U is for Ube milkshakes and Umeshu, both of which are unique! Though too much Umeshu might leave you uneasy and urging for an Uber. Check out this list of 25 drinks beginning with the letter U to find one that sounds unforgettable!
Drinks That Start With U – Alphabetized
Your handy alphabetized list for quick reference:
Alcoholic Drinks
- Ube-tini Cocktail
- Ugandan Waragi
- Ulanda Cocktail
- Ultimate Bloody Mary
- Ulysses Cocktail
- Umeshu
- Uncle Nearest Whiskey
- Under Current
- Unicorn Margarita
- Union Jack Cocktail
- Uppercut
- Upside Down
- UV Vodka
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Ube Bubble Tea
- Ube Iced Latte
- Ube Milkshake
- Ugandan Ginger Tea
- Ugli Fruit
- Ultimate Lemonade
- Ultra Clear Fruit Flavored Beverage
- Uludağ Gazoz
- Umeboshi Tea
- Unicorn Frappuccino
- Unsweetened Iced Tea
- Unfiltered Apple Cider
Drinks That Start With U – Listed with Pictures and Facts
Alcoholic Drinks
Ube-tini Cocktail
The Ube-tini is a modern twist on the classic martini, inspired by the traditional Filipino dessert, Ube Halaya. This cocktail perfectly blends the sweet, earthy flavor of Ube (purple yam) with the creamy richness of coconut cream and condensed milk, creating a dessert-like drink. Its velvety texture and vibrant purple color make it as visually appealing as it is delicious. To make an Ube-tini, you’ll need 2 oz of ube jam, 1.5 oz of vodka, 1 oz of coconut cream, 0.5 oz of condensed milk, and some ice. Shake it all together and pour into a glass, garnishing with a purple yam stick for the final touch. The 2 oz of ube jam is the key ingredient, adding just the right balance of flavor and color—enough to shine without overpowering the drink.
Ugandan Waragi
Uganda Waragi is a gin deeply rooted in Ugandan culture and history. For generations, locals enjoyed their traditional gin, a recipe passed down and cherished as a symbol of the land. When British settlers arrived, they nicknamed it “war gin,” referencing its role in celebrations of victory, a name that eventually evolved into Waragi. In the 1960s, as Uganda gained independence in 1962, the country experienced a wave of transformation, including the creation of its first triple-distilled gin, Uganda Waragi. Crafted by 26 skilled blenders, led by Master Blender Joel Sentamu, this unique gin was produced near Port Bell, using the fresh waters of Lake Victoria to give it its distinct, aromatic flavor. Combining lime zest, juniper berries from Greece, nutmeg, and cassia bark, it remains the only gin in the world to use such a blend of botanicals. Known as “The Spirit of Uganda,” Uganda Waragi has brought people together in celebration since 1965.
Ulanda Cocktail
The Ulanda cocktail, inspired by the vibrant Ulanda Island, was crafted in the 1960s by famous mixologist Jack Thompson. This tropical drink was made to reflect the island’s lively culture and lush scenery, quickly becoming a favorite for both tourists and locals. A perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and a hint of spice, the Ulanda combines fruity flavors of pineapple and passion fruit with zesty lime and a touch of ginger’s warmth. The smooth richness of rum ties it all together, making this cocktail a refreshing staple at beach bars and upscale lounges alike.
Ultimate Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a drink that’s always evolving, making it tough to pin down a single “classic” recipe. At its core, it’s all about balancing five key flavors: savory, spicy, sour, spirit, and umami. Traditional versions often include ingredients like salted tomato juice, hot sauce, lemon juice, vodka, and Worcestershire sauce. But the beauty of a Bloody Mary is how customizable it is—think of it as a blank canvas for your creativity. This recipe is what I would call the ULTIMATE bloody mary. Start by lightly charring scallion stems and jalapeño over an open flame or in a hot pan, then dice them once cooled. Mix these with tomato juice, horseradish, lemon juice, pickle or caper brine, Maggi Seasoning sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to blend the flavors. When ready to serve, pour 1½ ounces of vodka into each ice-filled glass, then top with the Bloody Mary mix. Garnish with whatever fits your style—vegetables, olives, bacon, or even beef jerky. Perfect for experimenting and creating a custom version you’ll love for weekend mornings.
