By Victoria McNally // SWNS
NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO + INFOGRAPHIC
The next time you get a chance to order a strawberry daiquiri out in public, don’t worry about what the bartender might think: according to new research, people who prefer fruity drinks are more fun.
In an effort to explore the various stereotypes associated with different types of alcohol, a recent survey asked 2,000 Americans of legal drinking age to weigh in on their own go-to drink order.
Fruity drink fans were most likely to describe their personalities as “fun” (54%) rather than “serious” (33%), and “carefree” (48%) rather than “driven” (36%).
And among those polled — and especially among cocktail drinkers (54%) — “fruity” proved to be the most popular flavor profile (38%), even more than “sweet”(18%).
Women were also more likely to prefer fruity drinks (44%) than men (31%), who typically cited neutral flavors as their favorite (35%).
On the other side of the spectrum, those who prefer spicy drinks (5%) are well aware of how rare they are in comparison, and frequently designated themselves as the “black sheep” (27%) of their group.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of carbonated mixer brand Fever-Tree, the survey also concludes that almost six out of every ten 10 people (55%) believe their drink of choice “says a lot” about what kind of person they are.
Beer (25%) led the list of go-to drink categories, followed closely by wine (23%) and mixed drinks (23%).
While at home, respondents’ preferences were similar — more of them preferred a drink that takes no effort (29%) or only needs a single mixer (29%) compared to a multi-step cocktail recipe.
“Some of the world’s most beloved and iconic cocktails, like the Gin & Tonic and the Moscow Mule, require really just two ingredients: a spirit and a mixer, plus a garnish,” said Fever-Tree Marketing Director Amanda Stackman. “These timeless drinks offer flavor complexity without being complicated to prepare. With high-quality ingredients. a great drink is all but guaranteed without any stress or fuss.”
Half of all drinkers (50%) and beer drinkers (49%) also feel “embarrassed” to order their drink of choice in public, compared to only 18% of cocktail drinkers and 13% of mixed drink enthusiasts.
Although respondents said they’ve been ordering their go-to drink for five years on average, 40% said that their preferences have changed during the pandemic.
In particular, 47% of wine and 50% of beer drinkers said that they’re now more adventurous with their taste in drinks than they were at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis.
“Home bartending was gaining popularity prior to the pandemic, but the lockdowns accelerated the trend as consumers have been largely home-bound without access to their favorite bars and restaurants,” added Stackman. “Home bartenders have become more ambitious with the recipes they prepare and enthusiastic about how they build a cocktail. It has become a moment of indulgence, a way to socialize and, most of all, a way to experiment with new flavors, ingredients and techniques in the comfort of their homes.”
Color also has an impact on the beverage choices people make as well; twice as many survey-takers (58%) said they prefer traditionally light-colored drinks like vodka or white wine compared to dark ones like bourbon or stout beers (26%)
Those who prefer light-colored alcohols were most likely to describe themselves as “introverted” (61%) and “relaxed” (60%), while dark alcohol drinkers were more likely to identify as “logical” (46%) and “driven” (40%).
Regardless of whatever they ask for, most ultimately seem satisfied enough with their drink-of-choice; 82% said that the bartender’s opinion of their order has no effect on what they get, and even more people (87%) don’t consider their friends’ opinions, either.
Another 60% agree that their go-to drink is “awesome” and that more people should be ordering it.
And even though a third of respondents (33%) describe themselves as sober, sober-curious or occasional drinkers, their tastes for non-alcoholic beverages weren’t all that different — fruity (32%), neutral (30%) and sweet (28%) still came out on top.
TOP TEN MOST POPULAR MIXED DRINKS
- Margarita - 26%
- Vodka Soda - 22%
- Rum and Cola - 21%
- Whiskey/Bourbon and Cola - 18%
- Gin and Tonic - 16%
- Whiskey Ginger - 15%
- Moscow Mule - 14%
- Mojito - 14%
- Gin and Juice - 10%
- Tequila and Soda - 9%
TOP FIVE FACTORS PEOPLE USE TO ORDER DRINKS
- How much it will cost - 37%
- How much alcohol is (or isn’t) in it - 25%
- What type of ingredients it has - 25%
- What the bartender will think - 18%
- How many calories it has - 15%
