Q is for Quarantinis and Quince Tea, both of which are quite refreshing! Though too many Quarantinis might leave you queasy and craving quiet. Check out this list of 25 drinks beginning with the letter Q to find one that sounds thirst-quenching!
Drinks That Start With Q – Alphabetized
Your handy alphabetized list for quick reference:
Alcoholic Drinks:
- Quagmyre
- Quarantini
- Quebec Cocktail
- Quetzalteca
- Queen Bee Cocktail
- Queen Mary
- Queens Park Swizzle
- Quetzal Sour
- Quicksand
- Quince Brandy
- Quince Sour
- Quince Vodka
- Quiet Storm
- Quirky Colada
Non-Alcoholic Drinks:
- Qamar al-Din
- Qishr (Ethiopian Coffee Tea)
- Quaker Shake
- Quandong Fizz
- Quandong Juice
- Queen’s Punch
- Quenepas Juice
- Quick Berry Lemonade
- Quik
- Quince Smoothie
- Quince Tea
Drinks That Start With Q – Listed with Pictures and Facts
Alcoholic Drinks
Quagmyre
A Quagmyre is a cocktail that gets its name because it looks a bit like a muddy bog, but don’t let that fool you—it’s tasty and super refreshing, thanks to the soda water! While there are plenty of versions out there, the basic recipe is simple, mix 1/2 oz Canadian Club whisky, 1/2 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream, 2 oz chocolate milk, 1 1/2 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur, and 1 1/2 oz Perrier soda water. Shake it gently with ice, strain it into a martini glass, and you’ve got a unique drink that’s sure to surprise you.
Quarantini
Say hello to the Quarantini – the ultimate lockdown drink! Technically, any drink you’re sipping in quarantine can be called a Quarantini, but the original is a Lemon Honey Martini with a boost of vitamin C. The alcohol handles the germs, the honey and lemon support your immune system, and a little emergency vitamin C (even used to rim the glass) is a fun extra. Making a Quarantini is super easy! First, microwave some honey and water together to make a simple honey syrup. Next, mix the vodka, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a martini shaker, whisk it, then add ice and give it a good shake. Finally, strain the drink into a chilled martini glass—rimmed with powdered Vitamin C if you’re feeling fancy. Sit back, relax, and enjoy it at home, all by yourself!
Quebec Cocktail
The Quebec cocktail is a traditional Canadian drink that comes from the province of Quebec. It was first made in the 1930s by a bartender named Jacques, who wanted to highlight the unique flavors of his region. The drink quickly became a favorite among locals and soon turned into a popular choice in bars throughout the province. Loved by whiskey fans, It offers a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor, thanks to its mix of whiskey, maple syrup, and apple cider. This blend creates a smooth and warming drink with a refreshing twist. Its velvety texture and lasting finish make it a treat you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Quetzalteca
Quetzalteca is a traditional alcoholic drink from Guatemala, known as a type of aguardiente, a strong, clear liquor made from sugar cane. It holds a special place in Guatemalan culture and gets its name from the quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird, which represents freedom and wealth. Quetzalteca is known for its strong flavor and high alcohol content. It comes in a few delicious flavors, each with its own unique twist. The original is a smooth aguardiente made from rums and other spirits, with 40% ABV—perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or mixed into cocktails. The Rosa de Jamaica flavor adds a sweet tart kick with hibiscus flowers, making it a great option for those who find the original too strong. Tamarindo brings a sweet and tangy taste with tamarind, which some find a bit too sugary to drink plain but love when mixed in cocktails or paired with lemonade.
Queen Bee Cocktail
The Queen Bee cocktail is a sweet and refreshing mix of honey, lemon, gin, and a splash of sparkling wine. Created in the 1920s during Prohibition to hide the harsh taste of homemade gin, it has since become a favorite for its balanced flavors and elegant vibe. The honey gives it a rich sweetness, the lemon adds a bright tang, the gin brings subtle herbal notes, and the sparkling wine tops it off with a fizzy, dry finish. Perfect for garden parties, afternoon teas, or fancy gatherings.
Queen Mary
The Queen Mary beer cocktail is a sweet, fruity mix of grenadine and beer, often garnished with maraschino cherries. Served in beer glassware, it’s known for its distinctive pink or cherry-colored foam head. Best enjoyed chilled, this drink was created in the early 2000s by the University of Calgary Dinos men’s swimming team in Calgary, Canada. Since then, it has gained popularity in North America, Europe, and Australia as a sweeter alternative to a shandy. The cocktail is said to be named after Mary of Teck, the Queen Consort of King George V of the United Kingdom.
Queens Park Swizzle
The Queen’s Park Swizzle is a classic drink that dates back to the 1920s in Trinidad and Tobago. It was first made at the Queen’s Park Hotel in Port of Spain, which is where it got its name. This cocktail is a great choice if you like a refreshing mix of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. It combines the cool taste of mint, the sweetness of sugar, the tang of lime, and the rich kick of rum for a satisfying experience. The cocktail was made popular in the U.S. by bartender Don Beach, who introduced it at his Hollywood bar in the 1930s. In recent years, it has made a comeback thanks to the craft cocktail movement.
