Britain’s favorite drink has been revealed and it isn’t tea or espresso
Forget a cup of tea – because a G&T is just the tonic for millions of Brits as the Nation’s favourite drink.
The refreshing boozy beverage has beaten the humble cuppa as the most popular drink in the UK.
The sixth annual Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report found that 44% would opt for a gin and tonic when meeting friends, while 41% would prefer a cuppa.
Davide Zanardo, of Bacardi UK & Ireland, said: “The G&T tops our poll for 2025 so perhaps it’s not surprising it’s now rivalling the cup of tea as the country’s national drink.”
The UK is the world’s biggest market for gin, with sales reaching £750m last year, whereas sales of tea are flagging.
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Demand for black tea brands like PG Tips and Yorkshire Tea fell by 6% in 2022 to £341 million and research firm Mintel forecasts an additional 8% decline between 2023 and 2028.
It comes as Britain’s oldest tea brand, Typhoo Tea, recently entered administration due to over £70 million in debt and waning demand.
In contrast the rise of “cocktail culture” is gaining momentum, especially among younger consumers.
Nearly half of Gen Z respondents – those aged 18 to 29 – said they would prefer to celebrate a special occasion with a cocktail instead of Champagne.
Additionally, 35% are more likely to choose a cocktail over beer, and 29% over wine compared to last year.
