I is for Iced Tea and Irish Coffee, both of which are incredible! Though too much of the latter might leave you feeling irritable and in need of an icy drink. Check out this list of 25 drinks beginning with the letter I to find one that sounds irresistible!
Drinks That Start With I – Alphabetized
Your handy alphabetized list for quick reference:
Alcoholic Drinks:
- Iguana
- Imperial Stout
- Indian Summer
- Infused Gin Tonic
- Ink Martini
- International Sour
- Irish Coffee
- Irish Cream Martini
- Irish Mule
- Irish Whiskey Sour
- Island Breeze
- Italian Margarita
Non-Alcoholic Drinks:
- Ice Cream Float
- Iced Coffee
- Iced Chai Latte
- Iced Milo
- Iced Tea
- Iced Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
- Illy Coffee
- Inca Kola
- Irish Moss
- Irn-Bru
- Italian Soda
- Italian Sparkling Lemonade
- Indian Masala Chai
Drinks That Start With I-Listed with Picture and Facts
Alcoholic Drinks:
Iguana
The Iguana cocktail is a tropical drink first created in the 1960s at a beachside bar in Mexico. It quickly became popular for its refreshing taste and bright color, making it a favorite at beach parties, poolside gatherings, and summer events. Made with 1.5 oz of vodka, 1 oz of melon liqueur, 2 oz of pineapple juice, 1 oz of orange juice, and 0.5 oz of lime juice, the Iguana offers a balance of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The mix of pineapple, lime, and orange juices adds tanginess, while the melon liqueur provides a light touch of sweetness.
Imperial Stout
Imperial Stout is a strong, dark beer with bold flavors and high alcohol content, typically around 9%. Known as Russian Imperial Stout due to its history of being exported from England to the Baltic states for Empress Catherine II of Russia, it was originally brewed in London with alcohol levels over 10% to survive long sea journeys. This style is rich with flavors like dark chocolate and coffee, often enhanced with ingredients like vanilla, coconut, or chili. Its thickness and lower carbonation make it unique, and it’s great for aging, especially in barrels that once held bourbon, whiskey, or wine.
Indian Summer
The Indian Summer cocktail is a drink inspired by the warm, sunny days of India, blending tropical and spicy flavors. It was first created in the early 20th century by British expats in India, who wanted a drink that reflected the colors and tastes of their surroundings. This cocktail combines mango puree, lime juice, ginger syrup, and chili-infused vodka for a mix of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The mango adds sweetness, the lime brings tartness, and the ginger and chili give it a subtle heat. Serve over ice with mint leaves and garnish with a chili pepper and lime wheel.
Infused Gin
One fun way to experiment with gin is by infusing it with different flavors at home. While homemade flavored gin won’t match the quality of top craft gins, it’s a great way to try something new or create a thoughtful gift. To make your own, use a sterilized jar or bottle, add your chosen fruits, herbs, or spices to the gin, and let the mixture infuse. A good starting point is about one-third fruit to gin. Strong flavors like citrus peel or chili need less time, while fruits may take a week or more. Taste regularly and strain when ready!
Ink Martini
The Ink Gin Martini is a simple yet striking cocktail inspired by its vibrant color and bold flavor. It is made with a particular brand of gin called Ink Gin, which has a natural hue from butterfly pea flower petals and brings strong citrus notes and a hint of pepper berry, followed by lingering citrus oils. This recipe combines 60 ml of Ink Gin with 10 ml of Maidenii Dry Vermouth, both Australian-made and garnished with fresh lavender. To prepare, chill a Martini glass in the freezer for 10 minutes. Stir the gin and vermouth with ice in a mixing glass until very cold, then strain into the chilled glass. Finish with the lavender garnish.
International Sour
The International Sour is a cocktail made with amaro, lemon juice, and cognac, blending these ingredients for a smooth, balanced drink. To make it, combine 1.5 oz cognac, 0.5 oz amaro, 0.5 oz lemon juice, 0.3 oz simple syrup, and 1 egg white in a shaker. You can substitute the cognac or amaro with your favorite brand. Shake the mixture without ice for 10-15 seconds, then add ice and shake again for another 10-15 seconds. Fine strain the drink into a coupe glass, and it’s ready to serve.
Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is a warm, coffee-based alcoholic drink made with Irish whiskey, hot coffee, and sugar and topped with cream. The drink, enjoyed by sipping the coffee through the cream, has roots in earlier coffee cocktails from the 19th century, such as the Viennese Pharisäer and Fiaker, as well as French “gloria,” a mix of coffee and spirits. The modern Irish coffee recipe is often credited to Joe Sheridan, head chef at Ireland’s Foynes Airbase in the 1940s, who added whiskey to coffee for travelers. Stanton Delaplane later popularized it in the U.S. through San Francisco’s Buena Vista Café in 1952.
