From sweet to spicy: why savoury cocktails are ruling this summer

• Waitrose has reported a surge in sales of tabasco (+27%), Worcestershire sauce (+25%), and lime juice (+28%) as shoppers replicate complex, savoury Mexican-inspired serves at home

• Savoury drinks trend is being fuelled by social media and London bar culture as shoppers are opting for pickle juice and upgrading traditional salt rims with Mexican seasoning and herbs

• Customers have been ditching the sweet serves for spicy Mexican cocktails such as Micheladas, Spicy Margaritas, Picklebacks and Spicy Palomas
  

Waitrose has reported a significant shift in at-home drinking habits, with shoppers snapping up savoury ingredients to recreate their favourite spicy serves at home. Fuelled by ingredients and flavours found in popular Mexican cocktails, customers are adding salt and Mexican seasoning rims, a kick of tabasco, pickle juice or a beer-base to their evening tipple. 

Lizzie Haywood, Trend Innovation Manager at Waitrose says: "The classic salt rim was first brought into Western bar culture through margaritas, and has now become a staple-feature for so many popular cocktails! On social media and in London bars, we are seeing an influx of people getting creative with salt rims, looking to enhance their savoury cocktails, whether that be with the addition of Mexican seasoning for spice, citrus zest, or even herbs such as basil or rosemary, for an extra fragrant touch!" 

Sales at Waitrose are up for:

• Maldon Chilli Sea Salt +19% compared to last week. 

• Cooks' Ingredients Mexican Style Seasoning +40% compared to last year. 

• Cooks' Ingredients Basil +13% compared to last year. 
  

Jourdan Gabbini, Beer, Cider & Spirits Buyer at Waitrose says: "Mexican cocktails are a great option for those looking to embrace the savoury drinks trend this summer. So many are led by those bold, salty and spicy flavours that our customers are loving at the moment.The spicy margarita is a classic example, using lime juice for an acidic freshness, and Mexican seasoning and salt on the rim for that signature kick. These flavours can easily be added to other cocktails for a savoury twist - for example a spicy paloma has become increasingly popular, because the salt and tajin cuts perfectly through that tart grapefruit. 

Alternatively, the malty, beer-based Michelada is a really unique savoury cocktail that lends itself really well to the other savoury flavours, which include tabasco and Worcestershire sauce. It’s a really delicious option for those looking for an alternative to spirit-based cocktails."

Compared to last year, sales at Waitrose are up for:

• Cooks’ Ingredients Lemon Juice +33% 

• Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce +25% 

• Tabasco Pepper Sauce +25% 

• Cooks' Ingredients Lime Juice +28%

Notes to Editors

About Waitrose

Waitrose is the Home of Food Lovers, serving customers with exceptional quality products and expert service. 

Part of the John Lewis Partnership - the UK’s largest employee-owned business - Waitrose has over 320 shops and a strong online business. It also has agreements with brands like Welcome Break and Shell, further bolstering its local footprint. 

It works closely with British farmers and suppliers, and is a market-leader for animal welfare and responsible sourcing - using sustainable farming methods, including on its very own farm, the Leckford Estate. 

Waitrose holds a Royal Warrant as Grocer and Wine & Spirits Merchant to His Majesty King Charles III.