Ever stared at a menu and wondered if there are actually any drinks that start with Ad besides that one specific tea everyone knows? You aren't alone. It’s a niche corner of the beverage world. Most people can only name one or two off the top of their head. But honestly, if you dig into historical archives, niche health trends, and regional spirits, there’s a surprisingly weird and wonderful list of liquids waiting to be discovered.
Why the "Ad" Category is Harder Than You Think
Language is funny. In English, we have thousands of words starting with these two letters, but when it comes to liquid consumption, the list shrinks fast. You’ve got your basics, sure. But then you hit a wall. Most beverage brands favor "B" or "S" sounds because they sound more refreshing or bold.
Think about it.
Brands want names that pop. "Ad" feels soft. It feels introductory. Yet, some of the most iconic drinks in history—and some of the most bizarre herbal concoctions—sit right here. We're talking about everything from old-school American sodas to high-end Italian liqueurs that most bartenders haven't even touched since culinary school.
The Heavy Hitter: Arnold Palmer
You can't talk about drinks that start with Ad without mentioning the king of the clubhouse. The Arnold Palmer. It’s half iced tea, half lemonade. Simple? Yes. Iconic? Absolutely.
💡 You might also like: Mexican National Anthem Lyrics: What Most People Get Wrong
The story goes that the legendary golfer himself used to ask for this specific mix at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Florida. It wasn't some marketing genius in a boardroom. It was just a guy who wanted something refreshing that wasn't too sweet and wasn't too bitter. By the late 1960s, it became a cultural staple.
But here’s the thing people get wrong: the ratio. Most people think it’s a strict 50/50 split.
If you ask the true purists (or the late Arnold Palmer himself), the "real" version is actually three parts iced tea to one part lemonade. He wanted the tea to be the star. The lemonade was just the backup singer. When you buy the canned versions from brands like Arizona, you’re getting a much sweeter, mass-market interpretation. If you want the authentic experience, brew a strong black tea—something like a Ceylon or Darjeeling—and add just a splash of fresh-squeezed lemon juice and sugar.
The Spirit World: Advocaat and Beyond
If you move into the liquor cabinet, things get a bit thicker. Literally.
Advocaat is a traditional Dutch liqueur that honestly looks more like custard than a drink. It’s made from egg yolks, sugar, and brandy. It’s rich. It’s creamy. It’s basically the grandparent of eggnog but without the milk or cream. Most people know it as the primary ingredient in a Snowball cocktail (Advocaat, lime juice, and lemonade/soda).
In the Netherlands, they sometimes eat it with a spoon.
Then you have Adonis. No, not the Greek myth, though the drink is just as classic. The Adonis is a sherry-based cocktail that dates back to the late 1800s. It was created to honor a Broadway musical of the same name that ran for over 600 performances—a massive deal at the time. It’s a mix of Fino sherry, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters. It’s lower in alcohol than a Martini, making it the perfect "afternoon drink" for people who want to stay classy without ending up under the table.
Let’s look at some regional and niche options:
- Adelshoffen: A French beer brand from the Alsace region. It’s a classic lager, crisp and clean, though the brewery itself has faced various closures and acquisitions over the years.
- Adina: This was a big "superfood" drink brand back in the mid-2000s. They did bottled coffees and fruit juices infused with things like hibiscus and goji berries. You don't see them as much now, but they paved the way for the current functional beverage craze.
- Admiral: This usually refers to "Admiral Nelson’s Rum," a budget-friendly spiced rum that many college students know all too well. It’s not exactly top-shelf, but it’s a staple in the "Ad" beverage lineup.
The Health and Herbal Side: Adobe and Adaptogens
In the world of wellness, "Ad" is a prefix you’ll see everywhere right now because of Adaptogens.
While "Adaptogen" isn't a single drink, it's a category of beverages that use herbs like Ashwagandha, Reishi, or Holy Basil to help the body "adapt" to stress. Brands like Kin Euphorics or Recess have turned these into a multi-million dollar industry. People are swapping their evening wine for an adaptogenic sparkling water.
Does it work?
Science is a bit mixed. Some studies suggest these herbs can lower cortisol levels, but you’d likely need to drink a lot more than one can to feel a massive shift. Still, as far as drinks that start with Ad go, the "Adaptogen Tonic" is the fastest-growing sub-sector in the US market.
Then there’s Adobe. Not the software. In some culinary circles, "Adobe" refers to a specific type of spiced broth or vinegar-based drink base used in Filipino or Mexican-inspired cocktails. It’s savory, salty, and punchy.
