D is for Doppio espresso, but it’s also for Daiquiri, both of which are delightful! Start with one in the morning and one in the evening, then check this list of 25 drinks beginning with the letter D to decide which one to try next!
Drinks That Start With D – Alphabetized
Your handy alphabetized list for quick reference:
Alcoholic Drinks:
- Daiquiri
- Dark ‘n’ Stormy
- Derby Cocktail
- Dirty Martini
- Dragon’s Breath Cocktail
- Drambuie
- Dry Gin Martini
- Dubonnet
- Dunkel Beer
- Dutch Courage
Non-Alcoholic Drinks:
- Dandelion Tea
- Darjeeling Tea
- Date Shake
- Decaf Coffee
- Detox Water
- Dewberry Lemonade
- Diet Cola
- Diet Lemonade
- Double Chocolate Milkshake
- Double Espresso
- Dragonfruit Smoothie
- Dreamsicle Smoothie
- Dried Plum Juice
- Dulce de Leche Latte
- Durian Smoothie
Drinks That Start With D-Listed with Picture and Facts
Alcoholic Drinks:
Daiquiri
The daiquiri, a classic cocktail loved by most people I know, features rum, citrus juice, and sweetener. Distinct from the margarita, which uses tequila and triple sec, the daiquiri opts for rum and syrup. Your preference between the two depends on tequila or rum! A traditional daiquiri is served straight or on the rocks, not frozen, yet shares ingredients with the frozen version. To craft a classic daiquiri, mix light rum, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. For the frozen version, blend it in a blender rather than a shaker.
Dark ‘n’ Stormy
The Dark ‘n’ Stormy is a highball cocktail featuring dark rum, ginger beer, ice, and a lime slice garnish. Lime juice and simple syrup are common additions. It is different from the Moscow mule as it has a rum base. This drink appeals to various palates with its blend of sweet rum, zesty lime, and spicy ginger beer. Not just a typical rum and ginger beer, it pairs perfectly with barbecue dishes, complementing their smoky flavors. Plus, the name is cool and mysterious!
Derby Cocktail
The derby cocktail mixes gin, peach bitters, and mint leaves and is known for its connection to horse betting. The name ‘Derby’ is shared by various cocktails, reflecting the historical link between drinking and horse races. This specific recipe, derived from Trader Vic’s Bartender’s Guide and Ted Haigh’s Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails, blends bourbon with sweet vermouth, orange curaçao (such as Grand Marnier), and lime juice. The resulting drink is characterized by its dryness, tartness, peppery notes, and subtle herbal undertones.
Dirty Martini
A Dirty Martini is made by adding olive brine, the juice from a jar of olives, to a classic martini. Olive brine is salty water, but its flavor can vary based on the olives used. The recipe calls for 3 ½ ounces of gin (or vodka if you prefer), half an ounce of dry vermouth, and ½ ounce of olive brine, stirred and garnished with whole olives. The drink leans towards savory rather than sweet, providing a bold umami taste from the salty olive brine. If salt is your thing, ask for an extra dirty martini with even more of that delicious brine!
Dragon’s Breath Cocktail
This dragon-inspired cocktail packs a fiery punch with a blend of tequila, blood orange juice, triple sec, lime juice, honey, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Start by mixing tequila, blood orange juice, triple sec, lime juice, and honey in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, then strain into a chilled glass. Combine cayenne pepper and smoked paprika in a bowl, then sprinkle the mixture over the drink for a spicy kick. Finish by garnishing with a blood orange slice. You’ll have dragon’s breath after this one, for sure.
Drambuie
Drambuie is a type of whisky liqueur made from aged Scotch, herbs and spices, and honey. Its creation dates back to the 18th Century when a secret recipe was crafted for an English Prince by his Royal Apothecary. The name “Drambuie” comes from Scots Gaelic, meaning “The Drink that Satisfies.” This golden-colored liqueur has 40% alcohol by volume and was traditionally owned by the MacKinnon family for a century before being acquired by William Grant & Sons in 2014. To enjoy Drambuie, mix 1 ounce with 2 ounces of Scotch, add Angostura bitters, stir with ice, strain into a glass with fresh ice, and garnish with a lemon peel.
Dry Gin Martini
For a classic dry martini, use London Dry gin – clean, balanced, and not too sweet. Fill a shaker halfway with ice (two-thirds for two drinks) to chill without overcrowding. Rinse the ice briefly to remove any freezer taste. Add 3 ounces of gin per drink. Skip the vermouth – it’s outdated for today’s gins. Winston Churchill suggested just bowing to France instead of adding vermouth! Stir for a clear drink or shake for a cloudy, icy one. Shaking won’t harm the gin’s taste if that is how you like it.
