UK Bank Holiday
Data Reveals 10 Most Popular Cocktails in the UK - Did Yours Make the List?
-
Online liquor merchants The Bottle Club have revealed the most searched-for cocktail recipes in the UK
-
Aperol Spritz takes the top spot, with an average of 76,000 searches per month.
-
In 2nd is the classic Negroni with an average of 71,000 searches per month.
-
In 3rd is the much beloved Espresso Martini with an average of 66,000 searches per month.
-
Why not relax and enjoy a top-10 fave this bank holiday? Tim-Martin Harvey, cocktail expert at The Bottle Club shares the best recipes to try out.
We can all agree that one bank holiday in May is just not enough. Luckily for us, we have another one just around the corner! It’s the perfect time to kick back, relax, and indulge in a little treat - and what’s more perfect than a cocktail or two?
From fruity favourites to subtle sours, there’s a cocktail to fit all tastes. But where should you start your cocktail journey? Well here’s your answer. Research conducted by online liquor merchants The Bottle Club has revealed the most searched-for cocktail recipes in the UK - with some really tasty results.
Using search data, the team has found the most-searched-for cocktail recipes on average. While some absolutely classics have definitely made the list, there are a few surprise entries.
In the top spot is Aperol Spritz, with an average of 76,000 searches per month. A popular choice on ski slopes, an Aperol Spritz can be the perfect choice to welcome in the spring weather.
The second most searched recipe is a Negroni with an average of 71,000 searches per month. Always a popular choice, the Negroni and its close cousin the Negroni Sbagliato became popular in 2022 after it was mentioned by House of the Dragon star Emma D'Arcy in an interview that went viral.
The third most searched-for cocktail is the much beloved Espresso Martini with an average of 66,000 searches per month. Smooth, sweet, rich and providing a nice caffeine kick to proceedings, it’s the perfect addition to enjoy as a post-meal digestif, or as a mid-evening pick-me-up.
Speaking on the results, Tim-Martin Harvey, Head of E-Commerce and cocktail expert at The Bottle Club said:
“Whether you’re a dedicated connoisseur or love a couple of cocktails on a night out, the summer season is a great chance to relax and enjoy some favourites, try something new - or even create your own.
“This list really showcases how varied cocktails can be; from fruity favourites to sophisticated classics, there truly is something out there for everyone. So whether you’re relaxing at home or off out for an evening, why not give one of these a go!”
10 Most Popular Cocktail Recipes in the UK
-
Aperol Spritz - 76,000 searches per month
“A popular choice on refreshingly crisp blue sky days, an Aperol Spritz can be the perfect choice on a spring or summer day. The sweetness of the Prosecco and tartness of the Aperol can really balance each other out to create a zesty, refreshing beverage that complements almost any meal or occasion."
“This cocktail works incredibly well accompanying salty foods, so it’s the perfect choice to enjoy with a cheese board or any kind of salty snacks during the day.”
Prep time: 1 Minutes
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 117 Calories
Ingredients
-
75 ml Prosecco
-
50 ml Aperol
-
25 ml Soda
-
Ice
-
Slice of orange (Garnish)
Method
-
Fill your large wine glass (or official Aperol Spritz glass!) with plenty of ice
-
Add 3 parts Prosecco, then 2 parts Aperol
-
Add a dash of soda and stir briefly
-
Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy
2. Negroni - 71,000 searches per month
Tim says: “If you're looking for a classic cocktail to enjoy at any point during the day, few are as satisfying as the famous Negroni. The combination of Campari, Gin and Vermouth creates a taste that is both smooth and tantalising. Whether sipped as an aperitif before a meal or enjoyed leisurely on a sunny afternoon, the Negroni has that quintessential timeless appeal.
“The Negroni and its close cousin the Negroni Sbagliato jumped in popularity in 2022 after an interview in which actress Emma D’Arcy said it was their favourite, went viral on TikTok, so it’s no surprise to see it still so high on the list!”
Prep time: 2 Minutes
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 96 Calories
Ingredients
-
45ml Campari
-
45ml Gin
-
45ml Vermouth
-
Orange peel twist (garnish)
Method
1. Add all the ingredients into a mixing
glass filled with ice, and stir until well-chilled.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
3. Garnish and enjoy!
3. Espresso Martini - 66,000 searches per month
“If you're after a nice pick-me-up during celebrations, look no further than this absolute classic. The Espresso Martini peaked in popularity in the 90s, but it’s definitely experienced a significant boost in popularity in recent years,” Tim says.
