25 Refreshing Drinks That Start with R

The letter “R” offers various beverages, from bold, robust spirits to light, refreshing options.

Whether you’re seeking a strong cocktail like a Rum Sour, a sweet and fruity raspberry lemonade, or a cozy cup of Russian tea, drinks that start with “R” cater to all tastes and occasions.

This list provides an exciting selection to quench your thirst, from classic cocktails to health-boosting teas and juices.

Whether planning a gathering or looking for something new, these 25 drinks starting with “R” offer plenty of flavorful possibilities.

List of Drinks Starting with R

1. Rum

Rum is a popular distilled spirit made from sugarcane byproducts such as molasses or juice.

Originating in the Caribbean, rum ranges from light and sweet to dark and spiced varieties.

Light rums are often used in cocktails, while dark rums are sipped neat or added to bold cocktails.

Rum’s flavor profile includes caramel, vanilla, and spice notes, depending on how long it’s aged and the ingredients used.

• Taste: Sweet with hints of caramel, vanilla, and spices.
• Texture: Smooth with a warming finish.
• Use: Used in cocktails like mojitos or daiquiris and enjoyed neatness.

2. Red Wine

Red wine is made by fermenting dark-colored grapes and is known for its rich, bold flavors.

Common types of red wine include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, each with distinct flavor profiles.

It pairs well with hearty dishes like red meat, pasta, and cheese.

Red wine is also beneficial in cooking, used to enhance sauces, stews, and reductions.

• Taste: Bold, with flavors ranging from fruity and sweet to dry and tannic.
• Texture: Smooth and velvety, sometimes with a tannic bite.
• Use: Enjoyed with meals or used in cooking sauces and stews.

3. Root Beer

Root beer is a sweet, non-alcoholic soda traditionally made from the root of the sassafras tree or a similar plant.

Popular in North America, root beer is often flavored with vanilla, licorice, and wintergreen, creating a complex and creamy taste.

It’s commonly enjoyed as a soft drink, in root beer floats with ice cream, or as a cocktail mixer.

• Taste: Sweet and creamy with vanilla and spicy undertones.
• Texture: Fizzy and smooth.
• Use: It can be served on its own, in root beer floats, or as a mixer in drinks like root beer cocktails.

4. Raspberry Juice

Raspberry juice is a refreshing and tangy drink made from fresh raspberries, often enjoyed for its vibrant color and flavor.

This juice is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice.

Raspberry juice is often served chilled or mixed into smoothies, cocktails, and desserts.

Its sweet and tart flavor pairs well with other fruits like apples or lemons.

• Taste: Sweet, tangy, with a rich fruity flavor.
• Texture: Smooth and slightly pulpy.
• Use: Enjoyed alone, added to smoothies, or used in cocktails and desserts.

5. Rosé Wine

Rosé wine is a versatile and refreshing wine made by briefly mixing the grape skins with the juice during fermentation, giving it a pink hue.

It’s often lighter in flavor than red wine but richer than white wine.

Rosé is perfect for warm weather and pairs well with various dishes, including salads, seafood, and light appetizers.

• Taste: Light, fruity with hints of berries and citrus.
• Texture: Smooth and crisp.
• Use: Served chilled, ideal for warm-weather sipping or pairing with light dishes.

6. Rum Punch

Rum punch is a fruity and refreshing cocktail made with rum, fruit juices (like pineapple, orange, and lime), and sometimes a splash of grenadine.

It’s a popular party drink, especially in tropical regions.

The combination of rum and fresh juices creates a sweet, tangy, and boozy beverage, often garnished with fruit slices or a cherry for a festive touch.

• Taste: Sweet and fruity with a boozy kick.
• Texture: Smooth and refreshing.
• Use: Served chilled, perfect for parties, barbecues, or tropical-themed gatherings.

7. Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea made from the leaves of the rooibos plant, native to South Africa.

It has a rich, earthy flavor with slightly sweet and nutty notes.

Due to its low tannin content and antioxidants, Rooibos is often enjoyed as a calming drink, making it a popular choice for health-conscious individuals.

• Taste: Earthy, slightly sweet with nutty undertones.
• Texture: Smooth and light.
• Use: Enjoyed hot or iced, often with a splash of milk or honey for added sweetness.

8. Raspberry Smoothie

A raspberry smoothie is a delicious, nutritious blend of fresh or frozen raspberries mixed with yogurt, milk, or juice.

This vibrant drink is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making it a healthy choice for breakfast or a snack.

