The cocktail market is always changing. Cocktails fell completely out of fashion during the second half of the 20th century, as the reputation of vodka and ready to drink brands soared. Now the UK cocktail market is worth half a billion pounds each year.
In this new cocktail renaissance there a couple of cocktails leading the way and gathering plenty of fans. These fans are big On-Trade spenders, spending £114 on average out of home every month, a figure almost £30 more than non-cocktail drinkers. To these consumers, the overall drinking experience is key, perhaps why it’s these 5 cocktails that are on-trend – cocktails that offer a little bit of theatre.
Pornstar Martini
The Pornstar Martini was created by Douglas Ankrah in 2002. Douglas is perhaps best known for founding London’s LAB bar, although the drink was first created at Knightsbridge bar The Townhouse. It’s now the second most consumed cocktail in the On-Trade.
Ingredients
- 1 wedge of pineapple
- 50ml vanilla vodka
- 50ml passion fruit puree
- 1 passion fruit
- 10ml vanilla syrup
Method
Muddle the pineapple wedge in the bottom of your shaker. Pour over the vodka, the inside of half a passion fruit and vanilla syrup. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the other half of passion fruit.
Espresso Martini
When Kate Moss walked into London’s Fred’s Bar and asked cocktail legend Dick Bradsell for a drink that could ‘wake her up and f*&k her up’ the result, was the Espresso Martini. The drink is now the 9th most consumed cocktail in the trade.
Ingredients
- 10ml simple syrup
- 50ml vodka
- 25ml espresso coffee
- 25ml coffee liqueur
- 3 coffee beans
Method
Using a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour over the vodka, syrup, espresso and liqueur. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the coffee beans.
Pina Colada
The national drink of Puerto Rico, some sources claim the Pina Colada was created by famous pirate Roberto Cofresí. Others say it was first made at the Caribe Hilton Hotel's Beachcomber Bar in 1954. Whichever is true, it’s now the 8th most consumed cocktail.
Ingredients
- 50ml white rum
- 50ml coconut cream
- 150ml pineapple juice
- 1 wedge of pineapple
Method
Blend all the ingredients together with a scoop of ice until smooth. Pour into a chilled hurricane glass. Alternatively, shake and strain over crushed ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Aperol Spritz
Known more traditionally as a Spritz Veneziano, the Aperol Spritz has certainly made a mark on the UK On-Trade. Known for its simple 3-2-1 recipe and bright colour, it’s become stable of most cocktail menus. 9% of people enjoy drinking bitter cocktails when out.
Ingredients
- 75ml Prosecco
- 50ml Aperol
- 25ml Soda Water
- 1 slice of orange
Method
In a large wine glass, filled with ice, add the Aperol, prosecco and then top up with the soda water. Garnish with a slice of orange and serve.
Bellini
Keeping with sparkling wine, the Bellini is once again a product of Italy. It is thought to have originated in the 1930’s and is reportedly named for Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini. The Bellini is the tenth most consumed cocktail in the On-Trade.
Ingredients
- 100ml Prosecco
- 50ml peach purée
Method
This one is nice and simple. Grab a flute and pour in the peach purée. Pour over the Prosecco, stir gently and serve. You could try using other fruits than peach; adding mandarin makes a Puccini, using strawberry creates a Rossini, and pomegranate creates a Tintoretto.
About the author
Luke Siddall (alumni)
I'm Matthew Clark's resident content creator, looking after our social media, website and customer communications. I was a cocktail bartender for while before joining but I now spend most of my time on the other side of the bar.