Dubonnet
For more than 170 years, Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif de France has been globally renowned for its role in the aperitif tradition. Made from a unique mix of red wine, herbs, and spices, this fortified wine offers a taste of autumnal fruit with a hint of bitterness. With a secret blend of cinnamon, coffee beans, and citrus peel, Dubonnet presents a port-like flavor elevated by quinine’s touch of bitterness. This enduring favorite was even enjoyed by Queen Elizabeth’s mother, and she lived for a long time! Maybe it is more magical than we think.
Dunkel Beer
Dunkel, a German term pronounced as [ˌdʊŋkl̩] or [ˈdʊŋkləs], refers to various types of dark German lagers. The word “Dunkel” translates to “dark” in German, with these beers typically presenting colors ranging from amber to dark reddish brown. Known for their smooth, malty taste, Dunkel beers are favored among beer enthusiasts. When ordering at a bar, requesting a “Dunkel” usually leads to the establishment’s dark beer on tap. In regions like north and western Germany, especially near Düsseldorf, this often points to Altbier, a popular choice among locals for its rich flavor profile. Most of these beers are quite heavy, though, and don’t do well for an all-night session!
Dutch Courage
During the Thirty Year’s War in the 1600s, British soldiers near Antwerp drank gin to boost courage. The soldiers, exhausted from the prolonged conflict, sought relief in the distilled spirit. They believed it helped them gather strength and composure, a practice known as Dutch Courage. Gin consumption during this time became synonymous with finding solace and courage in the face of adversity. From this, the Dutch Courage cocktail was born. Of course, it is gin-based with a splash of lemon juice, but the true essence lies in the name and the history behind it. So next time you’re feeling down or anxious, remember that sometimes a little Dutch Courage can go a long way.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks:
Dandelion Tea
Dandelion tea, a traditional herbal remedy, is brewed from the root of the dandelion plant, sometimes referred to as dandelion coffee due to its dark hue. It offers various health benefits, such as acting as a diuretic, aiding in lowering blood sugar levels and providing antioxidants. This tea can assist in reducing cholesterol, promoting weight loss, and lowering blood pressure. Rich in vitamins and nutrients, dandelion tea can be prepared by steeping one tablespoon of dandelion stems or flowers in boiling water for 30 minutes. The liquid is then strained and can be sweetened with honey to balance its bitter taste.
Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling tea is a special type of tea made from Camellia sinensis var. sinensis grown in Darjeeling or Kalimpong district, West Bengal, India. Grown at high altitudes with rainfall and mist, the tea has a unique taste described as sweet, fruity, and slightly astringent. Experts note flavors of citrus, flowers, and a plant-like quality. Darjeeling tea is favored by tea lovers worldwide and is best enjoyed without milk. Adding milk to first flush Darjeeling tea is thought to ruin its delicate taste and is a big no-no to tea connoisseurs!
Date Shake
A date shake is a milkshake made by blending dates with milk. It started in the Coachella Valley, California. Dates are rich in calcium, which helps bones stay strong. Mixing dates with calcium-rich milk makes a milkshake that boosts bone health and lowers osteoporosis risk. Dates also have potassium, which helps control blood pressure. To make it, add dates, milk, cinnamon, and frozen yogurt to your blender. A bit of salt is optional. Blend until smooth.
Decaf Coffee
Decaf coffee is coffee with most of the caffeine removed, retaining antioxidants and health benefits. During decaffeination, over 97% of caffeine is taken out, leaving minimal traces in the green beans. A cup of decaf holds around 2 milligrams of caffeine, much less than the 95 milligrams in regular coffee. Decaf flavors vary from creamy to citrusy, with a subtler astringency due to the low caffeine content. This difference in taste is the main contrast to regular coffee, with some noticing the difference right away and some remaining oblivious.
Detox Water
There is much talk about the health benefits of “detox water.” Staying hydrated is vital for health, and the advice often given is to drink eight glasses of water daily. Some believe that adding extra ingredients enhances water’s benefits. Detox water, infused with flavors from fresh fruits, veggies, or herbs, is claimed to help eliminate toxins, boost energy, and aid weight loss. It is low in calories since it’s about adding flavor, not juicing. Detox water is a part of many weight loss plans and is recommended over high-sugar drinks. Making it at home with various fruits, veggies, and herbs is easy and popular. Is it effective, though? Well, maybe if you are having it instead of sugar-laden beverages, it may be.
Dewberry Lemonade
Dewberries look like smaller, tangier blackberries growing on bushy plants similar to raspberries. Found in natural, undeveloped areas during summer, they turn red when ripe. (Caution: watch out for thorns on larger plants when picking, and don’t pick ones that have been sprayed with weed killer by local councils). To clean dewberries, soak them in a vinegar-water mix for 10 minutes to remove any hitchhiking critters. Rinse, dry, and store in the fridge or freezer. For dewberry juice, blend dewberries with a lemonade mixture, strain, and chill. Each pound of dewberries yields about 4 ounces of juice. Serve the chilled dewberry lemonade over ice!