The tartness of raspberries pairs well with other fruits like bananas, and the creamy base makes it both filling and refreshing.

• Taste: Sweet and tart with a creamy finish.
• Texture: Thick, smooth, and creamy.
• Use: Enjoyed as a healthy breakfast, snack, or post-workout drink.

9. Ramos Gin Fizz

The Ramos Gin Fizz is a classic New Orleans cocktail made with gin, lemon, lime, egg white, cream, sugar, and orange flower water, topped with soda water.

It’s known for its frothy, creamy texture and citrusy, floral flavor.

This luxurious, refreshing drink is often enjoyed as a brunch or evening indulgence.

• Taste: Citrusy, creamy with floral undertones.
• Texture: Light, frothy, and silky.
• Use: Served as a classic cocktail, perfect for special occasions or brunch.

10. Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey is a type of whiskey made primarily from rye grain, giving it a spicier, drier flavor compared to bourbon.

It has a robust profile with caramel, oak, and spice notes, making it a favorite in classic cocktails like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned.

Rye whiskey is versatile and enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in mixed drinks.

• Taste: Spicy, with notes of caramel, oak, and pepper.
• Texture: Smooth and warming.
• Use: Sipped neat, on the rocks, or into classic cocktails.

11. Raspberry Lemonade

Raspberry lemonade is a refreshing blend of tart lemon juice and sweet raspberry puree or syrup.

This drink is a popular summertime refreshment, offering a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

It’s often served chilled over ice, making it a perfect beverage for warm weather or outdoor events.

• Taste: Sweet, tangy with a hint of raspberry.
• Texture: Smooth and slightly pulpy.
• Use: Served chilled as a refreshing drink for picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings.

12. Rum and Coke

Rum and Coke is a classic two-ingredient cocktail made with rum and cola, often garnished with a lime wedge.

It’s a simple yet flavorful drink, with the sweetness of the cola balancing the rich, spiced flavors of the rum.

This cocktail is popular for casual settings and is easy to prepare at home or the bar.

• Taste: Sweet, slightly spiced with a caramel finish.
• Texture: Fizzy and smooth.
• Use: Served as a casual cocktail, often at parties or bars.

13. Radler

A radler is a refreshing beer-based drink typically made by mixing beer with lemonade or lemon soda.

This German-origin drink is light and mildly alcoholic, perfect for those who enjoy a hint of beer flavor with a fruity, citrus twist.

It’s often enjoyed during warm weather or outdoor events like picnics and festivals.

• Taste: Light, citrusy, with a mild beer flavor.
• Texture: Fizzy and refreshing.
• Use: Served chilled as a refreshing summer drink for outdoor events.

14. Ricard

Ricard is a French anise-flavored liqueur similar to pastis, often diluted with water before drinking.

It has a strong licorice-like flavor and is commonly enjoyed as an aperitif.

Ricard turns cloudy when mixed with water, creating a visually appealing drink with a distinctive herbal flavor profile perfect for sipping.

• Taste: Strong anise, herbal with a licorice finish.
• Texture: Smooth and slightly thick when mixed with water.
• Use: Served as an aperitif, often diluted with water and sipped slowly.

15. Rosehip Tea

Rosehip tea is an herbal tea made from the fruit of the rose plant.

It’s known for its high vitamin C content and tangy, fruity flavor.

This light, refreshing tea is often enjoyed for its immune-boosting benefits.

It can be served hot or iced, making it a versatile and healthy beverage choice.

• Taste: Tangy, fruity with a hint of sweetness.
• Texture: Smooth and light.
• Use: Enjoyed hot or iced, often as a health-boosting tea rich in antioxidants.

16. Red Sangria

Red sangria is a fruity, wine-based punch made with red wine, fresh fruits, and sometimes a brandy or orange juice splash.

It’s a popular Spanish drink known for its refreshing, sweet, and tangy flavor.

Red sangria is often served chilled and is perfect for summer gatherings.

It offers a vibrant mix of wine and fruit flavors.

• Taste: Fruity sweet with a slightly tangy wine base.
• Texture: Smooth with bits of fresh fruit.
• Use: Served chilled, ideal for parties, barbecues, or outdoor events.

17. Raki

Raki is a traditional Turkish anise-flavored spirit, similar to ouzo or pastis.

It is often mixed with water, turning it a milky white color, and is typically enjoyed as an aperitif.

