Fifth of drinkers now choose cocktails over beer and wine, study claims
Research shows how spirit-based drinks have grown in popularity with almost half owning cocktail-making equipment
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A fifth of drinkers are now opting for cocktails over beer and wine, according to a poll.
Researchers who surveyed 2,000 UK adults found many are shunning pints of beer and wine in favour of more exotic spirit-based beverages such as mojitos, margaritas and martinis.
The popularity of these drinks is so high almost half even have cocktail-making equipment at home, so they can enjoy the beverages away from the hustle and bustle of pubs and bars.
The survey, commissioned by Gordon’s, Baileys and Tanqueray, found one fifth are self-proclaimed "cocktail aficionados". Another one quarter identified cocktail-making as a skill they would like to master in the future.
Anna Jones, who together with the drinks brands authored The Modern Cocktail Guide, said: “The UK’s love of cocktail culture and the growing trend to learn how to mix the perfect serves means that the time couldn’t be better to experiment with pairing cocktails with food.
“The whole idea makes for such a wonderful shared experience – getting together with friends and family and taking time to enjoy some delicious mixed drinks ahead of dinner.”
The increased popularity of these beverages means the nation's cocktail-making skills are arguably stronger than ever – half of those polled claim to know the correct mixer ratios for classic cocktails.
Keen to impress friends and family with their cocktail mastery, almost four in 10 have equipment they bring out for special occasions.
The research also found many of us are drinking cocktails before and after main meals – 37 per cent enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and 36 per cent like to indulge post-dinner.
But despite the popularity of cocktails, some of those polled have knowledge gaps – with 70 per cent unaware vodka is used to make an espresso martini, while 58 per cent had no idea rum is the key ingredient in a mojito.
SWNS
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments