The most popular cocktail in the US so far in 2023

Cocktails, ready-to-drink (RTD) expressions, and the spirits sector at large are booming at present. With at-home drinking during the pandemic broadening consumers’ horizons when it comes to cocktails, what is the most popular cocktail in the US so far in 2023?

According to data from CGA by NielsenIQ’s cocktail tracker has revealed the most popular cocktail in the US so far in 2023, and there has been some movement among the top 10.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, particularly given Tequila’s surging popularity, the Margarita remains the most popular cocktail in thee United States.

This is somewhat fitting timing, as we’re fast approaching the beginning of Margarita Week and International Margarita Day.

There has been movement in second place, however, with the Martini overtaking the Moscow Mule to move into the number two spot.

Other wintery expressions such as the Old Fashioned and Manhattan performed strongly, though unsurprisingly fruit-forward summertime expressions like the Mojito and Piña Colada dropped in popularity this quarter.

“Our latest tracker results demonstrate the changing dynamics of the category, and the influence of changing consumer preferences and drinks choice has on velocity performance,” commented client solutions director Andrew Hummel.

Seasonality also plays an important role and it’s crucial to align preferred serves with key occasions, which complement the seasons, to ensure a winning cocktail strategy in 2023. Despite rising check value, consumers continue to opt for cocktails when prioritising visits out to bars and restaurants.”

Growth in the sector this quarter was fuelled by whiskey, gin and vodka-based cocktails, which all performed strongly at the expense of rum-based expressions.