Top Current Cocktails in the UK

Top Current Cocktails in the UK

1. Aperol Spritz

Still reigning supreme in search trends and social chatter. Its low‑ABV, bright taste and summer-ready presentation keep it firmly in the #1 spot.

2. Martini (Classic & Dirty)

The martini is enjoying a modern revival—elegant, spirit-forward, and enjoyed in both fashionably classic and “dirty” variations. Its pre-dinner appeal is strengthening .

3. Espresso Martini

As one of the nation’s most searched cocktails, this caffeine-charged serve remains hugely popular for nights out—and even at home.

4. Negroni

A firm favourite, the bitter Negroni holds a top-tier place alongside the Aperol Spritz—popular with drinkers seeking bold, complex flavours.

5. Margarita (and Spicy Margaritas)

This tequila‑lime classic scores high—especially its spicy riffs, which are gaining traction among bartenders and consumers.

6. Pornstar Martini

The passionfruit-centric Pornstar Martini remains a UK classic, still widely ordered in bars.

7. Mini Cocktails (“Tiny Martinis”, etc.)

The “tiny cocktail” movement is booming—social media-friendly, lower-calorie versions of martinis and negronis are popping up across the UK .

🆕 Other Notables to Watch

• Rhubarb Gimlet & Mauresque were among the top 5 recipes trending in March 2025 (punchdrink.com).

• Pastis-based foams, wine-cocktail hybrids, and cocktails using novel sweeteners are emerging behind the scenes (matthewclark.co.uk).

• Light, voluminous “spritz-style” drinks (and mocktails) are on the rise (nachtmann.com).

🔍 Summary at a Glance

Cocktail	Why It's Trending
Aperol Spritz	Bright, low‑ABV, social-media-ready, year-round favourite
Martini	Revived as chic, minimalist, enjoyed in both classic and dirty styles
Espresso Martini	Nightlife staple—rich, caffeinated, and craveable
Negroni	Bitter, complex, and adored by flavour-seekers
Margarita(s)	Refreshing tequila formula—with spicy versions growing fast
Pornstar Martini	Fruity, theatrical, and still a bar favourite
Mini Cocktails	Lower-calorie, Instagrammable, and perfect for mindful drinking

Here are the original or classic recipes for the most popular cocktails currently trending in the UK (2025):

🍹 1. Aperol Spritz

Ingredients:

• 3 parts Prosecco

• 2 parts Aperol

• 1 part soda water

• Orange slice (to garnish)

Method:Fill a large wine glass with ice. Add Prosecco, then Aperol, then top with soda water. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.

🍸 2. Classic Martini

Ingredients:

• 60ml London Dry Gin

• 10ml dry vermouth

• Lemon twist or olive (to garnish)

Method:Stir ingredients with ice until well chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist (classic) or olive (dirty variation may include a dash of olive brine).

☕ 3. Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

• 40ml vodka

• 20ml coffee liqueur (e.g. Kahlúa)

• 20ml fresh espresso

• 10ml sugar syrup (optional)

• Coffee beans (to garnish)

Method:Shake all ingredients with ice. Fine strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

🧡 4. Negroni

Ingredients:

• 25ml gin

• 25ml Campari

• 25ml sweet vermouth

• Orange peel (to garnish)

Method:Stir with ice in a rocks glass or mixing glass. Serve over fresh ice in a tumbler. Garnish with an orange twist or slice.

🌶️ 5. Margarita (Classic or Spicy)

Ingredients:

• 50ml tequila (100% agave)

• 25ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)

• 20ml triple sec (e.g. Cointreau)

• Salt (for rim)

• Optional: 2 slices fresh chilli or a dash of chilli tincture for a spicy version

Method:Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a coupe or rocks glass with salted rim. Garnish with lime or chilli slice.

💛 6. Pornstar Martini

Ingredients:

• 40ml vanilla vodka

• 20ml passion fruit liqueur (e.g. Passoã)

• 20ml passion fruit purée

• 10ml vanilla sugar syrup

• 15ml lime juice

• 30ml Prosecco (served on the side)

• Half a passion fruit (to garnish)

Method:Shake all ingredients (except prosecco) with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with half a passion fruit. Serve with a shot of prosecco on the side.

🥂 7. Mini Cocktails (e.g. Tiny Martini)

Same as the full-size recipe but served in a 60–90ml measure.

Tiny Dirty Martini (example):

• 30ml gin

• 5ml dry vermouth

• 5ml olive brine

• Tiny olive for garnish

Method: Stir and strain into a mini martini glass or coupe.

Let me know if you'd like a printable version or ingredient swaps for home-friendly alternatives!