‘Alcoholic slushies to rule this summer’

Alcoholic slushies are set to be the nation’s hottest trending drink this summer, with one in four Brits (24 per cent) naming the refreshing twist on classic cocktails as their number one boozy beverage for the coming months.

According to a study conducted by Paragon Brands, a whopping one-third of the nation (34 per cent) would now opt for a frozen cocktail over a traditional alternative, with more than six in ten (61 per cent) saying a frozen alternative is more refreshing than a normal cocktail.

The trend has grown significantly in the past few years, with nearly three in ten (28 per cent) UK consumers saying they are more likely to drink a frozen cocktail now than they were two years ago.

A slushy is a take on a traditional drink that’s almost completely frozen to create a unique refreshing texture. Alcoholic varieties of the drink are now a staple in many cocktail bars, with the beverage anticipated to experience its biggest boom yet this summer. According to the experts at leading alcohol importer-distributor Paragon Brands, drinkers are attracted to the fun and refreshing nature of the serve, with the fruity flavours and ice-cold temperature making it the perfect option on a hot summer’s day.

The younger generations in particular are behind the sudden surge in popularity, with nearly half of Gen Z’ers (47 per cent) saying alcoholic slushies are their favourite summer drink and three quarters (74 per cent) preferring this style of cocktail over a traditional one. Nationwide, no one enjoys a frozen cocktail as much as drinkers in Brighton, with nearly eight in ten (79 per cent) residents there saying they’ll drink an alcoholic slushy this summer.

As summer 2024 arrives, it’s frozen cocktails that are poised to dominate the alcoholic beverage scene, offering a cool and refreshing alternative to the drinks of summers gone by.

Chris Jones, managing director of Paragon Brands, said: “We’re delighted to offer venues across the UK a risk-free way of offering Frozen Cocktails this summer, with a free machine, mix and three new alcoholic slushies. Our survey shows that Brits can’t get enough of frozen cocktails right now, so we’re sure they’ll be a huge hit with consumers.

“Our new slushies are made with two of our consumer-favourite spirits, in June by G’Vine and Pusser’s Rum, so we’re beyond excited to give them a summer makeover in the form of delicious alcoholic slushies. We’re sure these ice-cold favourites will quench the thirsts of consumers and bar-owners alike, for many summers to come.”