With Christmas fast approaching, experts at ready-to-drink cocktail brand, NIO Cocktails, have conducted new research to reveal the UK’s 5 most popular cocktails for the festive season.
- Negroni
76k UK searches per month
A Negroni is the most popular cocktail in the country, with the highest search volume out of all our favourite cocktails. This classic Italian cocktail is made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and bitter. We recommend serving them on the rocks in an Old Fashioned glass, garnished with a slice of orange for Christmas time.
- Espresso Martini
70k UK searches per month
With its rich coffee flavour, an Espresso Martini is the second most popular cocktail in the country. This delicious and energising cocktail is made with vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur. The ingredients are combined in a cocktail shaker with ice, then strained into a chilled Martini glass. The Espresso Martini is a perfect after-Christmas dinner drink for all coffee lovers.
- Mimosa
48k UK searches per month
A Christmas morning classic, the mimosa is the fourth most popular cocktail in the UK, and rightly so ahead of the festive season. Traditionally made with just champagne and orange juice, a mimosa is an equal share of both – although many Brits opt to use Prosecco.
- Cosmopolitan
47k UK searches per month
It’s no surprise that a classic Cosmo sits in the top 5 of this list, especially with the airing of the Sex and the City reboot earlier this year. To create the perfect Christmas Cosmo Patrick Pistolesi, Master Mixologist at NIO Cocktails, says:
“When aiming for the perfect Cosmopolitan, the key is using high-quality spirits and the freshest juices available. It’s essential not to overlook the importance of high-quality ice and mastering the art of shaking. However, when it comes to preserving the vibrant pink hue of a cosmo, the quality of the cranberry juice becomes crucial. Opting for a premium cranberry juice ensures that the cocktail retains its visually appealing colour, adding to the overall experience.”
“To elevate the taste and add depth to a cosmopolitan, consider incorporating a touch of fresh orange juice or opting for a citrus vodka, which aligns with the cocktail’s original creation. Additionally, adding the zest of an orange as a garnish can truly transform a cosmo into a ‘Super Cosmo’.”
- Margarita
44k UK searches per month
The 3 ingredient Margarita makes the top 5 of the UK’s favourite winter cocktails ahead of the Christmas season. Needing only tequila, Cointreau and lime juice with ice, it’s one of the easiest classic cocktails to make! To make it feel more festive, take inspiration from NIO Cocktails and add apple and ginger spices.