Irish Cream Martini
Looking for a Bailey’s cocktail that isn’t overly creamy or sweet? Try making a martini version. The result is an Irish Cream Vodka Martini—a simple but tasty drink. The vodka balances out the sweetness of the Irish Cream while keeping its rich flavor. It’s easy to make and great for any occasion. To prepare, just combine 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of Irish Cream, and ice in a shaker. Shake well, strain into a martini glass, and enjoy. You can even add green food coloring for a festive touch!
Irish Mule
The Irish Mule is a fun twist on the classic Moscow Mule, swapping vodka for Irish whiskey. This simple change adds a rich, slightly oaky flavor with hints of vanilla that pair perfectly with the ginger beer and lime juice. Topped with fresh mint, it’s a refreshing cocktail that’s sure to surprise your guests. Making one couldn’t be easier—just mix lime juice, ginger beer, and your favorite Irish whiskey. I recommend Jameson for its smooth taste, but any good Irish whiskey will work. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy whiskey, the Irish Mule might be your perfect match.
Irish Whiskey Sour
Got a bottle of Jameson and want to mix up a classic cocktail? Try the Jameson whiskey sour! This drink swaps bourbon or rye for smooth Irish whiskey, giving it a milder finish. The whiskey sour is a timeless cocktail first mentioned in the 1870s and recognized as an official drink by the International Bartender Association (IBA). To make it, you’ll need Jameson Irish whiskey, lemon juice, and either simple syrup or maple syrup. Maple syrup adds a slightly richer flavor, but both work well. It’s an easy and tasty way to enjoy your Jameson in a classic cocktail!
Island Breeze
The Island Breeze is a tropical cocktail inspired by the Caribbean’s love for fruity, refreshing drinks. Popular with beachgoers and sun lovers, it offers a simple mix of pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and vodka. The pineapple gives it a natural sweetness, while the cranberry adds a slight tartness, creating a flavor that’s both sweet and tangy. The vodka brings it all together with a light kick, making it a great choice for warm summer days. Easy to make and enjoyable to drink, the Island Breeze is a go-to cocktail for anyone looking to enjoy a taste of the tropics.
Italian Margarita
An Italian Margarita is a fun twist on the classic margarita, made with tequila, fresh lime juice, and an Italian liqueur like amaretto, limoncello, or Aperol instead of the usual orange liqueur. This version is slightly sweet but balanced, and it’s easy to make without any special prep, like simple syrup. To make one, combine 1 ½ ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of amaretto, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, pour, and enjoy a refreshing drink that’s ready in minutes.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks:
Ice Cream Float
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic Ice Cream Float, a fun and fizzy treat made by combining soda with a scoop of ice cream. In Australia, these are oddly called “spiders,” though the name doesn’t change the deliciousness. It was a real treat to have one as a kid. The best part is how customizable they are—you can pick any soda flavor you like and pair it with creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s simple to make and perfect for a quick dessert or a refreshing drink on a hot day; just don’t pour the soda over the ice cream too fast, or the foam overflows!
Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is a cold coffee drink made by brewing coffee and serving it over ice or cold milk or by using a cold brewing method. When brewed hot, sweeteners and flavors can be added before cooling to help them dissolve. It is often made stronger than regular coffee to account for dilution from melting ice. In Australia, “iced coffee” usually refers to a sweetened, coffee-flavored milk drink. The concept dates back to Algeria in the 1840s with a drink called mazagran, made from coffee syrup and cold water. By the 20th century, iced coffee had gained popularity through marketing campaigns and chain outlets like Starbucks.
Iced Chai Latte
An iced chai latte is a refreshing drink made by mixing chai concentrate, milk, and ice. Chai is created using a blend of spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper, steeped with black tea in hot water. The latte offers a balance of sweetness, creaminess, and mild spice, making it a favorite for many. Some versions include a shot of espresso for extra energy. Originating in India, chai has been a traditional drink for centuries and has since become popular worldwide, with many variations adapting to different cultures and tastes.
Iced Milo
Milo is a chocolate-flavored malted powder made by Nestlé, and it was my favorite drink growing up as a kid in Australia. It is typically mixed with milk, hot water, or both to create a beverage, but my favorite was always three teaspoons dumped into a glass of ice-cold milk. Originally developed in 1934 in Australia by Thomas Mayne, Milo is sold as a powder in green cans, often featuring sports like football or badminton. In some countries, it is also available as a premixed drink and has been adapted into products like snack bars, breakfast cereals, and protein granola. Its taste and ingredients vary between regions, but Milo remains popular in many parts of the world, especially in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Australasia.
Iced Tea
Iced tea is a cold tea drink, usually served in a glass with ice, though it can also refer to any tea that has been chilled. It can be sweetened with sugar or syrup or left unsweetened. Iced tea is often sold as a packaged drink and is commonly flavored with fruit syrups like lemon, raspberry, peach, or lime. While most iced teas are made from tea leaves, herbal teas can also be served cold and called iced tea. In Canada, iced tea usually refers to a sweetened lemon-flavored drink, while Hong Kong-style lemon tea and milk tea are also popular.