“Its smooth taste and rich flavour profile, influenced by the type of coffee beans and coffee liqueur used in particular means that each experience could have a different flavour profile, making it a great choice for any coffee fans.”
Prep time: 2 Minutes
Serves: 2
Nutrition: 230 Calories
Ingredients
-
100ml Vodka
-
50ml freshly brewed espresso coffee
-
50ml Coffee liqueur
-
4 coffee beans (optional)
-
1 tbsp sugar syrup
-
Ice to serve
Method
1. Pour sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker along with ice, vodka, espresso and coffee liqueur. Shake until the outside of the cocktail shaker feels icy cold.
2. Strain into the chilled glasses.
3. Garnish each one with coffee beans and enjoy.
4. Classic Margarita - 50,000 searches per month
Tim weighs in: “Sometimes the simplest creations are the ones that stand the test of time, which is why it’s no surprise to see this absolute classic in a high position on this list.
“The recipe might be simple, but simplicity means the quality of the ingredients need to be absolutely top-notch to create a show-stopping cocktail."
“Once you master the classic recipe, there are so many different variations to explore, including adding strawberry or peach, adding a little spice, or adding a splash of red wine to create a Devil’s Margherita for something a bit sinful”.
Prep time: 2 Minutes
Servings: 2
Nutrition: 300 Calories
Ingredients
-
1 lime wedge, plus 2 lime wheels for garnish
-
1 tablespoon coarse salt, for glass rims
-
60ml triple sec, such as Cointreau
-
45ml fresh juice from 2 limes
Method
1. Run a lime wedge around the outer rims of 2 rocks glasses and dip the rims in salt. Set aside.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice. Fill with ice and shake until thoroughly chilled, about 15 seconds (the bottom of a metal shaker should frost over).
3. Fill glasses with fresh ice and strain the margarita into both glasses. Garnish with lime wheels and serve.
5. Mojito - 40,000 searches per month
“The true origins of this classic drink might be lost to time, but one thing is clear - the Mojito is definitely an absolute classic. The tartness of the lime juice, paired, with a high-quality white rum the nice kick of sugar creates a drink that is refreshing but also a wonderful blend of flavours.
"While the classic recipe is fantastic on its own, you can also customise it by adding a range of fruit flavours or experimenting with a wide variety of different white rum combinations to create your own blend of Mojito”.
comments Tim.
Prep time: 3 Minutes
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 203 Calories
Ingredients
-
10 fresh mint leaves
-
½ medium lime, cut into 3 wedges, divided
-
2 teaspoons of sugar syrup, to taste
-
1 cup (250 grams) ice cubes, or as needed
-
1 45ml white rum
-
120ml club soda, or as needed
Method
1. Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler and crush to release mint oils and lime juice.
2. Add the remaining lime wedges and sugar syrup, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture.
3. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour in rum and fill the glass with club soda.
4. Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired.
6. Bamboo 39,000 searches per month
“Sherry has long been considered a woefully underrated fortified wine But no more! Sherry cocktails have really gained in popularity in recent years, which is why it’s great to see this 19th-century classic make the list.”
Tim notes.
“Made with equal parts dry vermouth and dry sherry with a few dashes of complimentary orange and Angostura bitters, this combination creates a really well-balanced flavour, where the nutty, slightly sweet taste of the sherry blends with the herbal, dry notes of the vermouth.”
Prep time: 1
Serves: 5 Minutes
Nutrition: 140 Calories
Ingredients
-
45ml Dry Sherry:
-
45ml Dry Vermouth:
-
1/6 teaspoon Angostura Bitters
-
1/6 teaspoon Orange Bitters
-
Lemon Twist for garnish
Method
1. Add the dry sherry, dry vermouth, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters into a mixing glass filled with cracked ice.
2. Stir the mixture until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.
7. Penicillin - 37,000 searches per month
“The Penicillin - just what the doctor (and everyone else apparently) ordered! Some might say it’s an odd name for a cocktail, but once you know the recipe, it all starts to make sense,” Tim assures.
