What drinkers will order this winter: spritzes, no-and-low and tequila

Cocktails have moved from special-occasion orders to a regular habit in pubs and bars, The Morning Advertiser reports in its winter drinks feature. NIQ and CGA put the on-trade cocktail market at £733m in the 12 months to March, up 3% year on year. Of spirits drinkers surveyed, 56% said they drink cocktails weekly and 40% are drinking more than a year ago.

What to expect behind the bar - Spritzes lead the GB on-premise cocktail style. 64% of spirits consumers want more low or medium-strength options (73% among 18 to 34-year-olds) - No-and-low keeps growing: 72% of spirits drinkers feel confident ordering a non-alcoholic spirit, and 51% who have tried non-alc cocktails will try them again - Premium spirits fit a "less but better" spend: experts tip tequila for festive lists, with Margaritas and Palomas still doing the heavy lifting - Warm serves (mulled, spicy Margaritas, Negronis and amaro sours) beat a plain G&T once the weather turns

Pernod Ricard's Nathan Last notes that while 14% of Great Britain on-trade outlets have closed since Covid, cocktail bars are up about 40% over the same period.

So what on your next shift If your list is still built around two house cocktails and a G&T, add one longer spritz, one grown-up zero-alcohol option and one warm or spicy serve before December.