17 British Summer Drinks You Should Try in London This June
June is when London truly starts to feel like summer.
The parks fill with picnics, rooftop bars come alive, riverside pubs spill out onto terraces and food markets become all-day destinations. As the city moves outdoors, so do its drinks.
Winter favourites give way to lighter, fresher and more seasonal flavours. Strawberries appear everywhere, elderflower comes into season and classic British summer drinks return to menus across the capital.
Whether you're visiting London for the first time or simply looking to embrace the season like a local, these are some of the best drinks to try this June.
1. Pimm's Cup
No drink captures the spirit of a British summer quite like Pimm's.
Made with Pimm's No. 1, lemonade, strawberries, cucumber, orange and fresh mint, it has become a staple of garden parties, sporting events and rooftop gatherings.
By June, you'll find it being served all across London.
For many people, summer officially begins with the first glass.
2. Elderflower Cordial
June is elderflower season in Britain.
The delicate white blossoms appear across the countryside and inspire one of the country's most beloved seasonal drinks.
Mixed with chilled water or sparkling water, elderflower cordial is light, floral and incredibly refreshing.
It's one of the most distinctly British flavours of summer.
3. Sparkling Elderflower Pressé
A slightly more sophisticated cousin of elderflower cordial.
Sparkling elderflower drinks appear on café menus, restaurant lists and afternoon tea menus throughout June.
The gentle fizz and floral flavour make them perfect for warm afternoons.
4. Strawberry Lemonade
With British strawberry season in full swing, strawberry lemonade becomes one of London's most popular summer drinks.
The combination of sweet berries and sharp lemon creates something that feels perfectly suited to June.
Many cafés make their own fresh versions using seasonal fruit.
5. English Sparkling Wine
England's sparkling wine industry has earned international recognition in recent years.
Many vineyards in southern England now produce award-winning sparkling wines that rival some of the world's best-known labels.
June is the perfect time to enjoy a glass outdoors.
6. Rosé Wine
As temperatures rise, rosé returns to terraces, rooftops and riverside venues across London.
Light, refreshing and easy to drink, it has become one of the defining drinks of the British summer.
You'll see it everywhere from luxury restaurants to local pubs.
7. Rhubarb Spritz
Rhubarb remains one of Britain's favourite seasonal ingredients.
Throughout June, many London bars feature rhubarb-based spritzes that combine tart fruit flavours with sparkling wine or soda.
The result is refreshing, colourful and very seasonal.
8. English Garden Cocktail
This classic summer cocktail often combines gin with ingredients such as elderflower, cucumber, mint and citrus.
The flavour profile feels distinctly British and perfectly suited to garden-party season.
Many cocktail bars create their own variations during the summer months.
9. Traditional Ginger Beer
Long before modern soft drinks dominated the market, ginger beer was a British favourite.
The best versions offer a warming ginger kick balanced by refreshing sweetness.
Served cold, it's one of the most satisfying non-alcoholic summer drinks available.
10. Fresh Mint Lemonade
London's diverse food scene has made mint lemonade increasingly popular.
Found in cafés and restaurants throughout the city, it combines citrus freshness with cooling mint.
On a warm June afternoon, it can be incredibly refreshing.
11. Iced English Breakfast Tea
Tea remains Britain's national drink.
Summer simply changes how people enjoy it.
Iced English Breakfast Tea offers all the familiar flavour of traditional tea while providing a refreshing alternative during warmer weather.
Many independent cafés now serve their own versions.
12. Cold Brew Coffee
Coffee culture doesn't slow down in summer.
It adapts.
Cold brew has become one of London's most popular warm-weather drinks thanks to its smooth flavour and lower acidity.
It's perfect for sightseeing days when you need a caffeine boost without a hot drink.
13. Iced Matcha Latte
Matcha continues to grow in popularity throughout London.
Served over ice, it becomes a refreshing summer drink with a distinctive flavour and vibrant green colour.
Many speciality coffee shops now feature it as a seasonal favourite.
14. Fresh Strawberry Milkshake
June is peak strawberry season, making it one of the best times to enjoy a proper strawberry milkshake.
Independent cafés and dessert shops often use fresh berries rather than syrups, creating a much richer flavour.
It's simple but incredibly satisfying.
15. Summer Fruit Smoothies
London's markets and cafés begin filling with seasonal fruits during June.
Many smoothie menus feature combinations of strawberries, cherries, raspberries and other summer produce.
They're refreshing, filling and ideal for exploring the city on warm days.
16. Fresh Apple Juice from Farmers' Markets
Britain produces excellent apple juice, and many London farmers' markets stock locally made varieties.
Freshly pressed juice often tastes noticeably different from supermarket versions.
Simple ingredients can sometimes be the most rewarding.
17. Cider
Few drinks feel more connected to the British countryside than cider.
Served chilled on a sunny afternoon, it has become a favourite summer drink across England.
Many pubs offer a range of traditional and modern ciders throughout June, making it a great way to experience another side of British drinking culture.
Why June Is Such a Great Month for Drinks in London
June changes the way London drinks.
The city spends more time outdoors.
People gather in parks, rooftop bars, beer gardens and riverside venues.
Seasonal ingredients become more visible.
And menus begin reflecting the arrival of summer.
Strawberries, elderflower, rhubarb, fresh herbs and citrus flavours all play a much bigger role than they do during colder months.
The result is a completely different drinking experience.
Where to Try These Drinks in London
Some of the best places include:
Borough Market
Maltby Street Market
Broadway Market
Southbank Centre Food Market
Rooftop bars
Afternoon tea venues
Independent cafés
Farmers' markets
Riverside pubs
Outdoor terraces
Many venues create special seasonal menus throughout June, making it an excellent month for discovering new favourites.
A Few Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
Not every great summer drink contains alcohol.
Some of the best non-alcoholic options on this list include:
Elderflower cordial
Sparkling elderflower pressé
Strawberry lemonade
Mint lemonade
Iced tea
Cold brew coffee
Fruit smoothies
Fresh apple juice
They offer all the seasonal flavours of summer without the alcohol.
Final Thoughts
London's food and drink scene changes with the seasons, and June is one of its most enjoyable months.
From classic Pimm's and floral elderflower drinks to refreshing lemonades, sparkling wines and seasonal fruit smoothies, the city offers countless ways to celebrate the arrival of summer.
So while you're exploring London's parks, markets and outdoor events this June, take a moment to enjoy what's in your glass too.
Some of the best flavours of the season are meant to be sipped.