The strong anise flavor pairs well with Mediterranean cuisine and is often served alongside small dishes like meze.

• Taste: Strong, licorice-like with herbal notes.
• Texture: Smooth and slightly thick when mixed with water.
• Use: Sipped slowly, often with water, as an aperitif or Mediterranean food.

18. Rum Sour

Rum sour is a tangy, refreshing cocktail made with rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and sometimes egg white for a frothy texture.

This drink offers a perfect balance of sweet and sour, with the rum providing a smooth, boozy base.

It’s a popular cocktail for those who enjoy a citrusy twist to their rum.

• Taste: Sweet and tangy with a strong citrus flavor.
• Texture: Smooth, often with a frothy top when egg white is used.
• Use: Served as a refreshing cocktail, perfect for casual or tropical-themed occasions.

19. Raspberry Margarita

A raspberry margarita is a fruity twist on the classic margarita.

It is made with tequila, raspberry puree or syrup, lime juice, and triple sec.

The sweet and tangy raspberry flavor blends beautifully with the sharpness of the tequila and lime, creating a vibrant and refreshing cocktail.

• Taste: Sweet, tangy, with a bold raspberry flavor.
• Texture: Smooth and slightly thick from the raspberry puree.
• Use: Served as a fun, fruity cocktail, often garnished with fresh raspberries and served chilled.

20. Russian Tea

Russian tea is a sweet and spiced drink with black tea, orange juice, lemon juice, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves.

This cozy beverage is often enjoyed during the colder months and is a comforting choice for gatherings or quiet evenings.

• Taste: Sweet, citrusy with warm spice notes.
• Texture: Smooth and warm.
• Use: Served hot, often enjoyed in winter as a warming, spiced tea.

21. Rum Collins

A Rum Collins is a refreshing cocktail with rum, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water.

It’s a variation of the classic Tom Collins but replaces gin with rum, giving it a slightly sweeter, more tropical flavor.

This drink is light and fizzy, perfect for hot summer days.

• Taste: Sweet, citrusy with a light rum flavor.
• Texture: Fizzy and refreshing.
• Use: Served over ice, garnished with a lemon slice or cherry, ideal for warm weather or casual gatherings.

22. Royal Milk Tea

Royal milk tea is a popular Japanese tea made with black tea and milk.

It’s similar to traditional British tea but richer and creamier.

Royal milk tea is often sweetened and has a smooth, velvety texture, making it a comforting drink for tea lovers.

This tea is typically enjoyed hot but can also be served cold.

• Taste: Sweet, creamy, with a bold tea flavor.
• Texture: Smooth and rich with a velvety consistency.
• Use: Served hot or iced, often as a relaxing afternoon tea.

23. Redcurrant Juice

Redcurrant juice is a tangy, refreshing drink made from redcurrants, a small, bright red berry.

It has a tart flavor and is rich in vitamin C, making it a healthy choice.

Redcurrant juice is often mixed with other juices or sweetened to balance its tartness.

• Taste: Tart, slightly sweet with a fruity kick.
• Texture: Smooth with a slight pulpiness.
• Use: Enjoyed as a refreshing drink or mixed into cocktails and other beverages.

24. Raspberry Cider

Raspberry cider is a fruity alcoholic beverage made by fermenting apples with raspberries.

The result is a sweet, tangy drink.

It’s light and refreshing, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy fruit-flavored ciders.

Raspberry cider is perfect for outdoor events or casual get-togethers.

• Taste: Sweet and tangy, with a blend of apple and raspberry flavors.
• Texture: Fizzy and light.
• Use: Served chilled, often enjoyed at picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings.

25. Rob Roy

The Rob Roy is a classic cocktail made with Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

It is similar to a Manhattan but with Scotch as the base spirit.

It’s a rich, smooth drink with a slightly smoky flavor from the Scotch, perfect for those who enjoy bold, sophisticated cocktails.

• Taste: Rich, smoky with a hint of sweetness.
• Texture: Smooth and warming.
• Use: Served in a cocktail glass, often garnished with a cherry, ideal for formal or special occasions.

Conclusion

Drinks that start with the letter “R” offer diverse flavors, from the bold richness of rum and rye whiskey to the refreshing tang of raspberry lemonade and redcurrant juice.

Whether you’re looking for a classic cocktail like a Rob Roy or a soothing cup of rooibos tea, this list provides a wide variety of beverages to explore.

These 25 drinks bring a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and strong flavors, perfect for any occasion.

Why not try something new from this list today?