Diet Cola
Diet Coke, also known as Coca-Cola Light or Coca-Cola Diet, is a sugar-free soft drink made by the Coca-Cola Company. It uses artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. While popular, diet sodas like Diet Coke lack nutritional value and may not always be low in calories or sugar-free. They could even lead to health issues. Unlike regular Coca-Cola, Diet Coke has its own formula for a lighter, crisper taste with a unique balance of sweetness and acidity.
Diet Lemonade
Diet lemonade is a sugar-free or low-calorie version of classic lemonade. The traditional lemonade recipe includes real lemon juice, cane sugar, and water. In contrast, Diet Lemonade is sweetened with something like Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, using artificial sweeteners or natural sugar substitutes. This allows people to enjoy the tangy lemon flavor without consuming many calories.
Double Chocolate Milkshake
A double chocolate milkshake means either double the chocolate or more than one kind of chocolate. So, let’s make one with both! To make the best double chocolate milkshake, you need chocolate ice cream, milk, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and chocolate curls. First, blend the ice cream and milk until smooth. Next, drizzle chocolate syrup inside two glasses and pour the milkshake in. Top with whipped cream and chocolate curls. You can customize your milkshake with homemade or store-bought ingredients.
Double Espresso
A doppio espresso is made by using twice the usual amount of ground coffee in a larger portafilter basket, resulting in a 60 ml drink, double the size of a single shot espresso. The word “doppio” in Italian means ‘double.’ A double espresso consists of two shots, 80 ml compared to the 40 ml of regular espresso, offering a stronger aroma and more intense taste with a rich crema. A single espresso contains between 30-50 mg of caffeine, so a double-shot espresso will have 60-100 mg. This makes doppio espresso a great option for those needing a real jump start to their day. I usually use a doppio as a base for my iced coffee!
Dragonfruit Smoothie
Adding purple/red dragon fruit to smoothies in North America is often just for photos on social media, and they don’t often taste great. The fruit is very visually appealing with its magenta color! However, when frozen, blended with non-dairy milk, lime juice, and protein powder like whey isolate, it gives a creamy texture and delicious taste. Dragon fruit pairs well with sweet fruits like bananas, mangoes, strawberries, blueberries, and pineapples for added flavor. To boost the smoothie’s nutritional value, add chia seeds, hemp seeds, or greens like spinach and kale.
Dreamsicle Smoothie
This smoothie is a mix of a mango lassi and an Orange Julius and tastes like a creamsicle – bright, slightly tangy, adequately sweet, and very creamy. You will need 1 cup of Greek yogurt, ⅔ cup of ice cubes, ½ cup of chopped frozen ripe mango, ½ cup of fresh orange juice, one peeled medium orange sliced into segments, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Just put all these ingredients in a blender and blend for about a minute until smooth. Pour the mixture into two glasses and enjoy!
Dried Plum Juice (Prune Juice)
Prune juice is produced from dried plums, which are known as prunes, and is rich in nutrients essential for good health. Prunes are high in sugar, providing a good energy source. They have a low glycemic index, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. The juice is commonly manufactured using a hot extraction method and may serve as a dietary supplement with laxative properties. Occasionally, it is used to enhance flavors in tobacco products and cocktails like the Purple Dragon or Constipolitan. Prune juice offers a naturally sweet taste with deep flavors reminiscent of honey and caramel, reflecting its dried prune origins!
Dulce de Leche Latte
Dulce de leche, a sweet and creamy sauce, is made by simmering milk and sugar until it is brown and sticky. Unlike caramel sauce made with browned sugar, cream, and butter, dulce de leche uses milk instead, resulting in a golden, thickened delight. By swapping cow’s milk for goat’s, you create cajeta! A Dulce de Leche Latte contains strong coffee, milk, dulce de leche syrup, and sugar, and you can whip up this treat in minutes. For an extra creamy touch, add a splash of whipping cream, perfect for a slow, lazy morning.
Durian Smoothie
Durian can politely be called a divisive fruit from Southeast Asia as it is either loved or hated. Personally, once I get past the smell, I enjoy it. Sinh To Sau Rieng is a Vietnamese smoothie made with durian, ice, condensed milk, and whole milk. The condensed milk adds sweetness and balances the durian’s intense flavors. To make this smoothie, you need 1 ½ cups of durian flesh, 2 ½ cups of ice, three tablespoons of condensed milk, and 1 cup of whole milk. Simply blend and enjoy!
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