Arielle Cruz
Alcohol consumption has been a staple part of British culture for centuries, with the country's alcohol industry contributing £46 billion a year to the UK's GDP. The UK's drinking preferences have evolved over time, with beer historically being the most popular alcoholic beverage. However, in recent years, a new favourite has emerged. So, what is the most popular alcoholic drink in the UK today, and how has it changed over time?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most popular alcoholic beverage in the UK | Wine |
| Second most popular alcoholic beverage in the UK | Whisky |
| Third most popular alcoholic beverage in the UK | Beer |
| Most popular alcoholic beverage among young UK adults | Vodka |
| Most popular alcoholic beverage among 25-34 year olds in the UK | Gin |
| Most popular alcoholic beverage among 35-54 year olds in the UK | Lager |
| Most popular alcoholic beverage among people aged 55+ in the UK | White wine |
| Most consumed type of alcohol in the UK in 2018 | Beer |
| Number of pints of beer sold in the UK in 2018 | 8.5 billion |
| Number of 175ml glasses of wine sold in the UK in 2018 | 7.4 billion |
| Number of pints of cider sold in the UK in 2018 | 1.2 billion |
| Average price of a pint of beer in London | £5.20 |
| Average price of a pint of beer in the UK | £3.50 |
| Average spend on alcohol per person per week in the UK in 2020 | £7.43 |
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What You'll Learn
Wine is the most popular alcoholic beverage in the UK
According to search data, wine is by far the most searched-for form of alcohol online in the UK. From 2019 to 2020, searches conducted by those looking to buy alcohol online more than doubled, and while they returned to their original rate in 2021 and 2022, wine remained the most popular. Wine was also the most searched-for alcoholic beverage during the coronavirus lockdown, with terms related to buying red, white, and rosé wine online searched more each month than any other form of alcohol.
Wine's rise in popularity has largely been driven by women, with 7 out of 10 bottles of wine bought in supermarkets purchased by women. However, wine is also popular among older adults, with more than a quarter of those aged 55+ stating that they drink white wine at least once a week.
The UK alcohol industry contributes significantly to the country's economy, making up around 2.5% of the country's total GDP, or £46 billion a year. It is also a major employer, responsible for 770,000 jobs, or 2.5% of all employment in the country.
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Beer is the most consumed alcoholic drink by volume
Alcohol consumption has long been a staple part of British culture, with historical records indicating that it was a regular part of the British diet as early as the 8th century. In more recent times, the UK's drinking culture has evolved, with beer emerging as the most consumed alcoholic drink by volume.
Beer consumption in the UK has had a long history and has traditionally been the most popular drink of choice. In 2018, beer consumption once again surged to the top spot, with 8.5 billion pints sold in that year, surpassing wine, which had 7.4 billion 175ml glasses sold. This trend of beer being the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the UK has persisted, with beer being the second most searched type of alcoholic beverage online, according to a study of Google search trends.
While wine has gained popularity in the UK, particularly among women, and has become a more prevalent choice of beverage since the 1960s, beer continues to hold a strong position as the most consumed alcoholic drink by volume. This is evident in the sales figures, which show that beer significantly outsells wine in terms of volume.
The preference for beer in the UK is also reflected in the country's drinking establishments. Pubs, a quintessential part of British culture, typically offer a wide variety of beers, including traditional cask ales, lagers, and stouts, catering to the diverse tastes of beer drinkers in the country. The social aspect of drinking beer in pubs and bars is deeply ingrained in British society and contributes to the high consumption of beer in the country.
In conclusion, while drinking preferences vary across different age groups and regions in the UK, beer remains the most consumed alcoholic drink by volume. Its cultural significance, combined with the country's longstanding tradition of beer consumption, solidifies its position as the top choice for many Britons when it comes to alcoholic beverages.
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Whisky is the second most popular drink bought online
The UK has a long history of alcohol consumption, dating back to the Roman Empire when British pub culture first emerged. Over the years, the country's preferred drinks have evolved, with beer being the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the UK in 2018. However, in recent years, wine has become an increasingly popular choice, especially among women, and is now the most searched-for form of alcohol online.
While beer may have dominated in pubs and bars, online searches tell a different story. According to an analysis of Google search volumes, wine-related terms (including red, white, and rosé) take the top spot with an impressive 1,300 average monthly searches by those looking to purchase alcohol online in the UK. This is closely followed by whisky, which is searched on average 900 times each month by UK residents looking to buy alcohol online. Whisky has overtaken beer as the second most popular drink purchased online, with beer now in third place, being searched for online approximately 560 times per month in the UK alongside the words "buy online".
