The quintessential ‘summer punch’ (made with Pimm’s or alternatives such as Aldi’s Austin’s) has officially been crowned the nation’s favourite summer drink – but new research from Aldi reveals that most Brits are getting it wrong.
Made with a gin-based fruit cup, lemonade, ice, and fresh garnishes, the Summer Punch is a timeless British classic.
One in three (32%) rank it as their number one summer tipple – putting it well ahead of beer (11%) and G&T (7%) in the national ranking.
Even Aperol Spritz (5%) and Margarita (5%) couldn’t compete.
But the British summer cocktail is in crisis. From pouring ingredients in the wrong order to skipping key garnishes – or worse, adding bacon – the majority of the nation is mixing it incorrectly.
According to the survey of over 2,000 adults, 81% admit to making their Summer Cups in the wrong order, with over a third (32%) starting with the spirit – a mistake that leads to an unbalanced serve.
Only 12% of Brits pour lemonade first – the correct first step, according to leading mixologist and Aldi spirits expert Pritesh Mody.
“A fruity summer punch is the ultimate British tipple – light, refreshing and ideal for enjoying alfresco. But getting the order right is essential.
“Pouring lemonade first helps the heavier spirit mix evenly as it’s added – if you start with the spirit, it sinks to the bottom, leaving early pours weak and later ones too strong. It’s an easy fix that totally transforms the drink.”
Key ingredients are also being skipped. Cucumber, often considered the hero of the jug for its crisp, cooling freshness, is rejected by 18% of drinkers. Even strawberries – a seasonal staple – are shunned by 12%.
And a rogue 7% admit to adding bizarre items including marshmallows, olives, jelly babies and bacon.
To help Brits ‘garnish like a pro’, Aldi is cutting the price of cucumbers by 22% nationwide (from 89p to 69p) from 22nd May – 4th June, making it even easier to serve the perfect ‘summer punch’ on a budget.
Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, says: “We’re passionate about helping people enjoy the best of summer without overspending.
“Our award-winning Austin’s offers incredible quality at a fraction of the price of the branded alternative – and we’re cutting the cost of cucumbers nationwide to help shoppers garnish like a pro, without breaking the bank.”
It’s not just ingredients that are off: 45% of people don’t measure their pour at all, instead relying on guesswork. And 40–45% say they add extra booze to “upgrade” the jug – with gin, vodka and Prosecco being the top additions.
On average, Brits enjoy 4.6 serves of Summer Punch per season – but choosing Austin’s over a £18 branded bottle like Pimm’s saves £9.51 each time. Aldi estimates this could lead to £3.12 in savings per person per jug, or a nationwide total of over £142 million this summer.
With the average punch lover enjoying 4.6 serves this summer, Aldi estimates individual savings of £3.12, and an astonishing £142 million across the UK if everyone made the switch.
To help avoid any more punch-related pitfalls, Aldi has teamed up with Pritesh Mody to share his top expert tips for a flawless summer punch:
PRITESH MODY’S FORMULA FOR THE PERFECT SUMMER PUNCH:
- Start with lemonade
Pour 600ml of classic fizzy lemonade into the jug first. This lifts and blends the punch evenly as you build the drink
- Avoid the fancy stuff
Skip sharp Sicilian or cloudy lemonades – they’re too dry. A simple lemonade gives the perfect sweet-tangy balance
- Go heavy on the ice
Add 300g of medium ice cubes (around 3–5cm). It keeps the drink chilled without diluting too fast
- Measure your spirits
Use 200ml of Austin’s Summer Punch with a 25ml splash of gin for depth. Free-pouring can throw off the balance
- Garnish generously
Use 80g cucumber slices, 60g halved strawberries, and 40g mint. These are essential for that crisp, garden-fresh finish
- Add a personal twist
Peach wedges, raspberries, pink grapefruit or fresh basil can elevate the flavour without overpowering it
- Let it infuse
Chill the finished jug in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help the fruit and herbs infuse the punch
- Serve it right
Pour into large spritz or wine glasses filled with more ice and infused fruit. It keeps things cool and looks the part
Aldi’s Austin’s Summer Punch (£8.49, 70cl) is available in stores nationwide now.
Aldi’s Nature’s Pick Cucumbers are reduced from 89p to 69p in stores from 22nd May – 4th June.
