The number of on-trade outlets serving cocktails will increase by one third from 30,000 to 40,000 by 2017, according to a new report from drinks distributor Cellar Trends that says the size of the UK cocktail boom is under-estimated.
It expects the volume of spirits, liqueurs, syrups and bitters used in cocktails to rise 10% this year and 50% over the next five years.
The need to serve simple, consistent cocktails will drive sales of pre-mixed cocktails by around 15% a year over the next five years, says the report.
The report says cocktail drinking in the UK is four or five times more widespread than previously believed.
Cellar trends forecasts 10 key trends in cocktails over the next year:
- Vintage and premium spirits gaining over standard spirits
- Bitter flavours on the rise and the use of herbs, spices and sours
- More vegetable juice cocktails
- More creative use of ice
- Greater use of ready-made cocktail mixes
- Low calorie ingredients in ‘skinny’ cocktails
- Simpler cocktails using fewer ingredients
- Smaller cocktail serves but better quality
- Increase in pitcher serves in mainstream outlets .
Cellar Trends says that the five cocktails ordered most frequently – Mojito, Pina Colada, Cosmopolitan, Margarita and Bloody Mary – will be joined by less familiar Caipirinhas, Collins’, Sours and Tiki cocktails.
The revival of classic cocktails such as Manhattans, Martinis, Mules and Negronis, will be tweaked with new twists on ingredients, it adds.
Cellar Trends said cocktails are now becoming a feature of Christmas celebrations and that this will drive sales of premium spirits by as much as 45%.