The Forgotten Soda: Adirondack
If you grew up in the Northeast, specifically New York, you might remember Adirondack Beverages. They’ve been around since the 1970s.
They make everything from ginger ale to "Wild Cherry" soda. They are the quintessential "local" brand—the kind you find at a backyard BBQ or a small-town grocery store. They use 100% cane sugar in many of their recipes, which gives them a leg up on the big-name corn syrup giants. Their "Blue Cream Soda" is a cult classic for anyone who likes their drinks to look like Windex but taste like vanilla heaven.
Strange Brews: Adambier
For the beer nerds, we have to talk about Adambier. This is an old-school German style that originated in Dortmund.
It’s strong. It’s dark. It’s sour.
Traditionally, it was aged in wood for long periods, which gave it a smoky, funky profile. It’s not something you’ll find at your average liquor store. You usually have to go to a specialized craft brewery that likes experimenting with historical styles. It’s a "sipping beer," meant to be enjoyed slowly because the ABV (alcohol by volume) usually climbs above 9% or 10%.
Technical Breakdown: Why These Drinks Matter
When we categorize beverages, we usually look at pH levels and sugar content. Most of the drinks in the "Ad" category fall into two extremes. You either have the highly acidic (Arnold Palmer, Adirondack Soda) or the extremely alkaline and dense (Advocaat).
| Drink Type | Primary Flavor Profile | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Arnold Palmer | Tart, Tannic, Sweet | USA |
| Advocaat | Creamy, Boozy, Custard-like | Netherlands |
| Adonis | Nutty, Herbal, Dry | USA (NY) |
| Adambier | Smoky, Sour, High ABV | Germany |
| Adirondack | Fruity, Carbonated | USA (NY) |
Honestly, the variety is staggering. You go from a child’s birthday party soda to a 19th-century Broadway cocktail in just a few letters.
DIY: How to Make a Modern "Ad" Drink
If you're looking to impress someone with a drink that fits this specific linguistic niche, try making a Spiced Adam's Apple.
It’s a riff on a hot apple cider but with a twist. You take unfiltered apple juice, add a dash of Adonis-style vermouth for depth, and top it with a splash of Adirondack ginger ale for carbonation. It’s a weird mix of historical and modern ingredients that somehow just works.
Or, if you want to keep it simple, just make a proper Arnold Palmer.
Steps for the perfect AP:
- Brew a pot of black tea. Let it sit until it's room temperature. Do not put it in the fridge while hot—it gets cloudy.
- Squeeze three lemons into a jar. Add a bit of simple syrup.
- Fill a tall glass with "good" ice (the crunchy kind).
- Pour the tea until the glass is 75% full.
- Top it with the lemon mix.
- Don't stir it too much. Let the layers mingle on their own.
The Misconceptions About Ad-Drinks
One big myth is that all "Ad" drinks are related to "Adult" beverages. Not true. While there are plenty of alcoholic options, the category is dominated by refreshment-first liquids.
Another misconception? That Adriatic drinks are a specific brand. Usually, when you see "Adriatic" on a menu, it's referring to a region (Italy, Croatia, Greece). These drinks often feature Maraschino cherries, herbal liqueurs, or salty citrus. While they "start with Ad," they are a geographical category rather than a single recipe.
Moving Forward With Your Beverage Knowledge
If you’re looking to expand your palate beyond the usual "A" drinks like Apple Juice or Ale, the "Ad" world offers a surprising amount of depth. Whether you're chasing the historical complexity of a German Adambier or the refreshing simplicity of an Arnold Palmer, there's a lot to explore.
To truly master this niche, start by experimenting with ratios. The difference between a mediocre drink and a great one is almost always in the balance of acid and sugar.
Next Steps for the Thirsty:
🔗 Read more: IKEA Bedroom Room Ideas That Don't Look Like a Catalog
- Track down a bottle of Advocaat: Check specialty liquor stores or European importers. Try it over vanilla ice cream if you aren't brave enough to drink it straight.
- Audit your tea: Buy high-quality loose-leaf tea for your next Arnold Palmer. It changes everything.
- Look for Adaptogens: Next time you’re in a "fancy" grocery store, look at the sparkling water aisle. Find one with Ashwagandha and see if you actually feel the "chill" people talk about.
- Check local breweries: Ask if they’ve ever heard of or brewed an Adambier. It’s a great conversation starter with a brewmaster.
The world of beverages is vast. Sometimes, limiting yourself to a couple of letters is the best way to find something you never knew you liked.