Summer 2025 is all about drinks that are bold, bright, and better for you. UK shoppers are leaning into spicy cocktails, global fruit flavours, and low-alcohol options, whether they’re heading to a garden party or browsing the drinks aisle.
Let’s take a look at what is trending so far this Summer.
Sweet meets heat this summer with the rise of “swicy” drinks - spicy and sweet in one hit. Cans like the MOTH Spicy Margarita (available at M&S) and mixers like Fever-Tree’s Spiced Orange Ginger Ale are perfect for shoppers seeking bold, ready-to-serve options. For those mixing at home, Wildjac Chilli & Lime Vodka adds a fiery twist to classic serves. (We are not quite sure what to make of this one!)
Nostalgia is big this summer - think milkshake-inspired lattes and retro sodas. Oatly Vanilla Shake, Belvoir’s Pink Rhubarb Presse, and Mr Black Cold Brew Liqueur tap into that childhood-meets-cocktail energy.
Functional and low/no-alcohol drinks are at the forefront. TRIP CBD Drinks, Botivo, and Sentia Red appeal to health-conscious shoppers who still want to enjoy a grown-up experience. Products like Dash Lemon Sparkling Water are great for those wanting a for a wellness twist.
Exotic fruits like lychee, yuzu and passionfruit are making a splash. Dash Water Mango, JARR Passion Fruit Kombucha, and Sanzo Yuzu Sparkling Water bring that global flavour and Caleno Drinks offers a wide selection of tropical non-alcoholic spirit perfect for mocktails and spritzes as well as a selection of ready-to-drink non-alcoholic cocktails.
Ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails and premium mixers are enjoying remarkable growth across the UK. In 2024, the UK RTD market was valued at approximately £170 million, with forecasts suggesting it could more than double by 2030, thanks to a growing appetite for bar-quality drinks at home. Meanwhile, the broader cocktail mixer category (including tonics, ginger ales, cordials and syrups) is expected to grow steadily, with UK shoppers increasingly seeking out premium, low-sugar, and functional options. This surge is fuelled by the rise in home entertaining, the popularity of low and no alcohol drinks, and demand for convenience without compromise.
Above all, consumers this Summer want easy, elevated drinking experiences that feel fun, fresh, and social - whether enjoyed in the garden, at a picnic, or shared on social media.