Quetzal Sour
The Quetzal greets the senses with a mix of smoke, grapefruit, and cinnamon aromas. Each sip began with bright notes of grapefruit and lime, followed by the rich, smoky flavor of mezcal and a touch of bitter herbs, finishing smoothly with a warm hint of cinnamon. Mix 1 1/2 ounces of Mezcal (like Fidencio) with 3/4 ounce of grapefruit juice, 1/2 ounce of lime juice, 3/8 ounce of cinnamon syrup, 3/8 ounce of Campari, and a dash of Peychaud’s Bitters. Shake everything together with ice, then strain it into a cocktail coupe. Finish it off with a grapefruit twist or a lime wheel for garnish, and enjoy!
Quicksand
Quicksand might seem dangerous in movies, but in reality, it’s not as deadly as it looks. Since quicksand has a density of about 2 grams per milliliter and humans have a density of about 1 gram per milliliter, it’s impossible for a person to sink deeper than their waist. Most deaths linked to quicksand happen because of other causes, like dehydration or hypothermia. But, who even wants to test that theory? I’d rather just get my quicksand fix from the muddy looking drink of the same name. To make this cocktail, combine 1/2 ounce of black sambuca and 4 ounces of orange juice in a shaker with ice. Shake it well, then strain the mixture into a cocktail glass. Doesn’t look great but the flavors work surprisingly well together.
Quince Brandy
The sweet, floral aroma and sharp tang of ripe quince pair beautifully with the rich flavor of fruity cognac. Start by washing and drying the quince, then either grate or finely chop it. Fill two quart-sized jars about three-quarters full with the prepared quince. If you’d like, add 3 to 4 whole cloves and a cinnamon stick for extra flavor. Pour in the cognac until the jars are full, seal them tightly, and store them in a cool, dark place to age for at least 6 weeks, though you can let it mature for up to a year or more. Once it’s ready, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer and then a coffee filter to remove any small particles. Enjoy your homemade quince-infused cognac!
Quince Sour
A quince sour is made with fruity, honey-scented vodka full of unique, complex flavors that are sure to make you smile. To make this cocktail, combine 50ml of Quince Vodka Liqueur, 25ml of your favorite gin, 1 teaspoon of runny honey, a dash of bitters, and some ice in a shaker. Shake it up well, then strain it into a tumbler with fresh ice cubes. Top it off with soda water, add another dash of bitters, and garnish with a slice of lemon. Give it a stir, take a sip, and enjoy every moment!
Quince Vodka
Quince Vodka has a unique taste with hints of floral and tropical fruit, paired with a light, perfume-like aroma that sets it apart from other flavors. It’s perfect with a simple mixer or as a creative base for cocktails that stand out from the usual classics. My personal favorite? A quince vodka gimlet—it’s a must-try! Combine 1.5 oz Quince Vodka, 3/4 oz lime juice, 3/4 oz lime cordial, ½ oz of simple syrup, and 3 mint leaves in a shaker. Add ice and shake well for about 20 seconds. Double strain the mixture into a cocktail glass, then finish it off with a garnish of a dehydrated lime wheel and a sprig of mint.
Quiet Storm
The Quiet Storm was inspired by the hot, humid summer days of New York City. EO bartender Milos Zica wanted to create a bourbon cocktail that anyone could enjoy, regardless of age or gender. He started by infusing Silence tea from T Salon, a blend of rooibos (South African red bush tea) with roses, vanilla, orange, and almonds—all known for their calming qualities. To preserve the tea’s soft flavors and rich terra-cotta color, he steeped it in sweet white vermouth. He then added ginger beer, lemon juice, and simple syrup to complete the drink. The name nods to the Silence tea and the ginger beer, which gives a subtle connection to the classic Dark and Stormy. The result is an elegant, refreshing whiskey cocktail perfect for any occasion.
Quirky Colada
A quirky colada is an umbrella term for any drink that is a fun twist on the classic Piña Colada, taking the original idea in surprising new directions. One example is the Sherry Colada at Eastern Standard in Boston. It’s even been featured on the menu at The Baldwin Bar, another great cocktail spot in the Boston area. To make your own quirky colada, replace the rum base with something else, and experiment! While these drinks often show up on fancy cocktail menus, they’re easy enough to make at home—no blender required once you have the ingredients!
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Qamar al-Din
Qamar al-Din (Arabic: قمرالدين, meaning “Moon of the Faith”) is a type of apricot fruit commonly used to make a sweet apricot juice or nectar. This popular drink is a staple in Arab cuisine and is especially enjoyed during Ramadan. Originating in Syria, it was first made in the Ghouta region, known for growing the perfect variety of apricots for qamar al-din. While it is enjoyed throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and Somalia, Syrian qamar al-din is still considered the best, as the ideal apricots for its production are only found in Syria and parts of southwestern Turkey.
