Hugo Spritz has become Britain's fastest-growing cocktail this summer, with sales surging 196 per cent year on year, according to new transaction data from payments company Square.
The elderflower-based spritz topped Square's list of the UK's fastest-growing cocktails between April and June 2026 compared with the same period last year, highlighting growing consumer demand for lighter, refreshing serves.
Spicy Margarita ranked second, with sales up 56 per cent, followed by Campari Spritz (+52%), Mango Cocktail (+46%) and Paloma (+41%). Limoncello Spritz, Gin & Tonic, Caipirinha, Manhattan and Aperol Spritz completed the top 10.
Despite its slower growth of 13 per cent, Aperol Spritz remained Britain's most-purchased cocktail overall during the period.
The findings echo research published by spirits company Bacardi last month, which found the Spritz had become the favourite summer cocktail among younger adults. More than a third (34 per cent) of Britons aged 18-29 named the Spritz as their number one cocktail choice, while nearly half (46 per cent) of those respondents said they particularly favoured the Hugo Spritz.
Bacardi attributed the trend to the growing popularity of the 'daycap' – a shift towards lighter, longer drinks enjoyed in the late afternoon rather than traditional late-night serves. The company also reported that sales of its ST-GERMAIN elderflower liqueur, a key ingredient in the Hugo Spritz, had more than doubled over the previous year, reflecting growing consumer demand for the cocktail.
John O'Beirne, chief executive of Square International, said the figures reflect changing consumer preferences during the summer months.
“Our data shows tastes are shifting toward lighter, fresher drinks, and the Hugo Spritz is leading the charge,” he said. “For hospitality business owners, a well-judged cocktail menu is becoming one of the things customers look for in the summer months, and having the ingredients ready is a simple way to make the most of the demand.”
Square said the findings are based on transaction data from food and drink businesses across Great Britain between April and June 2026, compared with the same period in 2025.
The data suggests retailers could also benefit from stocking ingredients associated with the fastest-growing serves, particularly elderflower liqueurs and syrups, prosecco, sparkling wine, fresh mint and citrus, alongside premium tequilas and spicy flavourings that underpin the growing popularity of Spicy Margaritas.