UK | 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 percent, more than any other cocktail, according to the 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.
At the same time, the supermarket has reported that tequila is now the UK’s fastest-growing spirit, with demand up by nearly 40 percent in the last year.
“The Margarita has roared back as the UK’s fastest growing cocktail, and outperforming all other ready-to-drink varieties at Tesco right now,” said Tesco Ready To Drink buyer Marie Cook.
“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 of choice, including higher quality varieties.”
Cook added that, as a result of that premiumisation, more drinkers have been viewing tequila as a spirit to savour and include in long drinks such as a Paloma with lime and soda.
The Margarita, believed to have been created in the 1930s, had its heyday in the 70s, when it became the cocktail beloved of rock stars.
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.
Tesco Head of Product Direction Cassie Edwards believed 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.
“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,” said Edwards.
“The better quality, high-end tequila available on high streets nowadays has also contributed to a revival and reassessment 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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