to Roman times, but grew in popularity in the UK in Victorian times. It can be found all over the UK. It is a lovely drink made with the elderflowers, sugar and lemon.
- photo: treuddyn.org.uk
4 CIDER
The UK has the highest per capital consumption of cider in the world. Another fine drink that can be traced back to Roman times that has been a staple for over 2000 years. You can also find relatives of cider including the extra rough & cloudy scrumpy and delightfully light pear ciders
5 DRAMBOUIE
This Scottish liqueur is made with scotch whisky, honey, herbs and spices. The exact recipe is still a secret. In 1916 it became the first liqueur to be allowed in the House of Lords.
photo: Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10291821
6 RIBENA
This very popular blackcurrant drink i ssold either as a cordial or as juice. It's most popular form is the cordial/concentrate. It was promoted during WWII for children to drink as a vitamin C supplement and can be consumed cold or hot. Both are very satisfying and delicious.
photo: www.ocado.com
7 IRN BRU
The 2nd drink of Scotland or also known as "Scotland's other national drink". Once touted as the only soft drink that outsells Coke and Pepsi in their market. It still may be, the numbers are not in. One thing is for sure, it's Scottish, it's popular and it's yummy.
8 WHISKY
The drink of Scotland. It is one of the finest liqueurs in the world whether it comes from the Highlands or Islands, single malt or blended, or straight or over ice. Whether you like it or not, it is highly respected and still made in a manner specified by law.
Photo by Benjamin Thompson - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23379451
9 PIMMS
First introduced in 1823 by James Pimm and promoted as a brand of "fruit cups" or liqueur. It's best served with lemonade, mint and fruit and lovingly known as "Pimms #1 Cup" Absolutely refreshing in the summertime.
photo recipeshubs.com
10 TEA
Possibly Britain's most popular drink, tea has been enjoyed since the 18th century when it was first imported from China. Over 165 millions cups consumed every day in the UK. Time to end the top 10 list so we can go have a cuppa.
(photo clockworkrosetea.com)
