The British have a wide range of popular alcoholic drinks, but there are a few clear favorites that stand out above the rest. In this article, we will explore the most popular types of alcohol consumed in the UK and look at the reasons behind their popularity.
Beer
Beer is arguably the most popular alcoholic drink in the UK. The British have been brewing and drinking beer for centuries. Ale houses and pubs are an integral part of British social culture, and going for a pint (or two) after work is a cherished tradition.
The UK has a thriving beer culture, with over 2,000 breweries producing real ales across the country. British-style ales, such as bitter, mild, and pale ale, are distinctive from the lagers commonly drunk around the world. Traditional cask ales that are served from the cellar are especially prized. Popular beer brands in the UK include Fuller’s London Pride, Greene King IPA, and Tetley’s Bitter.
In 2018, British consumers drank over 4 billion liters of beer. The average person in the UK drinks around 220 pints of beer per year. Clearly, for many Brits, a nice pint of ale is the alcoholic beverage of choice.
Cider
Cider, particularly traditional cloudy “scrumpy” cider, holds a special place in British drinking culture. The UK has the world’s highest per capita consumption of cider. Cool, crisp, and refreshing, cider is a favored drink across the country.
Strong cider has an alcohol content of 5-8% ABV, similar to beer. The Southwest of England, with its abundance of orchards, is the historic heartland of cider production. Major brands like Strongbow and Bulmers are mass-produced and popular nationwide. But local, small-batch ciders have a devoted following.
Cider is served on tap in pubs and bars, allowing patrons to enjoy pints of cider just like beer. A pint of cider ranges from 4-8% alcohol by volume (ABV).
In 2017, Brits drank nearly 6 billion liters of cider. Cider accounts for nearly one-third of the UK alcohol market by volume.
Wine
Wine may not be as embedded in British drinking culture as beer and cider, but it is gaining popularity and market share. The UK is the world’s 8th largest wine market. British consumers drank 1.19 billion bottles of wine in 2020.
Red, white, rose, and sparkling wine are all appreciated. But tastes definitely lean towards the drier, crisper side. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular red varietal, while Chardonnay leads among white wines. Prosecco and other sparkling wines have taken off in the last decade.
Though the UK produces wine domestically, imports dominate the market. Chilean, Australian and Italian wines are prevalent. Wine is seen increasingly as a classy, yet affordable choice for casual drinking or dining out.
Spirits
The UK has a flourishing spirits industry. Gin, whisky, and rum are all iconic in British drinking society.
Gin is sometimes called “Mother’s Ruin” and has a storied place in English history. Today, creative small-batch and craft gin distilleries are fueling a new gin renaissance. Cool, refreshing gin and tonic is now a contemporary British classic.
Whisky has been distilled in Scotland and England for 500 years. Scotch whisky is Scotland’s largest food and drink export. This spirit is tightly controlled by geographical origin and its production methods. Consumption of premium whiskies is on the rise.
Rum originated in the Caribbean but took hold in the British Royal Navy in the 17th century. British sailors acquired a taste for rum and brought that home. Demand for sugar and rum helped fuel the growth of the British Empire. Today, bars across the UK serve rum-based cocktails like the mojito and daiquiri.
In 2020, over 70 million liters of spirits were sold in the UK, led by vodka, gin, and rum. Cocktails and mixed drinks allow the British to creatively enjoy spirits.
The Verdict
When considering total volume consumed, beer firmly ranks as the number one alcoholic beverage in the UK. Cider trails as a close second. But wine and spirits are increasing in popularity as tastes expand and diversify.
Drinking culture in the UK cherishes tradition while also embracing innovation. From timeless British ales to creative new gins, the country loves raising a glass. Despite health warnings, alcohol remains an important social ritual.
For many Brits, sipping a pint, glass of wine or dram of whisky is a time-honored tradition and a way to relax and socialize. The variety and quality of alcoholic beverages in the UK is something to cheers about.
Type | Volume Consumed Annually |
---|---|
Beer | 4 billion liters |
Cider | 6 billion liters |
Wine | 1.19 billion bottles |
Spirits | 70 million liters |
References
- British Beer and Pub Association – Beer Statistics
- Campaign for Real Ale – Facts and Figures
- Wine and Spirit Trade Association – Market Overview
- UK Vineyards Association – Wine in the UK
- Cider UK – Facts and Figures