This shift in online alcohol purchases may be due to the coronavirus lockdown, as wine was the most searched-for alcoholic beverage during that time. Whisky moved up the ranks to second place, while beer, which was previously the second most searched-for drink, fell to third. It's worth noting that overall searches for alcohol purchases online more than doubled during the first lockdown of 2020 but returned to pre-pandemic rates in 2021 and 2022.
While wine and whisky are the most popular drinks purchased online, other surveys suggest that the drinking preferences of UK adults vary by age group. For those aged 18-24, vodka is the most frequently consumed alcoholic beverage, with 19% drinking it at least once a week. Moving up an age bracket, G&Ts appear to be the drink of choice for 25-34-year-olds, with 20.6% consuming gin on a weekly basis. Interestingly, as individuals mature, their preferences seem to shift towards less strong options, with lager being the most frequently consumed alcoholic drink by those aged 35 to 54. Finally, for those aged 55 and above, white wine becomes the drink of choice, with more than a quarter of this age group drinking it at least once a week.
So, while whisky may be the second most popular drink purchased online in the UK, it's interesting to see how drinking preferences change across different age groups and consumption settings.
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Gin is the drink of choice for 25-34-year-olds
While wine is the most popular alcoholic beverage in the UK, gin is the drink of choice for 25 to 34-year-olds. In fact, G&Ts are particularly favoured by this age group, with 20.6% drinking gin at least once a week. This is compared to 19% of 18 to 24-year-olds who opt for vodka as their drink of choice.
Gin has long been a popular spirit in the UK, with its origins dating back to the 17th century. While it has waxed and waned in popularity over the centuries, it has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with small-batch craft gins and tonic pairings becoming increasingly trendy. This trend is particularly prominent among young adults in the UK, who are driving the demand for unique and artisanal gin experiences.
The preference for gin among 25 to 34-year-olds may be attributed to several factors. Firstly, this age group tends to have more disposable income than younger adults, allowing them to explore more premium spirit options. Secondly, gin has a more sophisticated image than some other spirits, which may appeal to those in their late twenties and early thirties who are establishing their careers and developing more refined tastes.
Additionally, the variety of flavours and tonic combinations available make gin a versatile and customisable drink, appealing to those who enjoy experimenting with different tastes. The rise of craft gin distilleries and the popularity of gin-focused bars have also contributed to its popularity among this age group, offering a wide range of options to suit varying preferences.
While gin is the top choice for 25 to 34-year-olds, it's worth noting that as individuals mature beyond this age bracket, their preferences tend to shift towards less strong options. Lager, for example, is the most frequently consumed alcoholic drink by those aged 35 to 54, indicating a shift in taste and drinking habits as individuals move through adulthood.
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Vodka is the most frequently consumed drink by 18-24-year-olds
While wine is the most popular alcoholic beverage in the UK, vodka is the most frequently consumed drink by 18-24-year-olds. A survey found that 19% of those aged 18-24 drink vodka at least once a week. This is in contrast to the 25-34 age category, where G&Ts are the preferred drink of choice, with 20.6% drinking gin on a weekly basis. As people mature, their alcohol preferences tend to shift towards less strong options, with lager being the most frequently consumed alcoholic drink by those aged 35-54.
Vodka is a clear, colourless liquor that is often consumed in mixed drinks or cocktails. It is typically made from grains, such as corn or rye, or potatoes, and has a neutral taste and a high alcohol content. Vodka's versatility and mixability make it a popular choice for young adults, who may be exploring different drink options and experimenting with cocktails.
The popularity of vodka among young adults in the UK may also be influenced by social and cultural factors. Vodka is often associated with nightlife and socialising, and it is a common component of popular cocktails such as vodka tonics, screwdrivers, and vodka martinis. Young adults in the UK may also be influenced by marketing and advertising campaigns targeted towards their age group by vodka brands. Additionally, the affordability of vodka, especially when compared to other spirits, may play a role in its popularity among cost-conscious young adults.
While vodka is the most frequently consumed drink by 18-24-year-olds in the UK, it is important to note that alcohol consumption patterns can vary based on regional differences, cultural influences, and individual preferences. Additionally, the popularity of alcoholic beverages can change over time, with new trends and preferences emerging among different age groups.
Overall, while vodka is currently the most frequently consumed drink by 18-24-year-olds in the UK, the alcoholic beverage landscape is dynamic and ever-evolving, with various factors influencing the drinking preferences of young adults.
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular alcoholic beverage in the UK is wine, specifically white wine. It is the most searched-for form of alcohol online and the most consumed type of alcohol in the country.
Beer.
Vodka for those aged 18-24, and G&Ts for those aged 25-34.
