The Margarita has knocked the mojito off the top spot to become the UK’s most popular ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail.
Data from Nielsen IQ (52w/e 12.07.25) shows that demand for ready-made Margarita drinks has surged by more than 150 per cent over the past year – the fastest growth of any cocktail in the UK.
At the same time, tequila – the key ingredient in a Margarita – has become the UK’s fastest-growing spirit, with sales up nearly 40 per cent year-on-year at Tesco.
Marie Cook, Ready To Drink Buyer at Tesco, said the classic tequila-based cocktail has seen a major resurgence.
“The Margarita has roared back as the UK’s fastest-growing cocktail, outperforming all other ready-to-drink varieties at Tesco right now,” she said.
“Interestingly, it’s not only the easy-to-serve, ready-made versions that are popular but also tequila itself, which has taken over from gin as the UK’s fastest-growing spirit, mainly because of a wider choice including higher-quality varieties.”
The retailer has expanded its tequila range to 12 different varieties to meet the growing demand, driven by what Cook calls the “premiumisation” trend – where drinkers are trading up for higher-quality spirits and using them in cocktails such as the Paloma, made with lime and soda.
Tesco’s Head of Product Direction, Cassie Edwards, said the renewed interest in Margaritas is being fuelled by both the rise of premium tequilas and celebrity-backed brands from stars including Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Kevin Hart, Michael Jordan and Eva Longoria.
“Mixologists are having a lot of fun with Margaritas now by creating their own signature versions such as adding spices like chilli to create a heat kick or using different fruit to add an extra flavour to the drink,” said Edwards. “The better quality, high-end tequila available on high streets nowadays has also contributed to a revival and re-assessment of this classic drink. There’s no doubt that the A-lister Hollywood endorsement of tequila as a hip drink has helped generate new interest.”
The renewed popularity of the Margarita also ties in with the ongoing ‘Swalty’ trend – mixing sweet and salty flavours in food and drink – which has gained traction in recent years.
Believed to have been created in the 1930s and enjoying its heyday in the 1970s as a rock’n’roll favourite, the Margarita’s comeback reflects a growing consumer appetite for bold flavours and premium ingredients in both RTD and at-home cocktails.
For convenience retailers, Tesco’s data highlights a strong opportunity to tap into the booming demand for tequila-based drinks – particularly as the festive season approaches and shoppers look for easy, indulgent cocktail options.