Qishr (Ethiopian Coffee Tea)
Qishr is a traditional Yemeni drink made from spiced coffee husks, ginger, and sometimes cinnamon or other spices. It’s a popular choice in Yemen because it’s cheaper than regular coffee and helps reduce waste by using the coffee bean shells instead of the beans. This gives it a lighter, tea-like flavor with less caffeine. While traditional recipes use coffee husks, many people today make qishr with finely ground coffee beans since they are easier to find. In Western countries, qishr is often called ginger coffee or spiced ginger coffee when extra spices are added.
Quaker Shake
Boost your morning smoothie with 4 grams of fiber by adding 1/2 cup of Quaker Oats or 8oz of Oat Beverage, which gets its fiber from oat bran and chicory root. You can mix the oats into almost any smoothie you make! I love this trick when I’m short on time and need a quick breakfast that’s more filling than just a plain fruit smoothie. My favorite is a simple frozen banana, oats, cinnamon, and plant based milk to start my day.
Quandong Fizz
The quandong is a little-known Australian bush fruit that has been valued by Aboriginal Australians for centuries. They used it in many ways, eating the fruit raw or drying it as a rich source of vitamin C. In her book Bush Food, Jennifer Isaacs explains how Aboriginal people burned the tree’s branches and stood children in the smoke to make them stronger for long journeys. They also made tea from the quandong leaves as a purgative and created a root infusion to help with rheumatism. Today, quandong is gaining popularity for its tangy, sour flavor, which adds a refreshing twist to fizzy sodas, lemonade, and other non-alcoholic drinks made by Australian companies.
Quandong Juice
The fresh quandong has a taste that’s hard to pin down. Some compare it to a “bush peach,” while others say it’s like a mix of peach and rhubarb. One thing everyone agrees on—it’s very tangy and will definitely make your mouth pucker. Its unique flavor can easily be overpowered if too much sugar is added, so many people prefer using honey as a sweetener since it balances the tanginess without masking the flavor. Quandongs are quite versatile—you can turn them into juice, freeze them for smoothies, or use them to make pies and tarts.
Queen’s Punch
Queens Punch is a refreshing pineapple-based mocktail perfect for parties. Made with pineapple juice, club soda, and a hint of peppermint, this drink is both unique and easy to prepare. To make it, you’ll need water, lime zest, sugar, pineapple juice, lemon juice, club soda, peppermint extract, peppermint syrup, cherries, and a few ice cubes. Start by boiling sugar and lemon zest in water for about 5 minutes. Once done, strain the mixture and stir in cherries and pineapple juice while it’s still hot. Let it cool a bit, then add ice, club soda, and peppermints. Finally, mix in some lemon juice, give it a good stir, and it’s ready to serve!
Quenepas Juice
Try the refreshing taste of Quenepas Juice! Made from sweet and tangy quenepas, also called Spanish limes, this tropical drink brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to your glass. Mixed with ginger, lime, and a touch of honey or sugar, it’s not only tasty but also good for you, packed with antioxidants and nutrients. Perfect for a hot day, this juice is a delicious way to stay cool and give your immune system a natural boost.
Quick Berry Lemonade
This simple berry lemonade only needs three ingredients and is super easy to make! Frozen berries work perfectly, and I always keep some in my freezer. Just combine sugar, frozen berries, and 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Let it gently boil for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and break apart. Blend the homemade simple syrup mixture until smooth, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve over 2 cups of ice in a pitcher to quickly cool it down. Next, mix the strained syrup, lemon juice, and 3 cups of cold water in a large pitcher, stirring well with a wooden spoon. Add more water if needed to adjust the taste. For an extra summer touch, toss in fresh berries and lemon slices to your glass.
Quik
Nesquik started in the United States in 1948 as Nestlé Quik, a chocolate powder for mixing into milk. In the 1950s, it was introduced in Europe under the name Nesquik. By 1999, the name was changed to Nesquik worldwide, including in countries like the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Australia, but I still remember it and refer to it as Quik. Old habits die hard! That same year, Nesquik Cereal was launched by Cereal Partners Worldwide, offering a breakfast option that turns milk into chocolate milk, much like Cocoa Puffs.
Quince Smoothie
Although raw quince is famously bitter, juicing it unlocks loads of health benefits. This often-overlooked fruit comes from the Middle East and is packed with dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium—all in one drink! To make it, you’ll need 1 quince, a wedge of lemon, 1 orange, 1 apple, 1 cup of pumpkin, 1-2 cups of apple juice, and a dash of cinnamon. Blend it all together for a smoothie that’s as healthy as it is delicious!
Quince Tea
Quince tea is a popular Persian drink made with dried quince and black tea. It’s often enjoyed with sugar cubes or date cookies and is packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B, and copper. This tea is not only healthy but also super tasty and perfect for warming up on chilly winter days! To make this flavorful tea, start by washing and grating four quinces into thick shreds without peeling them, as the skin is nutritious. Let the grated quince dry in the open air for three to four days, or speed up the process by putting them in the oven. Next, brown the dried quince in a pan over medium heat until it loses its water, then let it cool for an hour and store it in a jar. When ready to brew, boil some water and pour it into a teapot with 2 teaspoons of dried quince, 1 teaspoon of black tea (or 2 tea bags), and a single rosebud. Let it steep for about 10 minutes before enjoying.
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