The Mixed Drinks Report concludes that restaurants are now just as popular a choice for cocktail drinkers as bars, especially among younger drinkers. Pubs are not far behind.
The report says that cocktail drinkers now drink nearly three serves on an average visit and are willing to pay between £5 and £7 for a drink. Happy hour promotions and two-for-one deals are effective ways to attract younger adults.
CGA Strategy client services director, Rachel Perryman, said the cocktail trend will continue to grow.
“Cocktails are one of the big growth areas in drinking out, and our Mixed Drinks Report shows how well the on-trade is catering for their drinkers now,” she said.
“Their soaring popularity in restaurants is a sign of just how far cocktails have penetrated into the mainstream, and the increasing sophistication of drinkers shows the trend has a long way to run yet.”
Mojitos remain the most popular cocktail in the UK, but drinkers are also enjoying Aperol Spritz, Caipirinhas and Pornstar Martinis. Women and younger drinkers prefer berry, fruity and citrus flavours and men prefer smoky and sour flavours.
Vodka is the most common cocktail ingredient while branding is becoming increasingly important to consumers.
Low-fat and non-alcoholic drinks are growing in popularity with a quarter of cocktail drinkers preferring to order skinny options.