Vodka is the UK’s most re-gifted spirit at Christmas, according to new figures

Bottles of vodka are the most commonly re-gifted spirit in the UK, according to new research by mixer-maker Franklin & Sons.

The study, which delved into the drinking habits of Brits around the holiday season, found that one in eight households pass unwanted bottles of the neutral spirit to family and friends, creating a never-ending chain of vodka reception.

Just over 12% of adults admitted to re-gifting vodka, while the second most repurposed tipples were whisky and cream liqueurs. Just over 11% found a new home for the two drinks, while around one in 10 said they had found a new home for a bottle of gin.

The news comes after, somewhat ironically, another report by Franklin & Sons in July found that British drinkers spend roughly £1,500 on alcohol annually, with more than £700 going on premium spirits like gin and vodka each year.

The average household drinks cabinet is now worth roughly £200, according to The Spirits Business.

“Our findings show that the rise and rise of premium quality tonics and mixers is continuing, with consumers using their re-kindled love for a G&T to re-invent forgotten favourites such as brandy and Sherry with tonic,” said Jen Draper, head of marketing at Franklin & Sons.

“It’s interesting to see what people are re-gifting rather than using themselves, it was a surprise to see that people are holding on to more Sherry, rum and port than vodka and gin but with more adventurous consumers experimenting with new and different serves we think this is an indication of what is going to be ‘on trend’ in 2018.”