As the summer season takes hold and Brits eagerly anticipate lounging in the sun with a refreshing cocktail in hand, we decided to embark on a quest to uncover the most beloved cocktail across the country.
Our investigation involved an analysis of search volume data over the past year, which provided some surprising insights into the cocktail preferences of different cities…
The most popular cocktail in the UK
When it comes to the overall favourite cocktails in the UK, the research uncovered the top three contenders:
- The Negroni
- The Espresso Martini
- The Blue Lagoon
These cocktails have managed to captivate the palates of cocktail enthusiasts nationwide, drawing them in with their unique flavours and stylish presentations.
The Negroni, originating from Italy, emerged as the undisputed champion with an average of 90,500 monthly searches in the UK. This sophisticated cocktail blends the distinct flavours of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a harmonious 1:1:1 ratio, creating a balanced and captivating taste.
Following closely behind is the Espresso Martini, with an average of 74,000 monthly searches. This concoction is created by combining vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso coffee, with the addition of coffee beans as a garnish. Served in a classic martini glass, the Espresso Martini is particularly sought after as a pick-me-up, perfect before embarking on a night out.
In third place is the Blue Lagoon, a distinctive blue-coloured cocktail, with an average of 74,000 searches a month. The cocktail is made with blue Curaçao, vodka, lemonade, and maraschino cherries. The visually striking cocktail is a crowd-pleaser, with the bright blue hue making it stand out amongst other cocktails.
| Cocktail | Search Volume Across UK |
| negroni | 90,500 |
| espresso martini | 74,000 |
| blue lagoon | 74,000 |
| porn star martini | 60,500 |
| pina colada | 60,500 |
| mimosa | 60,500 |
| cosmopolitan | 60,500 |
| old fashioned | 49,500 |
| mojito | 49,500 |
| long island iced tea | 49,500 |
| bloody mary | 49,500 |
| martini | 33,100 |
| manhattan | 33,100 |
| daiquiri | 22,200 |
| gimlet | 8,100 |
| jack rose | 590 |
What is each city’s favourite cocktail?
Delving deeper into the preferences of specific cities, our research showed that for London, the most loved cocktail is the Negroni, followed by the Blue Lagoon and Espresso Martini. The Negroni is also the most searched cocktail in Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Newcastle.
In the Midlands, the most popular cocktail is the Blue Lagoon, with residents across Birmingham, Leicester and Coventry searching for this cocktail the most. Next popular in Birmingham are the Negroni and Cosmopolitan, whereas for Leicester the second and third favourite cocktails are the Pina Colada and Cosmopolitan respectively.
| Cities | Favourite cocktail |
| London | Negroni |
| Birmingham | Blue Lagoon |
| Leeds | Negroni |
| Glasgow | Blue Lagoon |
| Sheffield | Negroni |
| Bradford | Blue Lagoon |
| Liverpool | Negroni |
| Edinburgh | Negroni |
| Manchester | Negroni |
| Newcastle | Negroni |
| Bristol | Blue Lagoon |
| Coventry | Blue Lagoon |
| Leicester | Blue Lagoon |
| Belfast | Espresso Martini |
| Cardiff | Blue Lagoon |
Heading to Belfast, we encounter a unique twist, as the Espresso Martini claims the crown as the most popular cocktail in the city. This is closely followed by the Negroni and the Long Island Iced Tea, showcasing Belfast’s distinct preferences and adding a touch of diversity to the UK’s cocktail scene.
Reflecting on the findings, Matt Mahatme, Co-founder of Lixir, shared his insights: “The research has revealed that surprisingly the nation is divided between the Blue Lagoon and the Negroni as their favourite cocktails, with the Midlands showing a preference for the Blue Lagoon and those in the North and South opting for the Negroni.”
Mahatme also revealed his expert tips for crafting the perfect Negroni, the UK’s favourite cocktail. He advises selecting a bold gin that can complement the robust flavour of Campari, which possesses quite a strong, bitter taste.
Additionally, Mahatme suggests preferably using a single large ice cube or a few larger cubes within the drink to enhance the aromatic experience. Finally, he recommends considering the addition of orange peel to infuse the cocktail with an extra layer of flavour, allowing cocktail enthusiasts to create an exquisite drinking experience from the comfort of their own homes.
