It’s Margarita time again as 70s favourite soars back to become UK’s fastest-growing cocktail
Move over mojitos, the Margarita has soared back as the UK’s fastest-growing cocktail drink.
In the last year demand for Margarita ready-made drinks in the UK has soared by more than 150 per cent – more than any other cocktail – according to latest market data from Nielsen IQ RMS 52 w/e 12/07/25.
The refreshing tequila-based drink, served in a salt-rimmed glass, has become so popular that it has knocked the mojito off the number one spot as the UK’s most popular ready to drink cocktail at Tesco.
And at the same time, the supermarket has reported tequila now becoming the UK’s fastest growing spirit with demand up by nearly 40 per cent in the last year.
Tesco Ready To Drink buyer Marie Cook said:
“The Margarita has roared back as the UK’s fastest growing cocktail, and outperforming all other ready to drink varieties at Tesco right now.
“Interestingly, it’s not only the easy to serve, ready-made versions that are popular but also the main ingredient, tequila, which has taken over from gin as the UK’s fastest growing spirit, mainly because of a wider range choice including higher quality varieties.
“And as a result of that premiumisation, more drinkers are looking at tequila as a spirit to savour and to include in long drinks such as a Paloma with lime and soda. Due to the extra demand created by that trend, we now stock 12 different varieties.”
The Margarita, which is believed to have been created in the 1930s had its in heyday in the 70s when it became the rock’n’roll cocktail beloved of rock stars.
It’s even had a few famous pop songs written about it including Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffet, a hit in 1977, and then Marguerita Time by Status Quo in 1983.
The rising demand for the Margarita may also relate to the ‘Swalty’ culinary trend which mixes sweet and salty flavours in food and drink, and which has been growing for the last few years.
A Margarita cocktail is both sweet and sour and achieves this balance by combining tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, an orange liqueur.
The lime juice provides the sour component, while the orange liqueur and sometimes added sweeteners (like agave syrup) contribute the sweet notes.
Tesco Head of Product Direction Cassie Edwards believes the trend is being driven by two key factors, the higher quality tequila that is now more readily available in the UK and the rise of celebrity tequilas backed by stars like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Kevin Hart, Kim Kardashian, Michael Jordan, and Eva Longoria.
Cassie Edwards said:
“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.
“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.”
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