Half of drinkers admit they’re embarrassed to order their favorite drink in public
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 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% agreed 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 10 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%
>> Download the video and infographic for this research story <<
NOTE: All news copy and multimedia on this SWNS account is free to use as you see fit. Where research has been conducted, we ask that you credit the company which commissioned it.