Ulysses Cocktail
The Ulysses cocktail takes its inspiration from the legendary journey of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey. This bold and complex drink is perfect for anyone who loves a good story of adventure and heroism. Its flavors are a tribute to the Mediterranean, mirroring the diverse lands Odysseus visited. The cocktail strikes a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and bitter, starting with a refreshing citrus burst, followed by the smooth sweetness of honey and a touch of herbal bitterness. It finishes with a warm, spicy kick of ginger, making every sip as memorable as the epic it’s named after.
Umeshu
Umeshu is a traditional Japanese liqueur made by soaking unripe green ume plums in shōchū and sugar, resulting in a sweet and slightly sour flavor with an alcohol content of 10–15%. Popular brands like Choya, Takara Shuzo, and Matsuyuki are widely known, and some bottles even include whole ume fruits inside. Many people also enjoy making their own umeshu at home. Japanese restaurants often serve various types of umeshu, either on its own or as part of cocktails like Umeshu on the Rocks (umeshu rokku), Umeshu Sour (umeshu sawa), Umeshu Tonic (mixed with tonic water), or Umeshu Soda (with carbonated water). It can also be mixed with green tea (o-cha-wari) or warm water (o-yu-wari). Umeshu is versatile and can be enjoyed chilled, over ice, at room temperature, or even hot during winter. While some varieties use artificial flavoring to mimic the taste of plums, authentic umeshu, called Honkaku Umeshu, is made purely from ume fruit, sugar, and alcohol without any additives.
Uncle Nearest Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is a Tennessee whiskey brand created to honor Nathan “Nearest” Green, a formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel the art of distilling. Based in Shelbyville, Tennessee, Uncle Nearest is now recognized as the fastest-growing whiskey brand in the U.S. and the most successful Black-owned distillery in the world. Since its launch, the brand has released eight variants, including its original silver and aged whiskeys, as well as single-barrel and rye options. The whiskey’s unique process incorporates corn malt and a triple charcoal mellowing system for a distinct flavor. Uncle Nearest has earned widespread acclaim, being named one of the “100 Reasons to Love America” by People magazine in 2021 and featured on Inc.’s list of fastest-growing U.S. companies from 2019 to 2022.
Under Current
The Under Current cocktail is a bright and refreshing drink that’s become a favorite in modern bars, especially during the summer. Known for its balanced mix of sweet and sour flavors with a fruity twist, it’s a go-to choice for younger crowds who love its eye-catching appearance and delicious taste. The cocktail features Blue Curacao for a citrusy sweetness, raspberry liqueur for a tart berry flavor, and currant vodka for a smooth finish, topped off with a fizzy splash of Sprite. A touch of sugar syrup, sweet and sour mix, and Chambord complete the recipe, creating a vibrant drink often served in a highball glass to highlight its colorful layers. Its exact origins are unclear, but it’s believed to have come from the craft cocktail scene.
Unicorn Margarita
The Unicorn Margarita takes tequila’s classic cocktail to a whole new level with a fun twist! This version uses color-changing tequila, made with butterfly pea flower, which starts out a vibrant blue and shifts colors when you mix it. To make it, combine 2 ounces of Unicorn Butterfly Pea Tequila, ½ ounce of triple sec, and 1 ounce of lime juice in a shaker filled with ice. Don’t toss your lime just yet—you can use it to rim your glass with kosher salt if you like. Shake everything for about 10 seconds, then pour it into your glass. If you salted the rim, rub the juiced lime around the edge and dip it into the salt before pouring. Finish it off with a lime wedge for garnish and enjoy this eye-catching drink!
Union Jack Cocktail
The Union Jack cocktail brings together the vibrant flavors of gin in two unique forms. It starts with the classic botanical notes of gin, paired with the rich, fruity essence of sloe gin—a red liqueur made by infusing gin with sloe berries. A splash of grenadine adds a hint of sweetness and creates the cocktail’s striking red hue, echoing the colors of the British flag. Presented in an elegant cocktail glass, this drink delivers a bold and memorable taste, blending the crispness of gin with the tart, fruity profile of sloe gin.
Uppercut
Mix up a refreshing cocktail with 1 1/4 ounces of Cointreau, 3/4 ounce of unaged cachaça, 1/2 ounce of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, 1/2 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a dash of Angostura bitters. Combine everything in a shaker with ice and shake until nicely chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. Finish it off with a twist of grapefruit as a garnish. Cointreau, at 40% ABV, takes the spotlight in this drink, with nearly twice as much as the cachaça, flipping the usual balance of these spirits to create a fruity, flavorful cocktail.
