Quarter of drinkers choose rum over pint of beer

New research by rum brand Bacardi has claimed that more than one in four Brits will choose a rum-based cocktail instead of a pint of beer this summer.

The data, undertaken by Bacardi as the UK enters summer, found that 29% of 2,011 respondents to the survey in May would have a rum cocktail such as a Pina Colada or a Mojito instead of a pint. Only 15% said they would prefer to enjoy a cold pint of lager this summer.

According to Bacardi, the Pina Colada is the top summer cocktail in the UK with 9% choosing it, followed by 7% for Sex on the Beach and 5% for a Mojito.

Regionally, Londoners are particularly keen on a rum-based cocktail with more than a third – 35% – choosing rum as their spirit of choice across the summer.

The research also asked for Britons to rank their ‘top summer scents and flavours’ with the smell of freshly mown grass dominating with 74% of consumers, followed by almost a third mentioning coconuts – 31% – and just over a fifth referencing chip shop chips.

In terms of flavour, coconut was the flavour of choice for 59% of consumers as soon as summer hit with pineapple also being selected by more than half of people (52%).

The research was undertaken ahead of the launch of the new Bacardí Caribbean Spiced which features pineapple and coconut as core flavours, alongside vanilla and cinnamon.

Speaking about their new drink, Marie Peyto, UK brand director of Bacardí Rum, said “With a combination of aged rum, pineapple, coconut, and spices, I’m delighted that our new Bacardí Caribbean Spiced includes the UK’s favourite summer flavours.

“It’s made for mixing, perfect for the nation’s favourite tropical serves or adding the taste of the Caribbean to simple drinks. We’re opening the Caribbean Flavour Rooms next week to give Brits the chance to experience their favourite flavours and our new rum in a truly immersive way.”