Paragon Brands: alcoholic slushies set to be hottest cold drinks this summer

Alcoholic slushies are set to be the nation’s hottest trending drink this summer, with one in four Brits (24 per cent) naming the refreshing twist on classic cocktails as their number one boozy beverage for the coming months.

The study, conducted by Paragon Brands, revealed a whopping one-third of the nation (34 per cent) would now opt for a frozen cocktail over a traditional alternative, with more than six in ten (61 per cent) saying a frozen alternative is more refreshing than a normal cocktail.

The trend has grown significantly in the past few years, with nearly three in ten (28 per cent) UK consumers saying they are more likely to drink a frozen cocktail now than they were two years ago.

In line with current demand, Paragon Brands are offering a free slushie machine and free mix each month for licensed establishments across the UK and have launched three new frozen cocktails in partnership with Halos Cocktails, each of which is expected to take the market by storm this summer.

The first, June Peach Punch, is made with the June Wild Peach, while the Pusser’s Frozen Painkiller, consists of a delightful blend of Pusser's Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut. The June Watermelon Crush takes advantage of a similar surging interest in Watermelon flavoured drinks.

A slushy is a take on a traditional drink that’s almost completely frozen to create a unique refreshing texture. The Frozen Cocktails made by Paragon Brands rely on a specially formulated mix made by Halos that give the drinks a smoother, richer texture than the corner shop favourites we used to enjoy.

Alcoholic varieties of the drink are now a staple in many cocktail bars, with the beverage anticipated to experience its biggest boom yet this summer. According to the experts at leading alcohol importer-distributor Paragon Brands, drinkers are attracted to the fun and refreshing nature of the serve, with the fruity flavours and ice-cold temperature making it the perfect option on a hot summer’s day.

The younger generations in particular are behind the sudden surge in popularity, with nearly half of Gen Zers (47 per cent) saying alcoholic slushies are their favourite summer drink and three quarters (74 per cent) preferring this style of cocktail over a traditional one.

Nationwide, no one enjoys a frozen cocktail as much as drinkers in Brighton, with nearly eight in ten (79 per cent) residents there saying they’ll drink an alcoholic slushy this summer.

As summer 2024 arrives, it's frozen cocktails that are poised to dominate the alcoholic beverage scene, offering a cool and refreshing alternative to the drinks of summers gone by.

June by G’Vine is the signature fruity spirit from G’Vine, a world-leading super-premium ginbrand, made using Ugni Blanc grapes in the heart of cognac.

Pusser’s Rum is a traditional navy style rum, being the only rum blended in exact accordance with the Royal Navy specifications, last used when it discontinued the daily rum ration on July 31, 1970.

“We’re delighted to offer venues across the UK a risk-free way of offering Frozen Cocktails this summer, with a free machine, mix and three new alcoholic slushies," said Chris Jones, Managing Director of Paragon Brands. "Our survey shows that Brits can’t get enough of frozen cocktails right now, so we’re sure they’ll be a huge hit with consumers.

“Our new slushies are made with two of our consumer-favourite spirits, in June by G’Vineand Pusser’s Rum, so we’re beyond excited to give them a summer makeover in the form of delicious alcoholic slushies. We’re sure these ice-cold favourites will quench the thirsts of consumers and bar-owners alike, for many summers to come.”