England may be known for its love of tea, but its history with alcohol runs just as deep. Centuries of brewing, distilling, and mixing have created a unique drinking landscape filled with everything from hearty ales to refined spirits. English drinks are not just about taste—they carry the essence of tradition, innovation, and the social fabric of a nation that knows how to enjoy a good drink. Ready to explore some of England’s best-loved drinks?

1. Pimm’s Cup

A British summer isn’t complete without a glass of Pimm’s. This light and fruity drink is perfect for garden parties and sunny afternoons by the Thames.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml Pimm’s No. 1
• 150 ml lemonade (carbonated lemon soda)
• Ice cubes
• Mint sprigs
• Cucumber slices
• Orange slices
• Strawberries

Instructions:

• Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
• Pour in the Pimm’s No. 1.
• Top with lemonade and stir gently.
• Garnish with fresh mint, cucumber, orange slices, and strawberries.

Why Try It?
This refreshing cocktail is fruity, slightly spiced, and dangerously easy to drink.

Source: A Saucy Kitchen

2. Breakfast Martini

The Breakfast Martini is a modern British invention that adds a marmalade twist to the classic gin cocktail. Created in the 1990s by Salvatore Calabrese, it’s like breakfast in a glass.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml gin
• 15 ml triple sec
• 15 ml fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon orange marmalade
• Ice cubes
• Orange twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Add gin, triple sec, lemon juice, and orange marmalade to a shaker.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
• Strain into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with an orange twist.

Why Try It?
The marmalade gives this drink a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with gin.

Source: We Are Access

3. English Cider

Cider is a pub classic in England, enjoyed for its crisp and refreshing taste. Made from fermented apples, English ciders range from sweet to dry and are a great alternative to beer.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint of traditional English cider (such as Aspall or Thatchers)
• Optional: a splash of blackcurrant cordial for sweetness

Instructions:

• Pour chilled cider into a pint glass.
• Add blackcurrant cordial if desired.
• Serve and enjoy.

Why Try It?
English cider is a perfect blend of tradition and refreshment. Whether you like it sweet or dry, it’s a great way to experience the flavors of the English countryside.

Source: British Heritage Travel

4. Buckfast

Buckfast is a caffeinated fortified wine originally made by monks in Devon. While it has a reputation for being strong and bold, it remains a unique part of England’s drinking culture.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz Buckfast Tonic Wine
• Ice cubes
• Optional: a splash of cola or soda for dilution

Instructions:

• Pour Buckfast over ice.
• Add a splash of cola or soda if preferred.
• Stir and serve.

Why Try It?
Buckfast is infamous, but it’s undeniably part of England’s cultural drinking scene. If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s worth a try for its bold, unexpected flavor.

Source: Scottish Banter (Facebook)

5. Gin and Tonic

While not originally British, the Gin and Tonic has become an iconic English drink thanks to the country’s love affair with gin. The explosion of craft distilleries across England has made this a must-try classic.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml gin
• 150 ml tonic water
• Ice cubes
• Lime or lemon wedge (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
• Pour in the gin.
• Top up with tonic water and stir gently.
• Garnish with a lime or lemon wedge.

Why Try It?
The crisp, botanical flavors make it one of the most refreshing cocktails ever.

Source: The Spruce Eats

With just a few ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can recreate the best of England’s Drinks from the comfort of your home. So grab your shaker, experiment with flavors, and toast to the spirit of British mixology.