Upside Down
Low-ABV (alcohol by volume) drinks are becoming super popular as more people embrace mindful drinking and look to cut back on alcohol without giving up their favorite social rituals. If you love cocktails but want to drink less alcohol, upside-down cocktails are an easy solution. This trend involves flipping the usual ratios of high-ABV spirits like vodka, gin, or tequila with lower-ABV ingredients like vermouth, liqueurs, or amaro. For example, instead of using two ounces of gin and one ounce of vermouth in a recipe, you’d use one ounce of gin and two ounces of vermouth. The result is a cocktail with less alcohol but a similar flavor, letting you enjoy your drink for just as long while cutting back on how much alcohol is actually bneing injested.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Ube Bubble Tea
Ube milk tea, also known as purple bubble tea, is a sweet and creamy drink made with a base of purple yam, milk tea, and tapioca pearls. The key ingredient, called “halaya ube” in the Philippines, is a yam paste created by cooking thawed purple yam with coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. This paste gives the drink its signature nutty, lightly sweet flavor with subtle vanilla notes. Ube milk tea stands out for its rich purple color and balanced taste, making it a refreshing treat that’s not too sugary. Whether you use fresh ube, extract, or powder, you can easily recreate this vibrant drink at home. It’s perfect for boba lovers looking to try something unique!
Ube Iced Latte
An ube latte is a sweet, creamy drink made with espresso, ube flavoring, sweetened condensed coconut milk, and your choice of milk (oat, cow’s, or coconut milk work best). You can use freshly brewed espresso or instant coffee to make it. Ube extract is the key ingredient, giving the drink its signature purple color and rich, sweet flavor. To make an iced ube latte, start by mixing sweetened condensed coconut milk and ube extract in a tall glass until fully combined. Stir in your milk of choice, making sure the mixture dissolves completely. Add ice to the glass, then pour espresso over the top. Be careful when handling ube extract, as it can stain! Popular ube flavoring brands in the U.S. include Butterfly and McCormick.
Ube Milkshake
To make a delicious ube milkshake, combine ½ cup of ube halaya, ½ teaspoon of ube extract, ½ cup of coconut milk, and 3 cups of vanilla ice cream in a blender. Blend everything together until smooth and creamy. Pour the milkshake into a glass, and it’s ready to enjoy! Grab your Vitamix or any blender and get started—it’s that easy!
Ugandan Ginger Chai
Ugandan Ginger Chai tea is a warm, comforting drink that’s perfect for chilly days and offers a unique twist with its blend of spices like ginger and cinnamon. To make it, boil a cup of water in a saucepan, then stir in two tablespoons of black tea leaves. Add two cups of milk and mix well. Next, grate about 30g of fresh ginger and add it to the pot, along with a cinnamon stick. Sweeten with sugar or honey to taste, and let everything simmer until the flavors blend together. This tea is easy to make and great for anyone who loves trying new, flavorful drinks or wants a lower-caffeine alternative to coffee.
Ugli Fruit Juice
Ugli fruit, also known as tangelo, is a hybrid of an orange and a grapefruit. Despite its rough, greenish-yellow skin that gives it an unappetizing look, the fruit is packed with benefits. Its name, “UGLI,” is actually a brand that plays on the word “ugly,” but this unique name has become one of its most common identifiers. Shaped like a teardrop and larger than a grapefruit, ugli fruit is easy to peel and reveals bright orange flesh inside. Like other citrus fruits, the flesh is divided into sections by a white, net-like pith. It’s a nutrient-rich fruit, full of vitamin C, low in calories, and contains flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Juicy and flavorful, its taste is described as a mix of sweet and tangy, with a hint of bitterness.
Ultimate Lemonade
This isn’t your average lemonade—it’s summer in a glass, a vibrant mix of sunshine and citrus that takes the classic drink to a whole new level. Say goodbye to boring, one-note lemonade and hello to a bold, flavorful blend of lemon, lime, and tangerine. This recipe combines the juice and zest of all three fruits to create a drink that’s perfectly sweet, refreshingly tart, and full of zesty aroma. The lemon remains the star, but the limes and tangerines add a fragrant twist that makes every sip exciting. To get started, all you need are fresh, firm citrus fruits (no soft spots!), white sugar, water, and ice. It’s simple, delicious, and the ultimate way to elevate your homemade lemonade game.
