As the UK gradually returns to normal with the re-opening of pubs, bars and restaurants, there are some key trends that are emerging.
Record searches for cocktail recipes, bar accessories and drinks ingredients show that the British public have not been idle during the enforced restrictions on public venues. Indeed, they have been quite inventive, mixing drinks to come up with several variants of the ‘Quarantini’.
Other key trends that have emerged over the past year or so include a penchant for premium drinks. Research has shown an annual increase of 12% for premium mixers, whereas premium white spirits is up by 21% year-on-year. It is suggested that ordering more premium beers, spirits and mixers has been a way of treating ourselves during lockdown.
Another key trend to emerge is that the great British public are more savvy when it comes to transparency, choosing drinks that shared what and where their ingredients came from over those that didn’t. Meanwhile, demand for independent and artisanal drinks has also grown, which is perhaps a way of showing lockdown support for independent suppliers.
Finally, gin still appears to a front-runner for many, with pre-pandemic figures showing gin sales growing at around 21%, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. Alongside this, a broad range of mixers is becoming a staple of home bars, allowing for a greater variety of drinks to serve and enjoy in your engraved drinkware.