That’s according to the latest statistics from CGA Strategy, which revealed healthier and premium mixed drinks were among the biggest trends driving the uptick.
Seventy-eight percent of British bars sells cocktails, the Mixed Drinks Report found.
Skinny cocktails
Popular cocktails
- The mojito remains the country’s most popular cocktail — but the Pornstar Martini, now the fourth most bought with a market share of 8%, is the biggest riser of the last year
- Vodka is the most common ingredient, featuring in nearly two thirds (64%) of cocktail serves
- Gin and sparkling wine are increasingly important elements of the cocktail mix, drawing 16% and 11% of sales respectively
- Men now account for 45% of total consumption — proof that the days of cocktails as the preserve of female drinkers are long gone
However, over a quarter (29%) of cocktail drinkers sought a skinny option, which is up by 13% compared with the previous year, the report said.
Premium spirits’ use in cocktails was also on the up, with a further 25% of consumers now trading up when it comes to their choice of liquor.
The report also highlights the massive benefits of cocktails and their drinkers to the licensed trade now.
Try new cocktails
It shows that cocktail fans tend to drink out 25% more often than average consumers and are twice as likely to try new drinks.
CGA Strategy client services director Rachel Perryman said: “Our research reveals how bars have transformed the cocktail market, taking mixed drinks from the niches of drinking-out to a hugely popular mainstream consumer choice.
“And with the peak cocktail season of summer fast approaching, this report illustrates the great opportunities that pubs, bars and restaurants now have to take their sales to new heights.”