Iced Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
Vietnamese coffee takes a simple cup of coffee to the next level. One of the most popular drinks, Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá), is made by slowly brewing strong coffee, which is then mixed with sweetened condensed milk and poured over ice. If you’ve ever been to a Vietnamese phở restaurant, you’ve likely seen this drink being prepared. The coffee is brewed using a stainless steel filter called a phin, with condensed milk at the bottom. This style of coffee, known for its rich flavor and unique brewing method, is what most people think of when they hear “Vietnamese coffee.”
Illy Coffee
Illycaffè S.p.A., better known as illy, is an Italian coffee company based in Trieste that specializes in espresso. The company sells its coffee worldwide in distinctive silver and red pressurized cans designed to keep the coffee fresh. Illy also runs a chain of cafes located in shopping areas, museums, and airports. In addition to its traditional coffee offerings, illy introduced a line of coffee-flavored energy drinks called Illy Issimo in 2009. Through its products and cafes, illy has become a well-known name in the coffee industry, focusing on providing high-quality coffee to customers around the world. You would be hard-pressed to travel to any country and not see a shop serving Illy.
Inca Kola
Inca Kola, often called “Golden Kola” in international ads, is a soft drink created in Peru in 1935. Its flavor is sweet and fruity, resembling its main ingredient, lemon verbena, though some compare it to bubblegum or cream soda. Inca Kola is sometimes classified as a champagne cola. The Coca-Cola Company owns the trademark globally, except in Peru, where it is held by Corporación Inca Kola Perú S.A., a joint venture formed in 1999 between Coca-Cola and the Lindley family. While most popular in Peru, it is also available in parts of the Americas, Europe, and Latin American specialty stores worldwide.
Irish Moss
Irish moss, also known as sea moss, is a Jamaican drink made from the red algae Gracilaria, believed to have been introduced by Irish immigrants. The algae is boiled with milk, sweetened with sugar or honey, and flavored with spices like vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Some recipes include condensed milk, thickening agents, or ingredients like oats or linseed oil for extra richness. A peanut-flavored version, based on Jamaica’s peanut punch, is also popular. Known for its thick texture due to carrageenan in the seaweed, Irish moss is high in protein and calories, often marketed for athletes, bodybuilders, and as a men’s aphrodisiac.
Irn-Bru
Irn-Bru is a Scottish soda often called “Scotland’s other national drink” (after Scotch whisky, of course). First produced in 1901 by A.G. Barr in Cumbernauld, it has been a top-selling soft drink in Scotland for over a century, competing with global brands like Coca-Cola. Originally named Iron Brew, the name was changed in 1946 due to a law requiring product names to be factually accurate, as it contained little iron and wasn’t brewed. Known for its unique flavor, combining hints of banana, orange, bubblegum, and creamy citrus, Irn-Bru is sold worldwide in areas with Scottish communities and various international markets.
Italian Soda
An Italian soda is a soft drink made with carbonated water and flavored syrup. The flavors can range from fruits like cherry or blueberry to options inspired by desserts, spices, or other drinks like chocolate or chai. Some versions include cream, often called French soda or Italian cream soda. Despite the name, Italian soda originated in the United States. Torani, a company founded by Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre in San Francisco in 1925, helped popularize it by introducing flavored syrups inspired by their Italian heritage. Italian sodas remain popular today, with various brands offering ready-made versions in different flavors.
Italian Sparkling Lemonade
Limonata, or Italian lemonade, is a simple, refreshing drink made with fresh lemons, sugar, and sparkling water. Popular in Italy, especially in the warm southern regions, it’s a favorite summer drink and a must-try for tourists. The name “Limonata” comes from the Italian word for lemon, “limone.” To make it, start by washing the lemons and zesting only the yellow part of the skin to avoid bitterness. Mix the zest with sugar, pressing it to release the flavor, and add torn mint leaves for extra aroma. This lemon concentrate is then mixed with sparkling water to create a crisp, delicious drink.
Indian Masala Chai
Masala chai, meaning “mixed-spice tea,” is a popular drink from South Asia, especially India. It’s made by brewing black tea, typically Assam, in a mix of milk and water, then sweetened with sugar and flavored with spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Some recipes include black peppercorns, star anise, or even mint and lemongrass. Variations exist, such as Kashmiri chai, which uses green tea, has a milder spice mix, and includes baking soda to give it a pink hue. Globally, it’s often called “chai tea” or “chai latte,” combining spiced tea with steamed milk for a rich, flavorful drink.
More Foods/Drinks!
Yellow foods listed with pictures, facts
Yellow drinks listed with pictures, facts
100 foods that start with the letter A
100 foods that start with the letter B
100 foods that start with the letter C
3-letter foods listed with pictures and facts
4-letter foods listed with pictures and facts
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