More than one-third (34 percent) of Brits aged 18-29 years old say their number one cocktail choice this summer is the Spritz, according to an annual survey by Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held international spirits company.
“The Spritz has taken the UK by storm,” says Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK. “Two years ago it didn’t even make the top 10 in our annual survey and now it’s the number one choice for Gen Zers.”
The UK consumer survey was conducted as part of the annual Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report which identifies the key trends redefining global cocktail culture and the spirits business.
The success of the Spritz is reflected in UK sales of ST-GERMAIN elderflower liqueur. Thanks to the popularity of the ST-GERMAIN Spritz and ST-GERMAIN Hugo Spritz, sales of the brand have more than doubled in the last year and tripled in the last two years. Nearly half (46 percent) of Gen Zers, who chose the Spritz as their number one cocktail, expressed a particular love for the Hugo Spritz.
The Spritz phenomenon is being driven by the rise of the daycap. This new drinking occasion replaces the traditional nightcap with longer, lighter-tasting drinks enjoyed in the late afternoon.
According to the Bacardi survey of UK consumers, the shift from late night to late afternoon drinking is as popular with Millennials as it is with Gen Z with 42 percent of 30-44 year-olds and 37 percent of 18-29 year-olds saying they now socialize earlier in the evening than they did a year ago.
“With this shift in drinking patterns, bars and restaurants are adapting their menus as well as their opening hours,” adds Steve Young. “They recognize that Gen Z is drinking differently to the rest of the population so while classics like the Gin & Tonic and Mojito will continue to feature prominently, this summer you can expect to see more menus with a dedicated Spritz list.”
While consumers surveyed for the Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report have ranked the Gin & Tonic as the number one cocktail in the UK for the last three years, it doesn’t feature in Gen Z’s top 10 where the Spritz is the clear number one.
Top 10 cocktails for 2026 overall are: Top 10 cocktails for Gen Z (18-29 years) in 2026:
- Gin & Tonic 1. Spritz
- Rum & Coke® 2. Espresso Martini
- Mojito 2. Vodka & Lemonade
- Vodka & Lemonade 4. Rum & Coke®
- Espresso Martini 5. Vodka Soda
- Spritz 6. Mojito
- Piña Colada 7. Tequila Sunrise
- Vodka Soda 8. Martini cocktail
- Margarita 8. Whisky & Coke®
- Whisky & Coke® 8. Piña Colada