Ultra Clear Fruit Flavored Beverage
RESOURCE® ULTRA Clear Fruit Flavoured Beverage is a refreshing, high-calorie dietary supplement, offering an alternative to traditional milky supplements. Each 6.76 fl oz bottle provides 300 kcal, 14g of high-quality 100% whey protein, and essential vitamins and minerals to support nutritional needs. Fat-free and easy to include in liquid diets, it is specifically created to help manage malnutrition and other medical conditions where regular diets may not meet increased nutritional requirements. The whey protein in this supplement plays a key role in stimulating protein synthesis and supporting muscle health, especially in older or vulnerable adults.
Uludağ Gazoz
Uludağ Gazoz, often simply called Uludağ, is a popular soft drink made by the Turkish company Erbak-Uludağ İçecek A.Ş., based in Bursa. First created in 1930, this carbonated lemonade, known as Gazoz in Turkish, has become well-known both in Turkey and internationally, with exports reaching over 30 countries by 2018. In addition to its classic lemon flavor, the brand also offers an orange version called Uludağ Gazoz Orange. The drink gets its name from Mount Uludağ in western Turkey, as it was originally made using the mountain’s natural water sources. The word “Gazoz” comes from the French word “gazeuse,” meaning gaseous, and in Turkish, it refers to any sweet, carbonated lemonade. By 2013, Erbak-Uludağ İçecek A.Ş. reported over $200 million in total sales, cementing Uludağ Gazoz as one of Turkey’s most iconic beverages.
Umeboshi Tea
Umeboshi, often called “Japanese salted plums,” are pickled ume fruits that are a staple in Japanese cuisine. While ume is commonly referred to as a plum, it is actually more closely related to apricots. These tangy, brined fruits are sometimes dried, but when they aren’t, they’re known as umezuke. A popular traditional Japanese remedy using umeboshi is Ume-Sho Bancha, often called “all-cure tea” in macrobiotic practices. This simple drink is made by dissolving umeboshi and soy sauce (shoyu or tamari) into roasted green tea, or bancha, with the option to add grated ginger for extra flavor and benefits. Ume-Sho Bancha is believed to help with fatigue, colds, upset stomachs, loss of appetite, and even boosting the immune system. For a stronger effect, kuzu (a starchy powder) can be added, transforming it into Ume-Sho Kuzu. To make Ume-Sho Bancha, simply crush an umeboshi fruit, mix it with soy sauce, and pour hot bancha tea over it. Stir well and drink it hot, especially when feeling unwell or before meals for maximum benefit!
Unicorn Frappuccino
The “Unicorn food” craze feels like a distant memory now, a brief moment when rainbow-colored bagels and flashy treats dominated social media. The craze originally started with a wellness blogger using natural dyes like beetroot to add color to food, but it quickly spiraled into a wave of vibrant cakes, ice creams, and lattes designed more for Instagram than taste. Starbucks jumped on the fad with its pink-and-blue drink made from sweet powders, mango syrup, and sour drizzle, which was only available for five days. Despite its popularity online, the drink didn’t make a comeback, likely because it was a hassle for baristas to make and didn’t taste very good.
Unsweetened Iced Tea
On a hot summer day, few things are more refreshing than a glass of cold, unsweetened iced tea. Whether you’re lounging at home, having a picnic, or just need a cool drink to beat the heat, iced tea is a simple and satisfying choice. The key to great iced tea is starting with high-quality tea leaves, with black tea being the most popular option for its bold flavor that holds up well over ice. Varieties like Assam, Ceylon, and Darjeeling are excellent choices, but you can also try green tea, oolong, or herbal teas to mix it up. To achieve the best flavor, cold brewing is the way to go. This method involves steeping tea leaves in cold water for 8 to 12 hours, creating a silky, naturally smooth flavor without bitterness. Once brewed, strain the tea into a clean container, toss out the leaves, and pour it over ice. Add a slice of lemon, a sprig of mint, or even a cucumber slice for a refreshing twist, and enjoy a perfectly chilled drink that hits the spot.
Unfiltered Apple Cider
In the United States and Canada, apple cider, also known as sweet cider or soft cider, is a non-alcoholic, unfiltered, and unsweetened drink made from apples. It’s often just called “cider” in North America but shouldn’t be confused with the alcoholic drink known as cider in other countries, which Americans call “hard cider.” Outside North America, this drink is typically referred to as cloudy apple juice to distinguish it from clear, filtered apple juice and hard cider. Fresh apple cider is made by pressing whole apples, including imperfect ones, along with their cores and trimmings. It has an opaque look due to fine apple particles and tends to taste tangier than regular apple juice, though the flavor depends on the apple variety used. Traditionally made in the autumn, cider is a popular drink during holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, and is sometimes served heated or spiced as mulled cider.
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
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