“This cocktail takes three flavours common in cough drops and herbal remedies—honey, lemon, and ginger—and adds a strong dose of Scotch whisky and a splash of Islay scotch for good measure. This combination creates a surprisingly complex and well-balanced drink. If you’re a fan of Whiskey Sours, this should definitely be on your to-do list.”
Prep time: 10 minutes
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 170 Calories
Ingredients
-
60ml blended scotch
-
20ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
-
20ml ounce honey-ginger syrup
-
10ml ounce Islay single malt scotch
-
Garnish: candied ginger
Method
1. Make Honey-ginger syrup first: Combine 1 cup honey, 1 6-inch pieces of peeled and thinly sliced ginger and 1 cup water in a saucepan over high heat, and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer 5 minutes. Place in the refrigerator to steep overnight. Strain with a cheesecloth.
3. Add the blended scotch, lemon juice and syrup into a shaker with ice, and shake until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
5. Top with the Islay single malt scotch.
6. Candied ginger for garnish
8. Bloody Mary - 36,000 searches per month
Tim comments: “We’re not surprised to see the Bloody Mary on this list somewhere. Not only is it popular, but it’s also considered the quintessential hangover cocktail.
“Is there any science behind it? Well, it's not really about the hair of the dog - to get rid of a sore head from the night before, your body needs electrolytes and anti-oxidants - something tomato juice is full of. Whether you love or hate savoury cocktails, there's no denying this cocktail is one of the ultimate classics you should learn
how to make.”
Prep time: 5 Minutes
Serves: 2
Nutrition: 160 Calories
Ingredients
-
100ml vodka
-
500ml tomato juice
-
1 tbsp lemon juice, plus 2 slices to serve
-
1/6 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
-
1/6 teaspoon of Tabasco
-
Pinch celery salt
-
Pinch black pepper
-
2 celery sticks, to serve
Method
1. Place the ice in a large jug. Measure the vodka, tomato juice and lemon juice and pour it straight onto the ice.
2. Add 3 shakes of Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco (or more if you like it very spicy) and a pinch of celery salt and pepper. Stir until the outside of the jug feels cold, then strain the cocktail into 2 tall glasses.
3. Top up with fresh ice, add a celery stick and lemon slice to both glasses and enjoy.
9. Long Island Iced Tea - 34,000 searches per month
“Packed with five different types of alcohol - that’s right five - Long Island Ice Teas are not only one of the most delicious cocktails out there, but one of the most efficient if you’re looking to have a good time” says Tim.
Despite the name, it doesn’t actually have any tea in it. Created during the prohibition era of the 1920s, The name refers to the look and colour of the finished cocktail. And like tea, it’ll definitely give you the kick you need to keep the party going.”
Prep time: 2 Minutes
Servings: 1
Nutrition: 220 Calories
Ingredients
-
20ml vodka
-
20ml white rum
-
20ml silver tequila
-
20ml gin
-
20ml triple sec
-
20ml simple syrup
-
20ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
-
Cola, to top
-
Lemon wedge for garnish
Method
1. Add the vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, simple syrup and lemon juice to a Collins glass filled with ice.
2. Top with a splash of the cola and stir briefly.
3. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
4. Serve with a straw.
10. Bourbon Old Fashioned - 33,000 searches per month
“A simple combination of whiskey (usually bourbon or rye), sugar and aromatic bitters, the Old Fashioned really has stood the test of time,” Tim says.
“One of the OG whiskey cocktails, history suggests the Old Fashioned is thought to have originated way back in the early 1800s with the rise of Bourbon Whiskey and has remained a firm favourite in bars across the world ever since.”
“While there’s a wealth of modern variations out there, sometimes you just can’t beat the classics. Its simplicity allows the flavours of the whiskey to shine, making it a favourite among whiskey enthusiasts., but also very accessible for cocktail fans in general”.
Prep time: 2 Minutes
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 151 Calories
Ingredients
-
1/2 teaspoon sugar
-
3/4 teaspoon Angostura bitters
-
1 teaspoon water
-
60ml bourbon
-
Orange peel for garnish
Method
1. Add the sugar and bitters to a rocks glass, then add the water, and stir until the sugar is nearly dissolved.
2. Fill the glass with large ice cubes, add the bourbon, and gently stir to combine.
3. Express the oil of an orange peel over the glass, then drop in.
Tim-Martin Harvey, Cocktail Expert
