The rich, tangy flavour of blackcurrant is a firm favourite across the UK, but the sheer variety of blackcurrant drinks available can make choosing the right one a challenge. Whether you're planning a party, looking for a daily refreshment or seeking a functional beverage, the options are vast. As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the market. This guide offers clear, practical advice to help you find a blackcurrant drink that perfectly suits your taste and occasion.
Before you buy blackcurrant drinks online, considering a few key factors can ensure you make a satisfying choice. The world of blackcurrant flavour drinks extends from classic cordials to sophisticated spirits and health-focused ferments.
The right drink often depends on the setting. For social gatherings or creating vibrant blackcurrant cocktails, a spirit or blackcurrant liqueur offers versatility and a lively character. These are often designed to be mixed with lemonade, soda or prosecco. In contrast, for everyday family hydration, a traditional blackcurrant squash or cordial is a more practical and economical choice. It provides a customisable flavour strength and is a staple in many British households.
Reading the ingredients list is crucial. If you're looking for non-alcoholic blackcurrant drinks, check for a 0% ABV label. For those managing sugar intake, compare the 'of which sugars' value per 100ml. The market also includes functional beverages like blackcurrant kombucha, which contains live cultures and is often lower in sugar than traditional soft drinks. These options cater to a growing interest in drinks that offer more than just refreshment.
Here are a few standout options that cater to different tastes and purposes, selected from the wide range available.
Why It Stands Out: This spirit drink delivers a distinctive balance of sweet and sour. It starts with the aroma of ripe blackcurrants and finishes with a sharp, tangy kick. Its lower alcohol content (15% ABV) makes it a sessionable choice for social events, and the unique glow-in-the-dark bottle adds a visual element to any party or home bar.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is an ideal choice for young adults (18+) looking for a vibrant and shareable drink for parties, pre-drinks or social evenings with friends.
Why It Stands Out: A true British classic, Ribena is made with British-grown blackcurrants and is known for its rich, fruity taste. This large 1.5L concentrate format is a household staple, offering great value and convenience. It contains real fruit juice (30% blackcurrant juice from concentrate) and is fortified with Vitamin C, with no artificial colours.
Pros:
Who is it for? Perfect for families or individuals looking for a reliable, flavourful and refreshing daily drink. It's a versatile cordial that can be diluted to each person's preference.
Why It Stands Out: This drink offers a modern take on the blackcurrant flavour by blending it with live kombucha and apple cider vinegar. Crafted on a family farm in Herefordshire, it uses just five clean ingredients and is naturally fermented. It's a gently carbonated, alcohol-free option that provides a sophisticated alternative to sugary soft drinks.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is an excellent option for health-conscious consumers seeking a functional, non-alcoholic blackcurrant drink. It's ideal for anyone looking for a refreshing, low-sugar alternative to traditional sodas or alcoholic beverages.
The three options above represent just a fraction of the diverse world of blackcurrant beverages. If you're looking for a different style of cordial, another type of liqueur or simply want to browse more choices, there are many other products to discover.
To see a wider selection, explore our full range of blackcurrant drink options available online.
A blackcurrant liqueur like Sourz is highly versatile. It pairs well with simple mixers like lemonade or soda water for a refreshing long drink. For a celebratory twist, try adding a splash to a glass of prosecco. It can also serve as the base for more complex blackcurrant cocktails.
The health profile of blackcurrant squash can vary. Many brands, such as Ribena, are fortified with Vitamin C and made with real fruit juice. However, it's always advisable to check the nutrition label for sugar content, as this can differ between regular and no-added-sugar versions. Diluting the squash properly according to the instructions is key to managing sugar intake per serving.
Blackcurrant kombucha offers a unique flavour experience. You'll first notice the familiar sweet and tart notes of blackcurrant, which are then followed by the characteristic tangy, slightly vinegary and effervescent finish of traditionally brewed kombucha. The result is a layered and refreshing drink that is less sweet than a typical soft drink.